Glen of Imaal Terrier
An Irish terrier out of one valley in Wicklow, and it worked silently underground, which terriers rarely do. It once turned a kitchen spit by walking a wheel.
Photo by Irish-Terrier-2023, CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
The Glen of Imaal Terrier comes from a remote valley in County Wicklow and it was bred to work underground silently, which is unusual: most earth terriers bay to tell the handler where they are, and the Glen was expected to work mute.
It is also a turnspit dog historically, running on a treadmill to turn a roasting spit, which explains the powerful bowed front legs and the low heavy build.
Temperament
Calm, gentle and considerably less noisy than most terriers. Glens are affectionate with their families, patient with children and quiet in the house.
They are still terriers underneath. The prey drive is real, they dig, and they can be scrappy with other dogs, particularly the same sex. They are stubborn and independent and they train slowly, and they are among the most even tempered terriers available.
Care and grooming
A medium harsh coat that needs brushing weekly and hand stripping twice a year. It sheds very little.
Progressive retinal atrophy has a DNA test and every Glen should have the result available. Hip dysplasia occurs. Ten to fifteen years is normal.
Living and exercise
An hour a day on the flat. They are strong and low slung, and the long back means jumping is worth discouraging.
The breed is on the UK vulnerable native breeds list and is genuinely rare. Finding one means a waiting list.
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