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Glen of Imaal Terrier
Terrier breed from Glen of Imaal, County Wicklow, Ireland
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Glen of Imaal Terrier
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a medium-sized, sturdy terrier with a harsh, weather-resistant double coat. Its temperament is described as courageous, gentle, loyal, intelligent, and spirited. Individual dogs may vary, so these traits are general tendencies. The breed's energy, trainability, grooming, and shedding are each rated 3 on a 1–5 scale, indicating moderate levels. It is moderately suitable for children and other dogs (score 3) and less suited to apartment living (score 2). Adult weight is estimated at 15–18 kg for both sexes, height 32–36 cm, and lifespan 10–15 years. All measurements are modelled estimates and should be treated as approximate.
Quick facts
Glen of Imaal Terrier at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupTerrier
OriginGlen of Imaal, County Wicklow, Ireland
Lifespan10–15 years
Male weight15–18 kilogram
Female weight15–18 kilogram
Male height32–36 centimetre
Female height32–36 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Glen of Imaal Terrier takes its name from the Glen of Imaal valley in County Wicklow, Ireland. It was developed as an all-around farm dog, used for hunting badgers and foxes, eradicating vermin, and historically employed as a turnspit dog. The breed's exact origins are not documented in the supplied facts, but it is known to have been shaped by the rugged Irish mountains. Recognition status varies by registry: the Irish Kennel Club recognized it in 1934 and the American Kennel Club in 2004, but other registries may differ. No specific working purpose or historical events beyond these are provided.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
15–18 kilogramAdult weight32–36 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesDouble coat, Harsh, Weather-resistantCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Courageousgentleloyalintelligentspirited
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Glen of Imaal Terrier-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
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Growth chart
Glen of Imaal Terrier puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight15–18 kilogramAdult female weight15–18 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Glen of Imaal Terrier?
Adult weight is estimated at 15–18 kg for both males and females, and height at 32–36 cm. Lifespan is estimated at 10–15 years. These are modelled estimates and should be considered approximate.
What is the temperament of this breed?
The breed is described as courageous, gentle, loyal, intelligent, and spirited. However, individual dogs may vary, and these are general tendencies rather than guarantees.
How much exercise does a Glen of Imaal Terrier need?
Its energy level is rated 3 out of 5, indicating moderate exercise needs. Regular daily activity is recommended, but specific requirements are not detailed in the supplied facts.
What are the grooming requirements?
Grooming is rated 3 out of 5, suggesting moderate effort. The coat is a harsh, weather-resistant double coat. Shedding is also rated 3, meaning moderate shedding.
Is this breed suitable for families with children or other dogs?
Child suitability and dog compatibility are both rated 3 out of 5, indicating moderate suitability. Individual temperament and socialization play a significant role.
Can a Glen of Imaal Terrier live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is rated 2 out of 5, suggesting it is less suited to apartment living. It may do better with access to a yard, but individual needs vary.
Where does the Glen of Imaal Terrier originate?
It originates from the Glen of Imaal valley in County Wicklow, Ireland. It was developed as a farm dog for hunting and vermin control, and historically used as a turnspit dog.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.