The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a breed of dog of the terrier category. It originates in Wicklow, Ireland, and was developed as a working terrier, proficient in badger-drawing and hunting of fox. When Elizabeth I was having problems in Ireland she hired French and Hessian soldiers to go and solve the problem; they settled in the Wicklow area in the Glen of Imaal. They brought with them their low slung hounds which they bred with the Irish terrier stock developing the Glen of Imaal Terrier as a general working dog, used for herding and eradicating vermin, especially fox and badger.
Appearance
The Glen of Imaal is classified as a medium-sized dog. When full grown, the average Glen of Imaal weighs approximately 16 kg (35 lbs) and stands 35.5 cm (14 in) tall at the withers. The breed has a medium-length double coat that is harsh on top and soft below. The coat is wheaten, blue, or brindle in colour. The breed also does not moult. Glens have a large head and short, bowed legs with a raised topline. The Glen of Imaal puppies have black highlights in their fur. Eventually, the black will fade and their full wheaten coat will come in. The breed is also slow to mature, taking up to four years; it goes through three growing stages before reaching maturity.
Health
Generally very strong and healthy, the breed can be prone to progressive retinal atrophy (a disease of the eyes) in a very small number of cases, and may possibly have heart problems (though there is only one recorded case). It is also a breed that requires a low protein diet after the age of twelve months.
Temperament
The Glen of Imaal Terrier, though normally docile, can sometimes be aggressive if provoked. There have been no reported serious injuries caused by the breed, but they are still a hunting terrier. This means that Glens have a high prey drive and might mistake domestic pets (cats, rats, gerbils, etc.) for prey. However, the Glen is highly intelligent and quite easily trained, so if properly trained and common sense is applied, this is generally not a problem. When hunting, they must work mute to ground as they are a strong dog, not a sounding terrier.
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