Glen Of Imaal Terrier

Breed characteristics

Size: Small
Exercise: Up to 1 hour per day
Size of home: Small house
Grooming: More than once a week
Coat length: Medium
Sheds: No
Lifespan: Over 10 years
Vulnerable native breed: Yes
Town or country: Country
Size of garden: Small/ medium garden

One of the native Irish Breeds, the Glen of Imaal was developed as a badger hunter in the glen in County Wicklow from which it takes its name. A terrier of this type had been known in that locality since the 17th century: low to ground, fearless and tenacious, strong and substantial – these qualities are seen in the modern breed.

The Glen was recognised by the Irish Kennel Club at Dublin's St Patrick's Day show in 1934 where they were shown in Any Variety and gained breed classes at the same show in 1935.

In Ireland, until the banning of badger trials in 1966, the Glen had to obtain a working certificate to prove its courage and gameness, before it could achieve the title of Champion – to ensure that the working characteristics of the breed were being maintained.

It is thought that the Glen might share its ancestry with the Soft Coated Wheaten, Kerry and Irish Terriers.

Read the breed standard

Images for this breed

The Terrier breed group

Dogs originally bred and used for hunting vermin. 'Terrier' comes from the Latin word Terra, meaning earth. This hardy collection of dogs were selectively bred to be extremely brave and tough, and to pursue fox, badger, rat and otter (to name but a few) above and below ground. Dogs of terrier type have been known here since ancient times, and as early as the Middle Ages, these game breeds were portrayed by writers and painters.

Breed standard colours

Breed standard colour means that the colour is accepted within the breed standard and is a traditional and well-known colour in this breed.

Breed standard colours in this breed include:

Blue
Blue Brindle
Brindle
Wheaten

Other colour/s

'Other' means you consider your puppy to be a colour not currently known within the breed and one that does not appear on either the breed standard or non-breed standard list. In this instance you would be directed through our registrations process to contact a breed club and/or council to support you on identifying and correctly listing the new colour.

Non-breed-standard colours

Non-breed-standard colour means that the colour is not accepted within the breed standard and whilst some dogs within the breed may be this colour it is advised to only select a dog that fits within the breed standards for all points.

Colour is only one consideration when picking a breed or individual dog, health and temperament should always be a priority over colour.

Whether you’re thinking of buying a puppy, or breeding from your dog, it’s essential that you know what health issues may be found in your breed. To tackle these issues we advise that breeders use DNA tests, screening schemes and inbreeding coefficient calculators to help breed the healthiest dogs possible.

More about health

Priority health schemes and tests

The Kennel Club Assured Breeders must use the following (or equivalent) schemes, tests and advice. All other breeders are strongly advised to also use these.

DNA test – PRA (crd3) - part of The Kennel Club DNA Testing Services* (see below). Find a list of tested dogs)
Eye screening scheme (BVA/KC/ISDS)

Important health schemes and tests

We strongly recommend that all breeders, both assured breeders (ABs) and non ABs, use the following (or equivalent) schemes, tests and advice.

Check inbreeding calculators

*The Kennel Club DNA Testing Services - simple to use and easy to organise all-in-one DNA tests

The DNA tests listed above marked with an asterisk (*) are included in our DNA Testing Services. This includes:

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-crd3)

Kennel Club Assured breeders and Kennel Club Accredited Instructors receive a 10% discount.

Find out more about The Kennel Club DNA Testing Services.

Find out about a particular dog's results

Please visit our Health Test Results Finder to discover the DNA or screening scheme test results for any dog on The Kennel Club's Breed Register.

You can also view the inbreeding coefficient calculation for a puppy's parents, or for a dog you're thinking of breeding from.

Have any questions about health in your breed?

If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.

Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.

To contact your breed health co-ordinator please email

Lynne Fraser

Breed watch

Category 1

Currently no points of concern specific to this breed have been identified for special attention by judges, other than those covered routinely by The Kennel Club's breed standard.