Alt Names: Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier Country of Origin: Ireland

History: The history of the breed finds its roots in the starkly beautiful Glen of Imaal in County Wicklow. Like its three Irish cousins--the Kerry Blue Terrier, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Irish Terrier--the Glen of Imaal Terrier was initially bred to rid the home and farm of vermin, and hunt fox and badger.

But it also had a unique task which it was expressly designed to perform: it was a turnspit dog. The turnspit was a large wheel which, when paddled by the dog, would turn the spit over the hearth--a canine-propelled rotisserie, if you will. The Glen’s highly individualized bowed front legs and powerful hindquarters were ideally suited for this. For several hundred years, these hearty dogs performed their tasks unnoticed by all except those who treasured them. With the advent of dog shows in the latter half of the last century, the breed began to emerge into the public eye. In 1934, the Glen of Imaal Terrier was given full recognition by the Irish Kennel Club. It was the third of the four Irish terrier breeds to be so acknowledged. The breed is now recognized by the Kennel Club of Great Britain, FCI, and several rare breed organizations throughout the world. The Glen of Imaal Terrier was fully recognized and moved into the AKC's Terrier Group on October 1, 2004.

Appearance: The Glen is a big dog on short legs. It stands 12 1/2-14" (maximum) at the withers (the point where the neck meets the back) and weighs in at approximately 35 pounds. It should always give the impression of great substance for its size. Longer than tall, it sports a double coat: a harsher outer coat and a soft undercoat. The topknot and furnishings are softer. Its front legs are bowed--like Chippendale furniture -- with front feet turning out slightly, but perceptibly. Its ears are rose or semi-prick when alert. Its unique topline rises slightly to a strong loin, with no dip or slackness behind the withers and no drop-off at the croup. The hindquarters are extraordinarily well-muscled. The docked tail is set high and carried erect. Accepted colors are wheaten (any shade), blue, and brindle, the most commonly seen being blue brindle, a mixture of dark slate-blue, lighter blue undercoat, and hints of tan.

Temperament: They are hardy and resilient--some of us would say "stoic." They are inclined not to bark. When they do bark, it is a surprisingly deep and resonant sound, suggesting a dog much larger than they are. For this reason alone, some people find them to be suitable watchdogs. They tend to make their own exercise and are equally at home on acres of land or in an urban apartment. They love a good walk, a romp in the park or through the woods, and especially love a good car ride. Reports of car sickness or drooling are rare.

Like many terriers, Glens can be stubborn and have an independent streak. They respond enthusiastically to praise and dramatically to a scolding. They are excellent candidates for obedience work. As terriers go, Glens are most often quite easy to live with, and they are extremely easy to love. While not constantly demanding attention, they adore human contact and return the gesture with gentleness and forbearing.

Health: Many sources cite that the Glen is free of hereditary defects. This is probably an overstatement. Any breed of dog carries recessive genes for a host of universal canine defects that can and will emerge. It is true, however, that the Glen has been particularly fortunate in this regard. Rare incidents of a common genetic eye disorder, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), have been reported. Extensive testing of American stock confirmed that the incidents are indeed isolated thus far.