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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-baiting and hunting of fox.
The history of the breed finds its roots in the starkly beautiful Glen of Imaal in County Wicklow. Like its three Irish cousins--the Kerry Blue Terrier, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Irish Terrier--the Glen of Imaal Terrier was initially bred to rid the home and farm of vermin, and hunt fox and badger. The European badger weighs in at 40 lbs and the Glen was tough and strong enough to go to ground and dispatch the vermin soundlessly.
According to legend the Glen of Imaal also has a unique task which it was expressly designed for: it was a turnspit dog. The turnspit was a large wheel which, when paddled by the dog, would turn the spit over the hearth--a canine-propelled rotisserie, if you will. The Glen’s highly individualized bowed front legs and powerful hindquarters were ideally suited for this. For several hundred years, these hearty dogs performed their tasks unnoticed by all except those who treasured them. With the advent of dog shows in the 20th century, the breed began to emerge into the public eye.
In 1934, the Glen of Imaal Terrier was given full recognition by the Irish Kennel Club. It was the third of the four Irish terrier breeds to be so acknowledged. The breed is now recognized by the Kennel Club of Great Britain, FCI, and several rare breed associations. In America the Glen was fully recognized and entered the Terrier Group in October 2004 though the hard efforts of members of the Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America. There are 500-600 Glens registered in the United States.
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 coat that
is usually wheaten, blue, or brindle in color.
The Glen is a big dog on short legs. It stands up to 14" at the withers (the point where the neck meets the back) and weighs between 32-40 lbs. It should always give the impression of great substance for its size. Longer than tall, it carries a double coat: a harsher outer coat and a soft under coat. The topknot and furnishings are softer.
Its front legs are bowed--like Chippendale furniture -- with front feet pointing to 10 and 2 o’clock.turning . Its ears are rose or semi-prick when alert. Its unique topline rises to a strong loin, with no dip or slackness behind the withers and no drop-off at the croup. The hindquarters are extraordinarily well-muscled. The docked tail is set high and carried erect. Accepted colors are wheaten (any shade), blue, and brindle, the most commonly seen being blue brindle, (the most desirable being a bleu brindle a mixture of dark-slate blue, lighter blue undercoat and hints of tan.
Temperment: The Glen of Imaal Terrier, though
normally docile, is known to show aggression to humans when
even mildly provoked. There have been no reported serious
injuries caused by the breed, but their hunting background is
visible in some of the dogs.
Health: Many sources cite that the Glen is free of hereditary defects. This is probably a gross overstatement. Any breed of dog carries recessive genes for a host of universal canine defects that can and will emerge. It is true, however, that the Glen has been particularly fortunate in this regard...SO FAR!
Incidents of an eye disorder, PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) have been reported. Extensive testing of American stock confirmed that the incidents of the disease are isolated so far. All breeding stock should test clear or not be bred. However, current testing only detects afflicted stock, not carriers. We hope to benefit from current DNA research being done at Cornell University here in America which will enable breeders to do a simple DNA test to identify carriers. There is a similar DNA research program going on in the UK as well.
Hip dysplasia, common to most breeds, has been identified in Glens as well. Testing for it by x-ray is done by respected breeders. In fact, breeders with the Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America sign a breeders Code of Ethics stating that all their breeding stock is tested prior to breeding. Breeders are also committed to a frank exchange of information and submit test results to an international data base.
A common problem among all terriers, and the Glen is no exception, are skin irritations. In most cases, the eruptions are a result of flea allergies. There appears to be a genetic predisposition to such allergic reactions. Your breeder can provide you with history of this problem—if it exists- in the lines of his/her breeding program.
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