7 things to know before owning a Glen of Imaal Terrier

Glen of Imaal Terrier, or Glen for short, is one of the four native terriers from Ireland. This breed was developed in Glen of Imaal, Wicklow County, one of Ireland's mountainous areas. Unlike most other terriers, these canines were initially bred to eradicate pests and developed to hunt without making any noise. The small stature of the Glen of Imaal Terrier adds to the endearing quality of this dog's appearance. The dog's brown eyes are tiny, and its ears are similarly sized but fold inward and droop.

Additionally, its tail is small, docked, and covered in fur. You'll fall in love with these dogs at first sight for sure. Here are the top things to consider when taking one of these pups home!

These dogs are pretty sweet and gentle but relatively passive.

These little dogs are the sweeter versions of their Terrier kin, yet they retain all the charm and charisma. Glen of Imaal Terriers' disposition is generally considered mild and submissive. But don't be fooled, though; they're still brave and independent.

Instead of digging holes or running after things, a Glen of Imaal Terrier will rather chill out with its human or canine family. The calm and pleasant companion he is when he's not hunting or chasing is a big surprise.

However, they display impressive bravery when it's time to become alert, enthusiastic, and absorbed in their actions. Despite this, they are renowned for being friendly with humans and make very devoted and affectionate pets for families. The Glens are known to be loyal, kind, and courageous pets.

They don't demand much attention but still love to spend time with you.

While Glens enjoy their amusing antics and don't require constant attention, they are devoted to their owners and have a deep sense of loyalty toward them.

They are not suited to life as backyard pets because they do poorly when alone for extended periods. If you don't accept it into your home as a family member, it may turn out to be a sad, restless, noisy, and destructive annoyance rather than a joyful, well-behaved companion.

The Glens are pretty easy to groom and maintain.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is pretty easy to maintain since they don't shed as much. Regular brushing and bathing help reduce their shedding. If their outer coat isn't combed and brushed regularly, it might develop mats, grow longer, and form tangles. Brushing once or twice weekly is recommended.

As a further measure, you should trim your Glen's coat twice or thrice a year to eliminate the dead hair that doesn't fall out on its own. These dogs must be washed once a month or more if they get dirty. Make sure to clean their ears occasionally. Inspect them weekly to check for wax buildup and infections. Also, make sure to brush their teeth and trim their nails regularly.

These dogs are less energetic than other terriers.

As a breed, Glens are a bit more chill than most terriers. However, they still need a fair amount of exercise to have a healthy and happy life. The level of exercise required by these dogs is low to moderate. Also, they aren't the type to join you on long runs like many other canine companions. Playing with these dogs for just 30 minutes a day is more than enough.

Remember to prevent your Glen puppy from engaging in any physical exercise that could put unnecessary stress on the joints of their developing front legs. Be mindful of their limited stamina, and avoid overexerting them during exercise.

When taking your Glen outside, always have it on a leash or in a gated yard. In the presence of potential prey, because of their high prey drive, animals of this breed may bolt in pursuit. It is in his DNA to chase all dogs, cats, tiny pets, and furry wildlife he encounters.

Glens are intelligent and highly trainable.

The Glen is a highly adaptable, intelligent, and trainable dog. That's why it's essential to train them for only a little while using enjoyable exercises. They pick up new tricks quickly, making training a breeze, but they can get bored with the same exercises as other terriers.

Due to their terrier heritage, these pets can also display strong personalities. Instead of scolding them, try using positive reinforcement methods like treats and praise.

They need early socialization.

Without proper socialization training, Glens might become timid around new people. Glens, like dogs and cats, can coexist peacefully with other pets if socialized and trained together as puppies or kittens.

However, as expected of a terrier, they frequently need to chase after something that moves. That's why, if they see another pet and think it's prey, they could act aggressively toward it.

Generally speaking, Glen of Imaal terriers are friendly and outgoing after they've been adequately socialized and trained to do so, but sometimes they misjudge the size of other animals and have trouble getting along with other dogs.

They need a diet fit for moderately active dogs.

Always maintain a constant supply of fresh water for your Glen, and make sure to provide them with high-quality dog food that is rich in protein around twice a day. Because of their small size and moderate activity level, many owners of these dogs accidentally overfeed them.

While treats have their place in training, too many can lead to weight gain and impede training progress. They enjoy various food, including dairy, meat, and grains.

These dogs are generally robust but can be prone to some genetic disorders.

A Glen is susceptible to the same diseases that strike other dogs, such as rabies, parvo, and distemper, but proper vaccinations can prevent this. The lifespan of a healthy and vigorous Glen of Imaal Terrier is between 10 and 15 years; nonetheless, the breed is predisposed to developing some hereditary issues. This includes hip and elbow dysplasia, dystrophy, progressive retinal atrophy, hyperadrenocorticism, patellar luxation, cardiovascular disease, and kidney failure.

They are not ideal for very young children.

Even though Glens like children, they can be challenging to handle for younger children and could even harm them by toppling them over. Though gentle in appearance, these canines may be rather powerful.

It's easy to go overboard when playing with infants and toddlers. They have a soft spot for children, especially those who enjoy being active. These dogs have an insatiable need to play, and the unbridled enthusiasm of an older child is the perfect match for a Terrier's playful spirit.

An adult should always be present when this dog is around a young child.

However, it is good to know that none of these dogs will ever bite, pull, or scratch.

They can adjust to any living arrangement.

Glen of Imaal Terriers may thrive in either urban apartments or suburban homes with large lawns; nevertheless, owners should remember that this breed enjoys digging and playing chase. That's why it's crucial to confine their playtime to an area that is securely walled off.

Apartment life with a Glen of Imaal terrier is manageable because the breed is generally tolerant of human company and routines. They don't bark much, yet their deep, alert bark is distinctive. Due to its modest size, low activity requirements, and the fact that it is one of the calmer terriers, it is an excellent choice for city life.

They are not very good swimmers.

Always be wary of leaving Glens unattended near water or swimming pools. Their tiny legs and heavy frames make swimming difficult, despite their fondness for the water. That said, Glen of Imaal Terriers is not the best swimming buddy. So, they should wear a properly fitted lifejacket when in the water.

Ironically, the Glen of Imaal Terrier has a weatherproof double coat consisting of a rough outer coat and a soft undercoat. Due to their tendency to overheat, Glen of Imaal Terriers has difficulty surviving in warm climates and surroundings.

They were initially bred as hunting dogs.

Dogs of the Glen of Imaal Terrier breed were first developed for hunting. For the past decade, they have been considered reliable hunters of foxes and small rodents. Today, most people who get a Glen of Imaal Terrier for their family utilize him as a pet, but some dog owners continue to put their pets' primary purpose, hunting.

They can be pretty aggressive with other dogs.

Because of their aggressive and stubborn character, these dogs frequently engage in canine fights. However, as a family member, it is incredibly protective of its human companions and displays extreme loyalty and intelligence.

In a household with cats or other small animals, the Glen of Imaal Terrier may not fare well. These canines are notoriously reclusive, especially with other dogs of any size. The Glen's hunting instincts are so powerful that they will pursue after much anything small, furry, and on the move.

They are not excessive barkers.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier's lack of barking is one of its best qualities. It follows that this dog is ideal if you want a quiet companion. This is perfect if you reside in a somewhat densely populated area and do not wish to cause unnecessary disturbances.

These dogs are less likely to bark than other terriers do, a trait that may stem from their original function as stealthy hunters. They do best in lively settings, and keeping your Glen of Imaal busy by having it play with energetic kids is a great idea.

In the proper household, the Glen of Imaal Terrier makes a wonderful pet. They can develop behavioral issues, including destructiveness, stress digging, and anxiety, if not properly taken care of. To make sure that your home is suitable for the lively, loving Glen of Imaal Terrier, you need to think about your lifestyle before getting one. Glens are fantastic since they are friendly, obedient, and simple to care for. They are also easygoing workers and loving friends, making them a great choice if you're looking for a dog.