Breeds / Medium
Glen of Imaal Terrier puppies
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a low set, sturdy Irish working terrier, calmer and quieter than most of the group but still game and independent. It is a dwarf breed, so its front legs need protecting while it grows.
The facts
- Size class Medium
- Country of origin Ireland
- Adult weight 14.5 to 18.1 kg
- Adult weight in pounds 32 to 40 lb
- Adult height 32 to 36 cm
- Energy level Moderate
- Grooming Moderate
- Coat type Medium wiry
- Typical lifespan 10 to 15 years
- Good with children Fine with supervision
- Good with other dogs Fine with supervision
Where these come from:
About the Glen of Imaal Terrier
The Glen of Imaal Terrier comes from a remote valley in the Wicklow mountains of Ireland, where it was kept as a farm terrier to deal with fox and badger. It is a dwarf breed, so a Glen stands only 32 to 36 cm at the shoulder but carries 14.5 to 18.1 kg on bowed front legs and a long body. The harsh double coat is workmanlike rather than smart. Temperamentally it is the quiet one of the terrier group: game and stubborn, but noticeably less frantic than its relatives.
Exercise needs are moderate, which suits people who want a terrier without the engine. The catch is the front end. Puppies should not jump off furniture, pound up and down stairs or do long lead walks until the growth plates close, usually between nine and twelve months. The coat needs weekly combing through the furnishings and hand stripping two or three times a year, in return for very little shedding. Prey drive is real, so small pets need care. Most new owners get the puppy joint rules wrong.
What to expect at eight weeks
At eight weeks a Glen of Imaal Terrier puppy is sleeping around 18 to 20 hours a day, is not house trained, and cannot hold on for more than an hour or two at a stretch. A medium breed puppy at eight weeks is a manageable armful that will not stay that way. Most of the growth happens between now and six months, so buy for the adult dog where you can. Expect moderate energy, in short bursts separated by long naps. Grooming needs are moderate, so build the brushing habit now while the coat is still short and easy. The socialisation window is open and closing: everything it meets calmly now, from vacuum cleaners to men in hats, is easier for the rest of its life.
Health worth knowing about
Conditions this breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable, it means ask about it.
- Hip dysplasia, screened by hip evaluation of breeding stock
- Cone rod dystrophy, a form of progressive retinal atrophy, detectable by DNA test on both parents
- Other inherited eye disease, screened by an ophthalmologist evaluation
- Front leg and growth plate strain in puppies, avoided by limiting jumping and stairs until the plates close
From Glen of Imaal Terrier breed information at https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/glen-of-imaal-terrier/. Discuss any of these with your own vet.
Your Glen of Imaal Terrier puppy's first six months
- Vaccination schedule, dated for your country.
- Worming and parasite schedule.
- Feeding calculator. Set expected adult size to Medium for a Glen of Imaal Terrier.
- Adult size predictor, to check growth against the 14.5 to 18.1 kg adult range.
- Puppy names and the first week checklist.
Other medium breeds
Previous: Giant Schnauzer · Next: Goldador
Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.