AN INTRODUCTION

mong the many of its treasures that Ireland has shared with the world, are several beloved breeds of dogs. Among them are four beguiling terriers and perhaps least known of them is the Glen of Imaal Terrier. It has been described variously as a rough-and-ready Sealyham, a miniature Irish Wolfhound, or a Soft Coated Wheaten on short legs, etc. While these descriptions might allude to an aspect of the Glen of Imaal’s profile, they ultimately miss the point. The Glen isn’t a rough-and-ready or miniature anything. It predates many of the breeds to which it is likened and is a truly unique and remarkable creature beloved by most everyone fortunate enough to come into contact with one.

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. The European badger weighs in at 40 lbs and the Glen was tough and strong enough to go to ground and dispatch the vermin soundlessly.

According to legend the Glen of Imaal also has a unique task which it was expressly designed for: 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 20^th 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 associations. In America the Glen was fully recognized and entered the Terrier Group in October 2004 though the hard efforts of members of the Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America. There are 500-600 Glens registered in the United States.

Owning a Glen of Imaal Terrier can be a unique and rewarding experience...but it is not the breed for everyone. Read on to determine if it might be the right breed for you. .  Harold Gay/R.B.T.(Int)

DESCRIPTION

The Glen is a big dog on short legs. It stands up to 14"  at the withers (the point where the neck meets the back) and weighs between 32-40 lbs.  It should always give the impression of great substance for its size. Longer than tall, it carries a double coat: a harsher outer coat and a soft under coat. The topknot and furnishings are softer.  Its front legs are bowed--like Chippendale furniture -- with front feet pointing to 10 and 2 o’clock.turning .  Its ears are rose or semi-prick when alert. Its unique topline rises  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, (the most desirable being a bleu brindle a mixture of dark-slate blue, lighter blue undercoat and hints of tan.

CHARACTERISTICS

t is always risky to generalize about any group of living things, especially breeds of dogs. Exceptions always exist. There are, however, several character traits which it is fair to say the Glen of Imaal Terrier possesses. They are hardy and resilient--some of us would say "stoic." They are inclined not to bark much.

Indeed, they were bred to be silent when working. That said, if other dogs in the household are prone to sounding off, a Glen will join the chorus. 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 watch (not guard)dogs. 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 (not a jog as their short legs couldn't keep up), a romp in the park or through the woods, and especially love a good car ride. Reports of car sickness or drooling are rare.

Glens are game. Other furry creatures are often seen as prey. They are terriers, after all. And like most terriers, that gameness can be expressed as aggressiveness towards other canines who are perceived as adversaries. It has often been said that a Glen will rarely start a fight but is likely to finish it. Yet many Glens live happily in the company of other dogs...some even with cats especially if they were raised together.. Proper introduction, supervision and instruction are required. Many Glens are not suited for the dog park, but make excellent loving pets.

Like many terriers, Glens can be stubborn and have an independent streak. They respond enthusiastically to praise and dramatically to a scolding. With time and patience they make great agility dogs.

Glens are inquisitive. Many Glen owners would say that their dogs are also naive about traffic. A fenced yard, and always walking a Glen on lead, are essential. Invisible fences will work only under supervision as the prey drive to chase the squirrel out does the jolt of the fence.Glens can be diggers so ideal fencing should have a sound foundation.Caution should be taken around swimming pools. Though many Glens love the water,most are not strong swimmers due to their heavy weight on very short legs. Glens have drowned

Glens tend not to be hyper. Many, in fact, could easily be considered bona fide " couch potatoes”. Yet they can be extravagantly silly and full of pluck, finding pleasure in the most peculiar (to us) preoccupations. Some entertain themselves by just running in circles.They are adoring of children, but it should be remembered that a 35 pound, well-muscled dog can easily knock over a young child. It is unlikely that such a youngster could control a Glen on a lead.

Simply put,  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.

GROOMING

hough the Glen does not require that you have the skill with scissors needed to groom a Kerry Blue or a Soft Coated Wheaten, nor the skill with a stripping knife required to groom an Irish Terrier, it does require grooming. A Glen’s outer coat will grow to 3-4" if left unattended and it will matt, if left un-brushed or un-combed. Technically speaking a Glens can shed. Practically speaking, it’s virtually unnoticeable if  brushed  and striped out once or twice annually.

A thorough brushing with a slicker brush, once or twice weekly, will remove a substantial hair. Raking the coat with a stripping knife used like a comb will remove the undercoat that’s ready to come out.   The neck, back, tail, and earsshould be stripped every six to nine months. Your breeder can give you instructions. Once you and your Glen get the knack of it, it shouldn’t take more than an hour once or twice a year.Trimming for show is a bit more intensive. Once again, your breeder can walk you through the process. Nails as for all dogs need to be kept trimmed. And like most terriers, Glens grow hair in their ear canals that needs to be plucked routinely. Bathing is not required with any degree of frequency. Purists will say that it softens the coat and should be avoided when possible.

HEALTH

any sources cite that the Glen is free of hereditary defects. This is probably a gross 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...SO FAR!

 Incidents of an eye disorder, PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) have been reported. Extensive testing of American stock confirmed that the incidents of the disease are isolated so far. All breeding stock should test clear or not be bred. However, current testing only detects afflicted stock, not carriers. We hope to benefit from current DNA research being done at Cornell University here in America which will enable breeders to do a simple DNA test to identify carriers. There is a similar DNA research program going on in the UK as well.

 Hip dysplasia, common to most breeds, has been identified in Glens as well. Testing for it by x-ray is done by respected breeders. In fact, breeders with the Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America sign a breeders Code of Ethics stating that all their breeding stock is tested prior to breeding. Breeders are also committed to a frank exchange of information and submit test results to an international data base.

A common problem among all terriers, and the Glen is no exception, are skin irritations. In most cases, the eruptions are a result of flea allergies. There appears to be a genetic predisposition to such allergic reactions. Your breeder can provide you with history of this problem—if it exists- in the lines of his/her breeding program.

FINDING A PUP

he Glen of Imaal Terrier remains a rare breed throughout the world. Litters are relatively few in number. Most breeders have a long waiting list of prospective new owners. The Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America provides a breeder referral service. Commencing a dialogue with a few breeders whose stock you like is highly recommended.  Visiting breeders and attending dog shows also provide an opportunity to meet a Glen

You should feel free to ask your breeder any and all questions you have. There are no silly questions. Similarly, the breeder will likely ask you many questions about your home, family, schedule, interests and experience with terriers, many times in the form of a written application. It is also unlikely that you will be able to pick the pup you want from a litter. It is far more likely that a pup or two will be selected, based on the breeders assessment of what would work best for you given the information you have provided

Cost varies some by region--as do vet costs  Given the rarity of the breed and the consequential rarity of stud dogs, matings are often  long distance affairs (many international!). In addition, breeders will often hold on to pups until 9 or 12 weeks old to best be able to assess the litter, thereby incurring greater vet and food expense, All of this is costly  and despite the price of a puppy breeders do not breed to make a profit as there is none, but breed because they are dedicated to breeding the best Glens possible. Whatever the cost, your initial investment will be, over the 10-15 year life span of your Glen, your smallest investment. Veterinary expenses, food, supplies and all those little luxuries that you decide your Glen must have, will add up to a substantial amount over time. Dog ownership is indeed a financial commitment. Your breeder should provide you with appropriate registrations documents, veterinarian history, feeding and grooming information and a sales contract. This is the beginning of a relationship not only with your Glen, but also with your breeder. So choose both carefully
.

AN OLDER DOG?

Very rarely an older dog, one over a year of age, might come available. This Glen was perhaps a show prospect that didn’t work out, or is a dog retired from breeding or showing. These Glens are often housebroken, socialized, and trained. If the rigors of puppy-hood are daunting to you, this might be an option to consider. Rescued Glens are fortunately few and far between. They usually originated as imported stock from another country and might have extensive issues that need to be dealt with by anyone taking on a rescued dog.

There are few commercially published books devoted to the Glen. One self published book is by the late Eithne Cleary, truly one of the pioneers of the breed in Ireland, is called THE IRISH GLEN OF IMAAL TERRIER REFERENCE BOOK. Unfortunately it is out of print. Another excellent book, also out of print is THE DOGS OF IRELAND by Anna Redlich. Googling might find you a seller of them. Several of the newer dog encyclopedias also have an entry for the Glen.