Unrefined Versatility – The Glen of Imaal Terrier

Unrefined Versatility – The Glen of Imaal Terrier

Along the remote, rugged terrain of the Wicklow Mountains, Ireland, the Glen of Imaal, is the birthplace of a charming terrier breed: the Glen of Imaal Terrier. Bred to rid the farm of vermin and hunt fox and badger, the Glen of Imaal Terrier was an all-around farm dog; intelligent, bold, and spirited.

Developed as a result of crossing native Irish dogs with the hounds of Flemish and lowland soldiers sent to Ireland by Queen Elizabeth I in the 1570s, the Glen of Imaal Terrier still maintains today the “antique” features of the breed, with their large heads and rough and ready appearance noted in the AKC Breed Standard: “Unrefined to this day, the breed still possesses ‘antique’ features once common to many early terrier types …” The unique features of the Glen, with their large heads, sturdy build, and bowed front legs, set the Glen apart from their Irish cousins, the Kerry Blue, the Irish, and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.

The Glen truly is a big dog on short legs, with the Standard calling for 12.5-14-inch height at the withers, weighing 30-35 pounds, and a 5 by 3 ratio of length to height. The Glen of Imaal Terrier should always give the appearance of maximum substance for size.

When one thinks of versatile dogs in events, the picture is often Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers, along with dogs from the Working or Herding Groups. Rare breeds and terriers often do not come to mind. However, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is such a breed; versatile and inquisitive. With their sturdy build and well-proportioned, muscular bodies, the Glen is ready for most any adventure. Ground and earthwork come naturally to most terriers, with vermin chasing being a favorite pastime of Glens.

Glens have a softer side as well and have often been described as the “un-terrier” and even the “couch potato terrier” due to the Glen’s laid-back nature when at home around the family and children. Perhaps this is why the Glen’s gameness and versatility in dog sports seems like a living contradiction. The Glen is happy to go from relaxing on the couch to chasing vermin, to running Agility, making them a well-adjusted and compatible breed for households.

Terriers are often misunderstood in general and are often mislabeled as stubborn when, in fact, their intelligence makes them independent thinkers who will go out and find a job on their own if left to their own devices. Terriers do not need humans to help them hunt and kill vermin, since it is their very nature, but that intelligence can be harnessed for good. With the right methods, Glens show their brilliance and are highly trainable and competitive in a variety of dog sports.

Intelligent dogs like Glens do best with positive training methods using treats and rewards without harsh methods. Glens react dramatically to scolding or harsh treatment—and who can blame them? An intelligent dog understands there must be something in it for them to work and train. Glens also do not enjoy repeating the same task over and over in training drills, as they can become bored as if to say, “I have already performed what you asked, move on!” Repeated drills of behavior are demotivating for most terriers and the dog will try to add a new spin on the exercise. Training sessions should be short, positive, and fulfilling for the Glen. In spite of their independent nature, Glens love to please their humans and are quite comical.

Glens remain a rare breed with around 1,000 Glens in the US, so seeing a Glen is still a treasure. A contingent of Glens are making their presence known at Performance events. Today there are several Glen of Imaal Terriers competing in a variety of dog sports, including Agility, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Barn Hunt, Earthdog, and Coursing Ability/Fast CAT. Reviewing AKC title reports for the year 2024 shows 102 titles earned by Glens. Indeed, a growing number of Glens are proving that the breed is versatile. Glens are more than just a pretty face!

Here is a look at a few Glens out there doing it all and showing how versatile the breed can be.

First is Liam, GCHB CH Tipperary Ballyfinboy Liam Of Cnoc CD BN RAE OAP AJP OFP JE BCAT ACT2 RATN TKI AT who with his owner, Laura Trainor, a longtime Glen owner, was invited and attended the 2024 AKC Agility Invitational as No. 1 Glen of Imaal Terrier for 2023. As you can see, Liam exemplifies the titles on both ends for the breed!

Next up is Hattie, GCH CH Daulton’s Princess C Hatteras RE FDC OA NAJ OJP NF CAA THDX RATO CGCA CGCU TKN. Along with all of her magnificent accomplishments, Hattie completed her Therapy Dog Excellent title in May of 2024, completing more than 200 visits with children at school, helping kids learn with her owner and school teacher, Charlene Lorek. Hattie embodies the description describing Glen temperament in the AKC Breed Standard: “Game and spirited with great courage when called upon, otherwise gentle and docile.”

Newt, Finnabair Hooligan RN FDC FCAT SCN SHDN RATS CGC TKA FITB FTI JE SWN, is a two-year-old Glen excelling in multiple dog sports along with his new-to-dog-sports owner, Lauren Colby. This team was invited to the AKC Fast CAT Invitational in 2024 and garnered bragging rights as Best of Breed for Glen of Imaal Terriers in Fast CAT. Newt’s AKC registered name speaks for itself when you think of a versatile dog. Ms. Colby says Newt’s favorite sports involve ratting, a dog true to his Breed Standard for temperament: “Although generally less easily excited than other terriers, the Glen is always ready to give chase.”

Several talented Glen of Imaal Terriers are out and about each weekend showing just how versatile the breed is, and if you are lucky enough you just might see one of these treasured Glens out there strutting their stuff.

For more information about Glen of Imaal Terriers, be sure to visit the parent club page: https://glens.org/.