Glen of Imaal Terrier
依馬爾峽谷㹴
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a scruffy, low-slung, bow-legged working terrier from a remote glen in County Wicklow, one of Ireland's four native terriers and, by legend, once a turnspit dog that ran a wheel to turn the roast. Gentler and quieter than most terriers but bold and spirited when the occasion demands, it loves people, is not usually chummy with other dogs, learns quickly and bores quickly. As a dwarf breed, puppies must be protected from stairs, jumping and long lead walks until the growth plates close at around nine to twelve months.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 32–36cm |
| Weight | 15–18kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–15years |
| Breed group | AKC: terrier FCI: 3 |
| Role | Terrier |
| Coat | Wire coat |
| Shedding | 2/ 5 |
| Exercise | 30–90min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 3/ 5 |
| Barking | 2/ 5 |
| Good with children | 3/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 3/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 3/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Inherited eye conditions
Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.
Behaviour
Gentler than most terriers — but still a terrier
The CKC calls the Glen gentle and docile for the most part but game, spirited and courageous when the occasion demands. The AKC says Glens love people but normally will not get chummy with other dogs; they are quieter and less spiky than other terriers, yet brave, sometimes stubborn and keenly interested in small furry creatures, and they learn quickly but bore with repetition — keep sessions to five minutes two or three times a day.
Protect the growing front legs
The AKC stresses that as a dwarf breed with slightly curved front legs, Glen puppies should not be rushed into strenuous exercise or long lead walks and should be kept from jumping off couches or going down steep stairs until the growth plates close at nine to twelve months; let them run in the house or a fenced yard and flop down when tired. Adults need only moderate exercise.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 3/5 (moderate) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 1 hour per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 3/5, barking level 2/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Glen of Imaal Terrier
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Glen of Imaal Terrier (Terriers)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Glen Of Imaal Terrier
Breed characteristics (size small, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan over 10 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Irish Glen Of Imaal Terrier (standard no. 302, group 3)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The parent club describes a truly unique breed that predates many of the dogs it is compared to, bred to go to ground and dispatch a 40-pound badger soundlessly, with only 600–700 Glens registered in the United States; it says owning one is a unique and rewarding experience but not the breed for everyone, and urges prospective owners to read up before deciding.”
— Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Glen of Imaal Terrier — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Glen of Imaal Terrier — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Glen Of Imaal Terrier — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Irish Glen Of Imaal Terrier — FCI standard no. 302 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America — home page (breed introduction) — Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America (public breed pages) (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.