Glen of Imaal Terrier
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is one of Ireland's four native terrier breeds and the rarest of them — named after a remote valley in County Wicklow where it was developed as a badger and fox hunter.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Ireland
Lifespan
10–14 years
Weight
14–16 kg (32–35 lbs)
Height
30–36 cm (12–14 in)
Exercise
20 to 30 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — quality small-breed kibble
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is one of Ireland's four native terrier breeds and the rarest of them — named after a remote valley in County Wicklow where it was developed as a badger and fox hunter. It is unique among terriers in having a silenced working style — it was bred to work in silence underground, without the yelping or whimpering that many working terriers produce. This silent courage made it particularly valued in the glen. The Glen also historically served as a turnspit dog — turning meat on a spit roast by walking on a wheel mechanism — a role it shared only with the now-extinct Turnspit Dog.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Glen is a low-set, substantial terrier disproportionate in size — its body is much larger than its legs suggest. The head is broad with a powerful jaw. The coat is medium-length, rough, and harsh. The front legs are bowed slightly outward — a breed characteristic that allows the dog to work with its elbows out when digging. Colour is wheaten, blue, or brindle.
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Low
Brushing
2-3x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Glens are gentle, adaptable, and quieter than most terriers — their silent working heritage makes them less yappy than typical terrier breeds. They are courageous and tenacious when needed but surprisingly calm in domestic settings. They bond closely with their family. They retain a strong prey drive and are typically dog-selective.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
3/5Friendliness
3/5Playfulness
3/5Protectiveness
3/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
20 to 30 min/day
Ideal Weather
0°C to 25°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
30%
Playfulness
30%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
stubbornness, digging, barking, aloofness
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Moderate daily exercise of 30–45 minutes. The rough coat requires hand-stripping twice yearly and brushing 2–3 times weekly. A relatively low-maintenance terrier for those who appreciate a quieter personality.
Nutrition Notes
PRA (cone-rod dystrophy type 3) is breed-defining — DNA test available. Generally healthy otherwise. Moderate calorie needs. Weight management important (short legs, long body).
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
PRA (crd3) — DNA test mandatory for breeding. Hip dysplasia. Allergies. From Glen of Imaal, County Wicklow, Ireland. The "turnspit dog" — originally turned meat-roasting spits using a treadmill. Quietest of the Irish terrier breeds. 10-15 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
700 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
500 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Progressive retinal atrophy is a significant concern with a DNA test available. Hip dysplasia occurs occasionally. Generally a healthy breed. The relatively shallow gene pool due to low numbers is a concern for long-term genetic diversity.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Rare breed. Originally a turnspit dog. Quietest Irish terrier. India: unavailable.
Purchase Price
$1,500 to $3,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is so rare that it features on the UK Kennel Club's Vulnerable Native Breeds list — typically fewer than 100 puppies are registered per year in the UK.
The Glen historically served as a turnspit dog — it walked on a large wheel mechanism to rotate meat over a fire, a role shared with the now-extinct Turnspit Dog of England.
The breed's silent working style underground is a deliberate selection — a yelping or whimpering dog underground cannot alert its handler to its location, so silent courage was specifically selected for.
