<C>Height:</C> up to 14 inches (male); up to 14 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 30 to 35 pounds.
<C>Size:</C> Small.
<C>Availability:</C> Very difficult to find.
<b>History:</> The Glen of Imaal Terrier is an Irish dog, still fairly rare in the United States. He is named for the Glen of Imaal, in County Wicklow, Ireland. Like many similarly built, low to the ground, powerful terriers, he was bred to hunt and kill lair animals such as foxes and badgers. The dog would go into the animal's den to drag it out. Glen of Imaal Terriers were even pitted in timed trials against live badgers to test their gameness until such events were banned in 1966. Unlike Fox Terriers and Lakeland Terriers, the Glen of Imaal is supposed to work silently. The Glen of Imaal Terrier also may have been used for dog fighting entertainment and to turn spits cooking meat over a fire by trotting on a treadmill for hours at a time. Though this spunky terrier serves mostly as a companion dog today, he can still dispatch vermin. The Glen of Imaal Terrier was first exhibited in Ireland in 1933. The breed was recognized by the Kennel Club of England in 1975, by the States Kennel Club of America in 1987 and by the United Kennel Club (USA) in 1994.
<b>Description:</> The sturdy Glen of Imaal Terrier is a low to the ground terrier with a harsh, shaggy medium length coat. The coat comes in many colors: blue, brindle, red, or wheaten and has a rough outer coat lined with a dense undercoat. The muscular body is fairly long and the legs, short and with the front legs a bit bowed. The chest is broad and strong. The ears are half pricked or half-rose shaped. The nose is black and the eyes round and brown. The muzzle is wide, not pointed and the teeth should meet in a scissors or level bite.
<b>Notes:</> Can be taught to retrieve. This breed has a deep bark that makes the dog sound much bigger than he is. Likes to dig and chase. Adapts well to changes of owner. Prefers to sleep indoors, though he can sleep outdoors if the weather is not extreme. Does okay without a yard if sufficiently exercised. The Glen needs minimal coat management, a bi-annual stripping to maintain the harsh coat, scissoring under the tail as needed, and a good brushing once a week. Hair in the ears should be plucked out regularly. Special thanks to Mary Brytowski for much of the information on the Glen of Imaal Terrier.
<b>Personality:</> Spirited and cocky. Tough and game when hunting, otherwise docile. Very brave. Patient and loyal. Peaceful and gentle with the family. Adoring. A fine family dog. Responds well to obedience training. Sensitive to correction. Likes to be near his owner. Playful. Active outdoors. Feisty with other animals, though he can be trained to get along well with other dogs. Males tend to be more dog-aggressive than females, but even the males are not overly aggressive. Use caution around other non-canine pets, especially rabbits, hamsters and mice.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Excellent with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Reserved with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Slightly difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Fairly independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> Moderate.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other dogs; do not trust with non-canine pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Can be a bit dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> A little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> Moderate trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Medium coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Very light.
<C>Docking:</C> The tail is customarily docked.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> A good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Moderately active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Does all right without a yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Average (10 to 12 years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, tracking, watchdog, guarding, and agility.
<b>For More Information:</>
Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of North America, P.O. Box 459, Gales Ferry, CT 06335 Attn: Marsha
<b>Photo Caption:</> GLEN OF IMAAL TERRIER
Slide 1 -Photo by Julian Brytowski. Slide 2-GlenTyrs Built Like a Brick. Owned by Mary Brytowski. Photo by Julian Brytowski ; Slide 3 (and small picture)- Photo by Julian Brytowski.
