Glen of Imaal Terrier

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a low, powerfully built Irish working terrier from a remote valley in County Wicklow.

History

It comes from the Glen of Imaal, where smallholders kept it to go to ground after fox and badger and, by tradition, to work a turnspit — walking a wheel that turned meat over the fire. It was recognised in Ireland in 1934 and remains one of the rarest of the four Irish terrier breeds.

Temperament

The breed is known for being quieter than most terriers — it was bred to work silently underground rather than to bay — courageous, and gentle and patient with its own family.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and a secure garden. The harsh coat needs stripping rather than clipping. Its strength surprises people who judge by its height.

Health

Known tendencies include progressive retinal atrophy, which the breed's clubs test for, and hip dysplasia. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.