Glen of Imaal Terrier

History & Health

History

The Glen of Imaal Terrier was developed in the 1800s in one of Ireland's most remote valley regions, which explains why the breed is largely unknown even among dog fanciers. It descended from three other terrier breeds native to Ireland: the Kerry Blue, the Soft Coated Wheaten and the Irish terriers. Because evolution of the Glen of Imaal was until recently geographically isolated, much is actually known about its development. Sometime around 1570, Queen Elizabeth hired Flemish and Lowland soldiers to quell uprisings in Ireland. She offered them land in the largely barren mountains of the Glen of Imaal in County Wicklow, Ireland, as payment for their allegiance. The soldiers settled in that isolated region and brought their dogs with them. Among these was a low-slung, rough-coated hound purportedly of French descent, which subsequently cross-bred with indigenous Irish hounds and terrier-types.
Eventually, the settlers began to develop a particular type of terrier that could perform more than the traditional terrier tasks of dispatching vermin and hunting fox and badger. They wanted a specialized dog that also could work a "turnspit," which was a large treadmill-like wheel attached to a pulley that in turn was connected to a rotisserie-like device over a fire or hearth. The terrier was put into the wheel, and when he started trotting, the spit turned and dinner was cooked or butter was churned. The Glen of Imaal Terrier became the perfect ratting and working dog in this remote corner of the world.
When dog shows became fashionable in the early to mid-1800s, the breed gained wider recognition. By 1933, the Irish Kennel Club recognized the Glen of Imaal as a distinct breed, the third of Ireland's four terrier breeds. The breed's popularity waned during the World Wars, and by the 1950s precious few remained. A few fanciers did what they could to salvage the breed in its homeland, and by 1971, a new breed association was formed. Apparently, several Glens were brought to the United States in the 1930s with their immigrant owners. The breed finally gained a true following here in the early 1980s, when breed pioneers in Missouri imported foundation stock from Ireland, England and Finland. The Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America was founded shortly thereafter, and the breed became eligible for the American Kennel Club's Miscellaneous class in September of 2001. Glens achieved full AKC registration and eligibility for membership in the Terrier Group in 2004.

Health

The average life span of a Glen of Imaal Terrier is 12 to 14 years. Breed health concerns may include skin allergies and a degenerative eye disorder known as progressive retinal atrophy.

Temperament & Personality

Personality

The scrappy Glen of Imaal Terrier originated as a hunter of rodents, fox and badgers. Their fearlessness, speed, and ability to rouse animals from their dens made them efficient in the field, as did their unique ability to hunt silently. Today, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is still fearless and strong and functions mainly as a family companion. Like all Terriers, the Glen of Imaal has an independent streak and likes to be the boss of all situations. Though he doesn't bark as often as his terrier cousins, when a Glen barks, many people do a double take. His voice is strong and deep, and sounds like it should be coming from a much bigger animal. They are generally not as high strung as other terriers and are more patient with children than their counterparts.

Activity Requirements

These little guys don't need an excessive amount of exercise, but enjoy the outdoors and should be walked daily and allowed to run whenever possible. Exercise should be conducted in a fenced area or on a leash, as their chasing instincts are strong and will quickly disappear after cats, squirrels, birds and even bikes or cars.
They are fine for apartments and condos, as well as large homes with yards. They are an adaptable breed and can adjust their own energy levels to the energy level of their owner, however daily walks are still required.

Trainability

Their willful terrier nature can make the Glen of Imaal a challenge to train, but with gentle, patient and consistent leadership, this breed picks up on new tasks quickly and can excel in advanced training activities. Training should be conducted in short sessions so the Glen doesn't lose interest, and should include lots of treats. They do not respond to harsh treatment or discipline, and these tactics can often backfire, producing a stubborn dog who won't listen to anybody.
Socialization should be conducted early and often, as the Glen of Imaal can be standoffish with new people. Teaching them to accept new people and new situations as welcome experiences can help keep their temperament even.

Behavioral Traits

Though they aren't as "yappy" as other terriers, the Glen of Imaal is still a bit of a barker, especially if someone rings the doorbell. This makes them excellent watchdogs, but if left unchecked, their barking can get out of hand and drive neighbors crazy. Proper socialization and training to obey commands to cease barking are important.
Glens are more patient with small children than other terriers, but are still not well suited for families with toddlers in the house. Small children don't know enough about boundaries, and the way a Glen lets his boundaries known can be to snap. They are fine with older children, however.

Never leave a Glen of Imall terrier unsupervised in the yard. They are serious diggers and can tear up a flowerbed in record time. They have also been known to dig under fences in search of adventure.