Glen of Imaal Terrier

Longer than tall, the Glen of Imaal Terrier short, bowed front legs, well-muscled loin, rising topline and strong rear allow it to dig and then get adequate leverage to back out of a hole dragging a struggling badger that might weigh more than the Glen itself. The medium-length outercoat is harsh with a soft undercoat, and is less prone to mat or catch burrs than a longer, softer coat. The strong tail provides a sturdy handle for pulling the Glen from a hole. Unlike most terriers, barking while working is discouraged. This is a working terrier that has not sacrificed form for fashion.

A big dog on short legs, the Glen is a dog of big ideas that's never short of ways to achieve them. This is a spirited, inquisitive, courageous breed, always ready for a game or a hunt. Less excitable than most terriers, it is nonetheless an active dog. However, once given its daily dose of activity, it is content to snuggle by your side. At home the Glen is good-natured and gentle with family members; with its childlike exuberance, it especially enjoys the companionship of children. Some Glens can be dog aggressive. Glens learn quickly but may not always do what you ask. They are not inclined to bark much.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a dog of unknown origins, but is of Irish descent. The breed received his name from the Glen of Imaal, in County Wick low, Ireland. The breed’s early job was as a hunter, silently going after vermin, and going to ground after fox and badgers, dragging out the pray. Gamers put them in a pit with badgers, timing them on the kill, until the so-called sport was banned in 1966. The dogs were also used as turnspit dogs: Glens were put on a treadmill and would walk for hours, turning a large rotisserie wheel that was used to cook meat over an open flame. This spunky little terrier can still catch vermin and with little training it can still be used to successfully hunt foxes and badgers. The Glen was first presented publicly at an Irish dog show in 1933. It is rare in the USA and was recognized by the AKC in 2004.