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Discover everything about Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
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At a glance
Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier is a very robust breed with a refreshingly low genetic disease burden. The primary hereditary condition, the eye disease Cone-Rod Dystrophy 3 (crd3), is effectively managed through mandatory DNA testing in breeding programs. As there are few other serious hereditary diseases common to the breed beyond crd3, it is considered one of the healthiest terriers.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
32–36 cm
Weight
13–18 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 2,000 – 3,500 €
- Coat: Medium long, harsh, dense undercoat
- Origin: Ireland
Typical coat colors
- Blue
- Blue-Brindle
- Wheaten
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier right for you?
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier is a stoic, muscular underdog—a robust Erdhund (earth dog) bred for tough work in badger setts, who today surprises people with his surprisingly calm demeanor at home.
Perfect for you if:
- You appreciate a dog that, despite its short legs, brings enormous strength and stamina for long hikes—he is not a lap dog, but a hard worker.
- You have a sense of humor and confident consistency for a free spirit who views commands more as interesting, but often non-binding, suggestions.
- You are looking for a terrier that is surprisingly laid-back at home and doesn't bark at the fence over every little thing.
Less ideal if:
- You expect your dog to avoid conflicts at the dog park—as an Erdhund bred for fighting in the sett, he does not back down.
- You dream of blind obedience, fast-paced agility sports, or a companion who anticipates your every wish.
- You have small pets at home that he might mistake for prey in a flash due to his deeply ingrained hunting genetics.
The real vibes check
A Glen of Imaal Terrier doesn't throw himself into every drama barking—he observes quietly, but when it counts, he brings out his full arsenal. You aren't getting a hyperactive clown, but a serious little tank who prefers to make decisions himself. Whoever respects this unwavering, stubborn determination gains a deeply loyal companion.
Breed Profile
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier, often simply called the Glen of Imaal, is a strong, robust and well-proportioned dog characterized by its short legs and longer back. Its head is large with dark, lively eyes and semi-erect ears, giving a friendly and alert appearance. The tail is usually straight and reaches approximately to the hocks. The Glen of Imaal belongs to FCI Group 3, the terrier group. Within this breed there is no division into performance and show lines, meaning that most Glen of Imaal Terriers can be kept as both working dogs and show dogs. This terrier is known for its excellent digging ability and its adeptness at dealing with rodents and pests.
- Height
- 32 - 35 cm (Female), 32 - 36 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 13 - 16 kg (Female), 15 - 18 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 15 years
- Character
- Intelligent, brave, affectionate
- Coat
- Medium long, harsh, dense undercoat
- Coat Color
- Blue, Blue-Brindle, Wheaten
- Price
- 2000 - 3500 €
History
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier originates from the remote valleys of the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland, specifically the Glen of Imaal, from which it takes its name. The breed emerged in the 16th century as a hardy working dog, employed for a variety of tasks ranging from hunting foxes and badgers to guarding livestock and homes. The Glen of Imaal was also used as a turnspit dog, running in a large wheel connected to a butter churn or a meat roasting spit. The breed was recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in 1934 and received recognition from the Kennel Club in Great Britain in 1975. In the United States, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2004.
Original Use
Hunting badgers and foxes, farm dog, turnspit dog
Origin
Ireland
Date
16. Jahrhundert
Character & Temperament
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier is a breed with a remarkable character. Originally bred to work in the fields and hunt small prey, it is incredibly brave and determined. However, it is fascinating to see how he combines this bravery with a loving and affectionate nature towards his people. The Glen of Imaal Terrier is usually quiet and relaxed around the house, which makes him a pleasant companion for cozy evenings on the couch. But his adventurous spirit comes out when you take him outside. He loves being outdoors and living out his spirit of discovery. Due to its roots as a working dog, the Glen of Imaal Terrier has a natural hunting instinct. It's important to be aware of this, especially if you live in an area where he might encounter small animals. He is very people-oriented and forms a close bond with his family. His intelligence and eagerness to please make him a quick learner, and he can usually do well on his own if properly prepared. As a terrier, he is alert and will make sure you are aware of everything in the house and garden. His alertness makes him a good watchdog, but he is not overly barking. The Glen of Imaal Terrier is also a playful fellow. He loves playing with toys and enjoys interactive games like tug of war and hide and seek. His playful nature can also lead to him being a bit silly at times, which only adds to his charm. An interesting fact about the Glen of Imaal Terrier is that although it was bred to be a working dog, it is not as hyperactive as other terrier breeds. He is happy and content as long as he has regular physical and mental activities. His intelligence means he enjoys mental challenges and can even be a talented dog in dog sports such as agility or obedience.
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier was originally not only a skilled rat catcher, but was also used to run in a treadmill that powered turning spindles or butter churns!
What Awaits You
The Irish Glen Of Imaal Terrier is considered a hunting-motivated, highly trainable dog that can also be suitable for beginners with the appropriate training and activity. Good socialization is also very important here.
Housing & Care
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier can live in both the city and the country provided it receives adequate exercise and mental stimulation. He gets along well with children, but as with all dogs, it is important to monitor interactions and ensure that both the dog and children are respectful of one another. The Glen of Imaal Terrier can also get along with cats and other pets if properly socialized from an early age.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
Adapts well to city living and urban environments.
Well-suited to city life
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier is an intelligent and trainable dog, but he can also be a bit stubborn. It is important to be patient and consistent when parenting. Because he was originally bred for hunting and as a working dog, he has natural energy and stamina. Dog sports like agility, obedience or Earthdog Trials can be great ways to keep your body and mind occupied. It is important to note that he can also be a ball lover and it is important that he learns frustration tolerance and impulse control to promote balanced behavior. It's also important to teach him how to stay calm and relax, especially when he's not busy.
Nutrition & Care
When it comes to the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier's diet, it is important to choose a high-quality food that contains all the necessary nutrients. Because this breed is prone to obesity, it is important to monitor feeding amounts and not give too many treats. In terms of grooming, the Glen of Imaal Terrier has a thick undercoat and a coarse top coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and remove dead hair. It sheds moderately and adapts well to the climate in Germany.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
A
Robust
Health grade
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier is a very robust breed with a refreshingly low genetic disease burden. The primary hereditary condition, the eye disease Cone-Rod Dystrophy 3 (crd3), is effectively managed through mandatory DNA testing in breeding programs. As there are few other serious hereditary diseases common to the breed beyond crd3, it is considered one of the healthiest terriers.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With consistent preventative care, joint-friendly rearing, and weight management, most dogs remain active and fit for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the joints, eyes, and hearts of the parent animals checked and pay attention to correct anatomy to reduce risks in the line.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
Sabine M., Halterin aus dem Sauerland (Rüde, seit 2021)
Unser Glen ist im Haus wirklich die Ruhe selbst. Er liebt es, auf der Couch zu kuscheln und ist unglaublich anhänglich. Man merkt ihm kaum an, dass er ein Terrier ist, da er im Alltag überhaupt nicht nervös oder hibbelig wirkt. Er ist ein richtiger kleiner Genießer, der am liebsten ganz nah bei seinen Menschen ist.
Sobald wir aber draußen im Wald sind, erwacht der alte Arbeitshund in ihm. Sein Jagdtrieb ist nicht zu unterschätzen – er reagiert sofort auf jede Bewegung im Unterholz und fängt leidenschaftlich an zu graben, wenn er eine Fährte wittert. Da er früher für die lautlose Jagd unter der Erde gezüchtet wurde, jagt er meist völlig ohne Vorwarnung und ohne zu bellen. Man muss ihn also immer genau im Auge behalten und vorausschauend spazieren gehen.
Thomas K., Halter aus Oberbayern (Rüde, seit 2018)
Was mich an dieser Rasse fasziniert, ist dieser extrem robuste Charakter in einem kompakten Körper. Unser Hund ist unerschrocken, mutig und hat einen ziemlichen Dickkopf. Wenn er etwas nicht will, schlägt die typische Terrier-Sturheit voll durch. Man braucht in der Erziehung wirklich viel Geduld, Humor und vor allem Konsequenz, denn blinder Gehorsam liegt ihm einfach nicht.
Ein wichtiger Punkt, den man vor dem Kauf wissen sollte, ist die Gesundheit. Da es sich um eine sehr seltene Rasse mit einem speziellen, niederläufigen Körperbau handelt, muss man gut auf die Gelenke achten und Übergewicht unbedingt vermeiden. Auch das Thema PRA (Progressive Retinaatrophie), eine erbliche Augenerkrankung, ist in der Rassegeschichte bekannt, weshalb wir penibel darauf geachtet haben, einen Welpen von einem verantwortungsvollen Züchter zu bekommen, der die Elterntiere regelmäßig untersuchen lässt.
Birgit S., Halterin aus der Lüneburger Heide (Hündin, seit 2022)
Für uns ist unsere Hündin die perfekte Begleiterin, weil sie so unglaublich anpassungsfähig und unkompliziert im Alltag ist. Sie ist extrem pflegeleicht, haart kaum und lässt sich problemlos überallhin mitnehmen, sei es ins Restaurant oder in den Urlaub. Sie ist wachsam und passt gut auf unser Grundstück auf, ist dabei aber erfreulicherweise überhaupt kein Kläffer.
Man darf allerdings nicht vergessen, dass das raue Fell regelmäßig gepflegt werden muss. Wir bürsten sie mehrmals pro Woche gründlich durch und lassen sie zweimal im Jahr fachgerecht trimmen, damit das Fell wetterfest bleibt und nicht verfilzt. Wer einen treuen, urwüchsigen und charmanten Hund sucht, der nicht an jeder Ecke zu sehen ist, wird mit dieser seltenen irischen Rasse absolut glücklich.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
Is a Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier the right dog for me?
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier live?
The average life expectancy of a Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier need?
Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier good for families with children?
The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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