INTRODUCTION
The first characteristic of the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier is his figure:
The maximum shoulder height is only 35,5 cm (14 inch), while their weight can be more than 16 kilo (35 lbs) and their bones are very heavy. Their bent, and turned outside, frontlegs are a genuine feature of the breed. The coat is of medium length and looks a bit like a wild mop. Small enough to be not in your way all the time, big enough not to be overlooked and certainly radiating a presence that cannot be unnoticed.
The second (and for the master/mistress most important) characteristic is their being:
Spirited, a personality, yet docile ! A family dog, affectionate, utterly tolerant and sweet for children and very attached to the master and/or mistress. Besides that he is very quiet indoors. But don't think he's a softy; outdoors he can change into pure energy.
The Glen adapts very well to circumstances and a drive in the car is a feast; he will do virtually anything, as long as he's allowed to go with you!
A nice feature: a Glen doesn't shed!
In short: The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier is a very suitable dog for the big, the small, the sportive and the "tranquil" family.

THE ORIGIN OF THE BREED
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier originates from the area around Glen (valley) Imaal that lies in the Wicklow Mountains in County Wicklow in Ireland. The "Glen" was kept and bred in this area to keep the farms free of vermin like mice, rats, moles, foxes and badgers and often also to drive a turnspit. (See also the History of the breed.)
To meet the strong physical demands, a short legged, heavy boned and strong muscled dog was bred. Truly a big dog in a small package. (See also the standard.)

TEMPERAMENT
Gay, gentle, brave, very loyal to "family" and very docile. Indoors very quiet but outdoors energetic "like a young dog". Adapts very well to circumstances.
Yet it is a real Terrier that should be handled consistently. (A puppy training and an obedience training at a local canine club is recommended.)

BEHAVIOUR WITH ACQUAINTED PEOPLE
To family members the Glen is always affectionate and loyal. Friends and good acquaintances of the family are always greeted with joy and treated as if they are part of the family.

BEHAVIOUR WITH CHILDREN
In one word: Excellent!
Do keep in mind however not to let a young child go out with the Glen alone, as it may happen that "Glen", in his enthusiasm, pulls the child over.
(Roughly the child should weight about twice as much as "Glen".)

BEHAVIOUR WITH STRANGERS
This depends somewhat on how he/she is raised and handled. Naturally the Glen is rather neutral against strangers.

WATCHFULNESS
This depends also on how he/she is raised and handled. Naturally the Glen is more than average watchful, but this can be quite increased or decreased.

BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS OTHER DOGS
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier is, provided he/she was socialised well as a puppy, very tolerant towards other (well socialised) dogs. Dog Glens can sometime show some dominant behaviour.

BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS OTHER PETS
When the Glen-puppy arrives in the house at the same time, or later, as other pets (cat, cavia) it is very well possible to have them living next to each other (do keep an eye on them however!). When a new pet, not being a dog, arrives after the Glen this will cause very often much problems. When the newcomer is a dog this will, in general, give no problems, depending on the behaviour of the new dog.

HOUSING
The Glen adapts very well to circumstances and will be very easily satisfied.

WALKING THE DOG
Unless your lawn is very big, so "Glen" can run at will, you have to go out for a walk for at least four times a day. Also one of these walks has to be at least a half hour, as otherwise he/she doesn't get enough exercise.

UP AND AWAY
The Glen is not build to walk at high speed for a prolonged time, though he has much endurance. When walking slow or average there is virtually no limit to the length of the walk. When walking at high speed it is recommended to limit the length of the walk.
The Glen is not well suited for walking next to a bicycle.

DOG SPORTS
The Glen is eager to please his master/mistress, specially when some activity is involved. This makes him very well suited for agility. As for fly-ball and distant control we can give no advice, as we have no experience with this (yet).

THE COAT
A double coat of medium length, consisting of a harsh upper coat and a woolly undercoat, protects it very well against cold and somewhat against heat. The colour of the coat can be: wheaten, brindle and blue.
The coat practically doesn't shed.

GROOMING
Grooming is rather simple: at least twice a week thoroughly combing and two to three times a year stripping the dead hairs from the coat is about all.

Design and realisation by Gerrit den Ouden.