Discover Everything About Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
Breed Profile
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier, often simply called the Glen of Imaal, is a strong, robust and well-proportioned dog characterized by its short legs and longer back. Its head is large with dark, lively eyes and semi-erect ears, giving a friendly and alert appearance. The tail is usually straight and reaches approximately to the hocks. The Glen of Imaal belongs to FCI Group 3, the terrier group. Within this breed there is no division into performance and show lines, meaning that most Glen of Imaal Terriers can be kept as both working dogs and show dogs. This terrier is known for its excellent digging ability and its adeptness at dealing with rodents and pests.
| Height | 35 - 35 cm (Female), 35 - 35 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 13 - 16 kg (Female), 15 - 18 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Character | Intelligent, brave, affectionate |
| Coat | Medium long, harsh, dense undercoat |
| Coat Color | Blue, Blue-Brindle, Wheaten |
| Price | 2000 - 3500 € € |
History
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier comes from the remote valleys of the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland, particularly the Glen of Imaal valley, from which it takes its name. The breed originated in the 16th century as a hardy working dog used for a variety of tasks, from hunting foxes and badgers to guarding livestock and houses. The Glen of Imaal was also used as a turning dog, running in a large wheel attached to a butter churner or meat grinder. The breed was recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in 1934 and received recognition by the Kennel Club of Great Britain in 1975. In the USA, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2004.
The Irish Red and White Setter was bred as a bird hunting dog and is known for its ability to stay ahead of game.
Ireland
1700
Character & Temperament
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier is a breed with a remarkable character. Originally bred to work in the fields and hunt small prey, it is incredibly brave and determined. However, it is fascinating to see how he combines this bravery with a loving and affectionate nature towards his people. The Glen of Imaal Terrier is usually quiet and relaxed around the house, which makes him a pleasant companion for cozy evenings on the couch. But his adventurous spirit comes out when you take him outside. He loves being outdoors and living out his spirit of discovery. Due to its roots as a working dog, the Glen of Imaal Terrier has a natural hunting instinct. It's important to be aware of this, especially if you live in an area where he might encounter small animals. He is very people-oriented and forms a close bond with his family. His intelligence and eagerness to please make him a quick learner, and he can usually do well on his own if properly prepared. As a terrier, he is alert and will make sure you are aware of everything in the house and garden. His alertness makes him a good watchdog, but he is not overly barking. The Glen of Imaal Terrier is also a playful fellow. He loves playing with toys and enjoys interactive games like tug of war and hide and seek. His playful nature can also lead to him being a bit silly at times, which only adds to his charm. An interesting fact about the Glen of Imaal Terrier is that although it was bred to be a working dog, it is not as hyperactive as other terrier breeds. He is happy and content as long as he has regular physical and mental activities. His intelligence means he enjoys mental challenges and can even be a talented dog in dog sports such as agility or obedience.
| Trainability | |
| Watchfulness | |
| Openness to Strangers | |
| Hunting or Herding Drive |
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier was originally not only a skilled rat catcher, but was also used to run in a treadmill that powered turning spindles or butter churns!
Fun Fact!
What Awaits You
The Irish Glen Of Imaal Terrier is considered a hunting-motivated, highly trainable dog that can also be suitable for beginners with the appropriate training and activity. Good socialization is also very important here.
Housing & Care
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier can live in both the city and the country provided it receives adequate exercise and mental stimulation. He gets along well with children, but as with all dogs, it is important to monitor interactions and ensure that both the dog and children are respectful of one another. The Glen of Imaal Terrier can also get along with cats and other pets if properly socialized from an early age.
| Family Friendly | |
| Child Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| City Friendly |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier is an intelligent and trainable dog, but he can also be a bit stubborn. It is important to be patient and consistent when parenting. Because he was originally bred for hunting and as a working dog, he has natural energy and stamina. Dog sports like agility, obedience or Earthdog Trials can be great ways to keep your body and mind occupied. It is important to note that he can also be a ball lover and it is important that he learns frustration tolerance and impulse control to promote balanced behavior. It's also important to teach him how to stay calm and relax, especially when he's not busy.
Nutrition & Care
When it comes to the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier's diet, it is important to choose a high-quality food that contains all the necessary nutrients. Because this breed is prone to obesity, it is important to monitor feeding amounts and not give too many treats. In terms of grooming, the Glen of Imaal Terrier has a thick undercoat and a coarse top coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and remove dead hair. It sheds moderately and adapts well to the climate in Germany.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding | |
| Trainability |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Sell Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier Puppies
Breeding Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier? Reach responsible puppy buyers and showcase your kennel on HonestDog.
Loading...
Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier Breeders Near You
Find verified Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier breeders in your region
Why HonestDog?
What makes HonestDog different from other platforms
Transparency Guarantee
We provide complete transparency in the breeding process, offering detailed information about breeders, their practices, health checks, and genetic testing results in an easily understandable format, ensuring buyers can make informed decisions confidently.
Responsible Breeding Assurance
Our platform prioritizes responsible breeding practices, ensuring all breeders meet stringent criteria including health checks and genetic testing for parent dogs, eliminating the worry of encountering unethical breeders or puppy mills.
Trust and Verification
HonestDog verifies both breeders and buyers, fostering a trusted community where interactions are reliable and secure, setting a new standard for trustworthiness in the dog breeding industry.
Convenience and Time Saving
By featuring thoroughly vetted breeders and providing comprehensive information, HonestDog saves buyers valuable time that would otherwise be spent researching and vetting breeders, allowing them to focus on choosing the perfect puppy for their family.
Our Mission

We connect dog lovers with responsible breeders and shelters to ensure every dog finds the perfect home.
Founded by dog enthusiasts, our platform focuses on ethical dog breeding and adoption.
Why HonestDog?
We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find your new companion with confidence.
Vetted Partners
Only verified breeders and shelters — for a safe start.
Highest Standards
Every animal's health and wellbeing is our top priority.
Guides & Resources
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.