Apartment fit
The Glen can be a good apartment terrier when exercise, grooming, and barking routines are managed.
TerrierSmall
Ireland
IrelandGlen of Imaal Terrier
Weight
32-40 lb
Height
12.5-14 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Coat
Double Medium
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a low, sturdy Irish terrier from County Wicklow, calmer than many terriers but still game, strong, and independent.
Low, substantial Irish terrierUsually calmer than many terriersWheaten, blue, or brindle rough coatStrong prey drive and independent streak
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Irish Glen of Imaal TerrierGlen
GameSpiritedGentleCourageousIndependent
Weight
32-40 lb
Height
12.5-14 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Coat
Double Medium
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
Moderate
Barking
Moderate
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Low
Grooming
3/5
First-time owner
Yes
Overview
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is one of Ireland's native terrier breeds, developed in the Glen of Imaal in County Wicklow. It is low to the ground, heavy for its height, and built for hard work such as vermin control and farm tasks. The breed is often quieter and less frantic than many terriers, but it is still a genuine working terrier with courage and prey drive.
The Glen has a harsh medium-length outer coat with a softer undercoat. Standard colors include wheaten, blue, and brindle. The rough, practical coat needs brushing and periodic stripping or tidying, but it should not look sculpted or overdone.
A Glen can suit a prepared home that wants a sturdy, affectionate terrier with a more deliberate style. Owners should protect the back and front assembly during growth, avoid high-impact jumping in puppies, and ask breeders about hip, elbow, and PRA crd3 testing.
Temperament & Personality
GameSpiritedGentleCourageousIndependent
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a game, spirited, gentle companion, with daily rhythms shaped by moderate energy, moderate barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Double
Coat length
Medium
Shedding
Low
Colors
Wheaten, Blue, Brindle
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs2/5
Good with Strangers3/5
Apartment Friendly4/5
Exercise Needs3/5
Grooming Needs3/5
Trainability3/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- A home-friendly apartment match
- A more forgiving first ownership experience
Plan ahead for
- 3/5 exercise needs
- low shedding and coat upkeep
- moderate barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- owners wanting a sturdy low terrier
- apartments or small homes with daily walks
- families with respectful children
- people comfortable with terrier prey drive
Not ideal for
- homes with loose small pets
- owners wanting instant off-leash reliability
- people unwilling to groom a rough coat
- families that allow rough jumping or handling
Common challenges
- prey drive
- stubborn terrier decisions
- protecting joints and back during growth
- rough-coat maintenance
Barking & behavior
Glens may alert, dig, or chase. Give them legal outlets for sniffing and digging, and reward calm quiet behavior early.
Training style
Use patient rewards and practical household rules. The breed can be independent, so short useful sessions work better than pressure.
Grooming & shedding
Brush weekly, strip or tidy periodically, and check beard, feet, and ears after outdoor activity.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most Glens need steady daily walks, play, and terrier-style enrichment, but they usually do not need the frantic mileage of some lighter terriers. Avoid repeated high jumping, especially while young.
Grooming
Brush the rough coat weekly and plan for periodic hand-stripping or coat tidying. Check beard, feet, ears, nails, and skin after muddy walks or digging.
Training
Use patient, reward-based training with clear household rules. Recall, handling, polite greetings, and management around small animals should start early.
Nutrition
Feed measured portions and keep the dog lean. Extra weight is hard on a low, heavy-bodied terrier.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
Moderate
Barking level
Moderate
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
4/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather3/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Progressive retinal atrophy crd3Hip dysplasiaElbow dysplasiaAngular limb deformityObesity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier a good family dog?
Yes, many Glens are affectionate family dogs when children are respectful and the dog is not expected to tolerate rough handling. Supervision still matters because the breed is strong and terrier-minded.
Can a Glen of Imaal Terrier live in an apartment?
Yes, it can work in an apartment if walks, enrichment, and barking management are consistent. The Glen is compact and often quieter than many terriers.
How much exercise does a Glen of Imaal Terrier need?
Most adults need moderate daily exercise, such as walks, play, and sniffing games. They need activity, but they are not usually endurance terriers.
Does the Glen of Imaal Terrier shed?
Shedding is usually low, but the rough double coat needs brushing and periodic stripping or tidying to stay healthy.
What colors can a Glen of Imaal Terrier be?
Standard colors are wheaten, blue, and brindle.
Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier good with other dogs?
It can live with other dogs when socialized, but terrier selectivity is possible. Careful introductions and supervision are important.
What health problems should Glen owners watch for?
Important watchouts include PRA crd3, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, angular limb issues, and obesity.
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