Glen of Imaal Terrier

Breed Description

Ireland is a remarkable country with a rich history, unique climate, and stunning landscapes. Among its diverse terrains stands the valley at the western foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, known as Imaal. Today, this valley serves as a training ground for artillery regiments. However, several centuries ago, it gifted Ireland with a special type of terrier called the Glen of Imaal Terrier. Translated literally, this means “terrier of the Imaal valley.”

Delving into the history of these dogs, we note that this land was offered for settlement to retired soldiers of the English crown after they suppressed a rebellion in Ireland. They brought their dogs along, which mingled with local canines. This mix produced short-legged dogs with elongated bodies, wiry coats, and considerable strength. Naturally, no one thought to document breeding records. The most important quality of these animals was their ability to be useful in the harsh life of the peasantry of that time.

In essence, Glen of Imaal Terriers, also known as Wicklow Terriers or simply Glen Terriers, are the quietest variety of all Irish terriers. Unlike their counterparts, Glens would silently enter the burrow of a badger, fox, otter, or rat and retrieve it for their owner. Similar hunters would always announce their discovery vocally before approaching the burrow.

There is an Irish legend about long-haired dogs that turned a spit while roasting a boar. There are also paintings depicting dogs that closely resemble Imaal Terriers. Such hardworking dogs were called “spit dogs.” Of course, dogs with longer legs couldn’t perform such tasks and would simply run away.

As noted, Glen of Imaal Terriers are the quietest yet not the weakest type among all Irish terriers. This fact was often confirmed during dog fights, in which Glen Terriers actively participated.

It can be understood that between the 16th and 19th centuries, on the Emerald Isle, dogs were often given specific traits required for particular tasks. They received their names based on their places of residence. For instance, the Kerry Blue Terrier hails from County Kerry, and the Glen of Imaal Terrier comes from the Imaal valley and surrounding areas. It is also important to note that all Irish terriers share common exterior traits.Subsequently, the breed nearly vanished from the face of the Earth but experienced a rebirth in the early 20th century. Among those actively involved in reviving the breed, the names of the first breeders stand out: Willie Kane from Tipperary and Paddy Brennan from Tinahili. The breed was recognized by the local Kennel Club only in the first half of the 20th century, in 1934, after which the first official club for Glen Terrier enthusiasts was established.

Appearance

With a height at the withers of 30 to 35 cm, an adult Glen weighs 15-16 kg. Glens appear very sturdy. These dogs are often described as: a big dog on short legs. Indeed, Glen of Imaal Terriers are an achondroplastic, or dwarf, breed. It is customary for their length-to-height ratio to be 5:3. Despite the height specified in the standard, some champions are slightly above these parameters.

Leaving aside their short legs, Glens externally resemble the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Kerry Blue Terrier. The coat colors of the Wheaten Terriers partially affirm the kinship of these breeds.

At the same time, their agility and activity are impressive. As a wonderful companion, the hunting instinct immediately comes into play when the dog spots a squirrel in the park or a roaming cat. Their scruffy appearance does not detract from these dogs at all. On the contrary, they possess a certain magnetism: you want to pet and cuddle them, play with them, or treat them to a tasty snack.

A master of transformation on short legs-this thought arises when you compare the dog during a hunt and in a family setting: a scruffy yard dog that hunts down prey and a sweet, amusing home pet.

Отличительные черты

Голова

Large for a dog of this size. More round than oval. The skull is not as flat between the ears as in other terriers. The forehead and transition to the muzzle are distinctly pronounced. It is evenly covered with long fur, especially above the eyes. Despite its size, the head of the Wicklow Terrier does not seem heavy.

Морда

Powerful, yet not massive. Slightly elongated in shape. The straight bridge of the nose is topped with a large black nose. The muzzle is slightly tapered from the nose towards the chest. There is a slight narrowing under the eyes towards the end of the muzzle. Essentially, the muzzle of the Glen has largely retained the outlines of the first terriers from Ireland.

Уши

Small in size. Set quite wide and high. In a calm state, the ears of the Glen dogs are partially folded and thrown back. Only when excited do the ears "perch up" in the direction of sound. It is absolutely clear that the ears should neither stand completely upright nor hang down.

Глаза

Typically, they are dark brown or almost black. They are spaced fairly widely apart. They are not protruding, small in size, closer to average. The eyelids are black in color. They give the dog a cheerful appearance when at rest and an attentive look during work. Lighter shades of eyes are considered a defect.

Зубы

Strong jaws with a full set of teeth. The canines are powerful and quite large. A scissors bite is permissible, meaning the upper canines overlap the lower jaw's canines. The incisors grow in straight rows, perpendicular to the jaw. The mouth is even.

Корпус

The body of the Wicklow Terrier has an elongated shape. Typically, the length-to-height ratio is 5:3. The strong, straight back is parallel to the ground. The body is completely covered with dense, coarse fur. The chest is massive and quite broad. The loins are powerful.

Конечности

Короткие, но неутомимые лапы Гленсов позволяли им получать довольствие при работе на кухне, ведь пару сотен лет назад их использовали при запекании на вертелах крупной дичи. К тому же таксообразные ноги собаки должны были без устали исследовать горные склоны долины Имаал. Передние ноги короткие, заметно искривлены. Предплечья имеют небольшой изгиб у грудной клетки, костяк мощный. Лопатки чуть отведены назад. Задние конечности очень мощные, с сильными мышцами на бёдрах. Такое строение задних ног обеспечивает сильный толчок вперёд.

Хвост

In some countries, it is legally prohibited to dock dogs' tails for humanitarian reasons. Therefore, the standard allows for tails of natural length. In all other cases, Glen's tails are docked to half their length. At their base, they are quite strong and give the dog a cheerful appearance.

Шерсть

Typically, the fur is quite coarse, of medium length, and has a natural appearance. It is characteristic that these terriers have a soft, fine undercoat. The breed standard allows for cosmetic trimming (grooming) to give the dog a show-ready appearance.

Окрас

Glen of Imaal Terriers can come in various shades of blue, gray, cream, and even wheaten or red-orange colors according to the standard. Brindle coloration is also permitted. It should be especially noted that puppies may have a nearly black "muzzle" at birth, as well as slightly darker shades on the ears, back, and tail. As the dogs mature, these areas take on the shade of the primary color without any darkening.

Character

The lack of fear, endurance, and unyielding energy are the distinguishing traits of Glen dogs. More accurately, these characteristics have been passed down to modern dogs on a genetic level from their ancestors. During hunting, a small, short-legged terrier had to overcome a fox or a badger in its den. For this, not only physical strength is required, but also a stable psyche.

Another feature that sets this breed apart from other Irish descendants is their “quietness.” Yes, Glen of Imaal terriers are the quietest type of terrier from that region. Historically, dogs performed their duties almost silently, not drawing their owners’ attention. Even now, the bark of modern Glens is significantly different from that of their relatives: it is deeper and more resonant, “low-frequency.”

For hunting, as well as companionship, the breed has an ideal character. Unprecedented endurance, simplicity in diet, and relative ease of care-all describe Glens.

Of course, there is some stubbornness inherent to all terriers. This trait is partly characteristic of the Irish themselves, as experts say.

However, this will not be a problem if the dog is with its leader. The dog can be completely gentle towards its family. A loyal, obedient companion reflects its owners’ behavior in its character. Yes, this dog knows how to appreciate care.

The dog is quite suspicious of strangers, even somewhat biased. It can easily feel jealousy if it senses that part of the attention is directed away from it. This is especially evident in relation to other animals in the house. The exception is a house cat that grew up alongside the puppy. But no guinea pig or rat will survive. They are doomed; a Glen will never abandon its prey.If we consider not working dogs but their “show samples,” it becomes evident that the hunter’s instinct is nearly absent, only surfacing during walks when a stray cat dares to pass by. Short-legged companions can and love to play and mischief but do not seek rivals among other pets. They are very affectionate and attached to all family members.After a good run outdoors and playing with the kids, your fluffy dog will happily keep you company in front of the television while watching your favorite series. In general, the breed tends to participate in almost all family activities.

Care and Maintenance

“We are responsible for those we have tamed,” said Antoine de Saint-ExupГ©ry. Your home will never be boring again with a Wheaten Terrier puppy in the family. This fluffy companion will undoubtedly become everyone’s favorite and will try to be the center of attention at all times.

Whether you live in a house in the countryside or a small city apartment, it doesn’t matter to the dog. Very clever, it quickly adapts to any environment.

Glens behave best after a long walk, when they’ve run around enough and are tired. Typically, these jovial dogs from the Emerald Isle enjoy walks 2-3 times a day. They need about 40 to 60 minutes of activity to boost their energy levels. Your dog will be extremely grateful if you bring her favorite toys on walks and play with her. You can also reinforce some training commands while playing.

The breed is quite flexible when it comes to diet. However, caring owners and more breeders recommend using premium or super-premium dry food, which contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals for maintaining optimal physical condition. Just be careful not to overfeed your Glen. It’s best to remove the bowl after 15 minutes of feeding.

It’s worth noting that the breed copes well with low temperatures (but not extreme cold!) and struggles more with heat. Therefore, during summer heat, it’s advisable to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Grooming includes brushing and plucking the dog’s coat. This can be done easily at home, but for a particularly polished look, you might consider a specialized grooming salon.The wiry coat should be brushed about twice a week, and more often during shedding periods. Frequent baths are not necessary. Like most terriers, the Glen of Imaal Terrier’s coat repels dirt. However, in cases of heavy soiling, a bath is advisable. Just be careful to prevent water from getting in your dog’s ears. After bathing, be sure to dry off your dog with a towel and thoroughly brush her coat. If preparing for a dog show, a cosmetic trim can give your pet a more presentable look.If the dog lives in a private house in the countryside, she will feel perfectly fine even in an outdoor kennel. Make sure to designate a space for her to play in the backyard. Keep in mind that if the fence is high, a Wheaten might attempt to dig underneath it. Monitor the ground conditions in the dog’s exercise area to prevent escapes.This breed is very social, so don’t leave your dog alone for long periods. If she gets bored, she may entertain herself with typical terrier antics and cre

Training and Education

The breed is very intelligent and responds quickly to training. It is easiest to achieve the desired result by reaching out to a specialized kennel center, where professionals will train your Glen based on the dog’s lifestyle. After all, if you want a home companion, that’s one thing, but if you want a hunter, that’s quite another, wouldn’t you agree?

In any case, the owner’s involvement is essential.

Like any terrier, the Glen of Imaal can show some stubbornness. The dog understands perfectly what is required of it to complete certain tasks. However, an attempt to assert “who is the boss” is still possible. Patience and perseverance will help you. Just don’t train with your four-legged student for too long. The Glen, like a child, will tire quickly and get distracted by everything around. Fifteen to twenty minutes is sufficient for practicing commands. Always reward your pet for correctly following commands.

Adhere strictly to the rules you’ve established at home. For example, never let the dog play with your shoes, jump into your bed, or eat from the table. If you allow just one indulgence, the entire set of rules will be broken by the energetic four-legged offender.

Pay special attention to your tone when communicating with your dog. A rude and harsh manner of speaking negatively affects the dog’s psyche. Conversely, a gentle and kind tone can sometimes motivate the dog more than treats. Never drag your terrier by the scruff and do not use physical punishment. This is a taboo!

Before your puppy’s first outing, it should respond clearly to its name, know and execute a basic set of commands, and have no issues with a collar and leash. Commands like “come here,” “no,” and “okay” will help you keep your dog under control during walks. It is very important to ensure that your dog listens to your voice in any situation and obeys without question.In today’s world, it is extremely important to socialize your dog as early as possible. Remember, do not start training if the dog is feeling unwell, during thunderstorms, or in the presence of distracting noises. The dog will be constantly distracted and unable to benefit from the training session. Zoonika offers favorable deals, depending on the breed and pedigree.

How to Choose a Puppy

If you’ve decided to get a dog, the first thing you need to do is study the breed standard, the specifics of care, and the character of your four-legged friend. This is a very responsible step and should be taken as seriously as possible.

Have you chosen a Glen of Imaal Terrier? Excellent! You have great taste, congratulations! This is a relatively rare breed in our country, so we recommend looking for a kennel that breeds Wicklow Terriers. It’s quite possible that you’ll have to wait for the arrival of little furry hunters.

Talk to the breeder and ask all your questions about the dog’s care and training in advance. Pay attention to the puppy’s mother, especially her behavior. The saying “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” applies here as well. Check the veterinary passport of both the dog and the puppy, and confirm whether tests for genetic diseases have been conducted.

When you start choosing your Glen, carefully examine the puppy’s eyes. They should be clear and free of discharge. Gently feel the joints and observe his reaction. Discomfort may indicate pain, and it’s better not to take such a puppy. Timidity and aggression are very bad signs that will likely worsen later. You certainly don’t want to become the owner of a dog with an unhealthy psyche. Tenderly touch the chosen puppy’s nose with the back of your hand- a wet, cool nose should seal the deal. Zooinika offers puppies of elite breeds with a complete set of documents.

Health and Diseases

Initially, Glen of Imaal Terriers had very good health, as a strong immune system was essential for the breed to survive in such conditions. However, over time and with human intervention, some genetic issues have arisen to which these terriers are predisposed. As is typical, breeders conduct additional research to identify a dog’s susceptibility to various ailments.

The most commonly detected problems involve joints, such as hip joint dysplasia or pelvic joint pathology. This hereditary condition results in improper development of the hip joint, leading to lameness in the animal. It is also advised not to let Glen of Imaal puppies descend stairs on their own due to the risk of dislocating their front legs.

Retinal atrophy is a progressive eye disease that can result in complete blindness in animals, primarily affecting older dogs.

Skin issues are also noted, starting with itching that leads the dog to scratch its skin until wounds form. This is usually linked to an allergic reaction to something in their diet.

Another issue for the breed is gastrointestinal disorders caused by improper protein absorption.

It has been observed that the strongest immunity remains with Irish Glen of Imaal Terriers, while those from the United States tend to have noticeably poorer health.