Terrier group
Glen of Imaal Terrier
A sturdy, low-slung Irish working terrier — quiet, spirited and strong for its size.
Glen of Imaal Terriers are rare, powerful, short-legged terriers from the Wicklow Mountains. They are calmer and quieter than many terriers and affectionate with family, but tenacious and sometimes scrappy with other dogs.
- Height
- 12.5–14 in32–36 cm
- Weight
- 32–40 lb15–18 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Terrier
- Origin
- Wicklow, Ireland
Coat: Medium-length, harsh outer coat with a soft undercoat. Colours: Wheaten, Blue, Brindle.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Glens are gentle, spirited and loyal. They are often calmer indoors than other terriers and less likely to bark without reason.
They were bred to go to ground after badgers, so they are courageous and can be dog-aggressive if provoked. Early socialisation and consistent training are important.
Living with a Glen of Imaal Terrier
Exercise
About an hour of daily exercise with walks, games and scent work.
Grooming
Brush weekly and hand-strip twice a year to keep the harsh texture. Low shedding and little odour.
Training
Intelligent but independent; firm, patient, reward-based training works best.
Kids & other pets
Good with children; supervise with other dogs, especially of the same sex. Unsafe with small pets.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time and is usually calm indoors, though bored Glens may dig in the garden.
Home fit
Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.
Is a Glen of Imaal Terrier right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Glen of Imaal Terrier matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Glen of Imaal Terrier typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Progressive retinal atrophy (crd3)
Inherited late-onset vision loss; a DNA test is available.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Forelimb problems
The bowed front legs can be prone to elbow and growth-plate issues; avoid over-exercise in puppies.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip and elbow evaluation
- Eye examination
- DNA test for crd3-PRA
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Glen of Imaal Terrier; Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
The breed developed in the remote Glen of Imaal in County Wicklow, where farmers used these dogs to hunt vermin and badgers and to turn roasting spits in the kitchen.
The Irish Kennel Club recognised the Glen in 1934. It remains rare, and the AKC recognised it in 2004.
Did you know?
- Glens once turned kitchen roasting spits by running on a wheel.
- They are often called the “big dog on short legs”.
- Glens are known as quieter than most terriers.
Library guides for Glen of Imaal Terrier owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Exercise & Play
Tug of War
An energy outlet that also builds impulse control.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Glen of Imaal Terrier.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Glen of Imaal Terrier breeder about health screening.
New Dog Owners
The real cost of a puppy: what to budget before you bring one home
Budget for the first year and beyond.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Glen of Imaal Terriers good family dogs?
- Yes — they are affectionate and calm, but need careful introductions to other dogs.
- Do Glens bark a lot?
- Less than most terriers.
- Are Glens rare?
- Yes, they are one of the rarest Irish breeds.