Glen of Imaal Terrier
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Glen of Imaal Terriers are sturdy Irish working terriers, calmer and less vocal than most terrier breeds. These tough, determined dogs were bred to hunt badgers and foxes, and while more laid-back than many terriers, they still retain prey drive and can be stubborn, requiring patient training.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Terrier
Life Expectancy
10-15 years
Height
12.5-14 in
Weight
32-40 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 4 hours
Exercise
75 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #176
Terrier context: Terriers were bred to hunt vermin. They are usually bold, energetic, and persistent.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Glen of Imaal Terrier
🏠 Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Glen of Imaal Terriers are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Glen of Imaal Terriers in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Glen of Imaal Terriers, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps this breed settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games improve behavior and sleep quality through the week.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routine and enrichment are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Expect about 75 minutes of daily activity, with a mix of walking, enrichment, and short training blocks. Consistency matters more than occasional intense sessions.
Moderate
Moderate
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, preventive care, and condition-specific screening based on known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Environmental allergies often cause chronic itch and recurrent skin issues.
Kneecap instability can affect gait and long-term joint comfort.
Inherited eye lens instability can cause pain and vision loss.
Boarding complexity and cost are driven by size, exercise demand, and any special handling needs.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Glen of Imaal Terriers generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
Moderate
Moderate
~6h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Training & Behavior
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Very High
Maintenance & Care
Moderate
Low
Low
Low
Environment & Adaptability
Low
High
High
Low
Moderate
Grooming & Coat
Moderate
Low
Low
Low
Coat care depends on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Curly, silky, wire, and long coats usually need more frequent grooming support.
Shedding level varies by coat and season, but routine brushing keeps loose hair and skin debris manageable.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Glen of Imaal Terrier originated in Ireland.
Original Purpose
Glen of Imaal Terrier lines were developed for vermin control. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Terrier. Terriers were bred to hunt vermin. They are usually bold, energetic, and persistent.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Glen of Imaal Terriers are from a remote valley in Ireland and were bred to hunt badgers, foxes, and other small game in rocky terrain.
The breed was nearly lost to extinction in the 1900s, and modern Glens descend from dogs rediscovered in their native Irish valley.
Glen of Imaal Terriers have shorter legs than other terriers, making them closer to the ground for burrowing into fox dens.
The breed has a distinctive rough double coat that required hand-stripping, and many modern Glens are groomed with clippers instead due to the cost and complexity.
Glen of Imaal Terriers are prone to hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), requiring health screening.
Famous Glen of Imaal Terrier Dogs
Fearless mascots
Terrier fame often comes from bold on-screen personalities and brand mascots.
Show-ring crowd favorites
Many modern notable Terriers are recognized through major conformation wins.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Continue consistent training - patience is key with this breed. Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Glen of Imaal Terriers
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
- • Patient, consistent training - this breed needs extra time
Recommended Products
Training Programs
Structured training helps this breed reach its potential and prevents behavior issues.
Explore Programs →Dental Care
Regular dental care prevents costly vet bills and keeps your dog healthy long-term.
Shop Dental Care →Is Glen of Imaal Terrier right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Glen of Imaal Terrier compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Glen of Imaal Terrier are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/glen-of-imaal-terrier/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/glen-of-imaal-terrier/