At a glance the quick version
FCI gives about 16 kg for males with females somewhat lighter; Purina UK gives 14-16 kg.
Coat and looks how to spot one
rough double coat
A medium-length harsh topcoat over a soft undercoat, which can be tidied for a neat look. The dog is sturdy and low to the ground, longer than tall, with a strong head and half-pricked or rose ears.142
Personality what they are like
Gentle and easygoing at home yet brave and determined when there is a job to do. It is less excitable and less vocal than many terriers, loves joining in family activities, and responds best to kind, consistent, reward-based training.1324
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. The RKC suggests up to an hour a day and Purina one to two hours of walking; it can also enjoy dog sports. Keep it on a lead in unfenced areas as it likes to chase.54
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Comb through to the skin regularly (weekly to daily) to prevent matting; the coat sheds little and is traditionally hand-stripped once or twice a year.452
Home where they are happiest
Suits country living but is happy with a small to medium garden.5
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced commercial or vet-guided diet suited to the dog's size, age and activity level, with portions adjusted to keep a lean, athletic shape and fresh water always available.
Company who they like around
A devoted family dog that is good with children; early socialisation helps with other dogs and small pets.24
The story where it all began
Hardy farm terriers from the remote Glen of Imaal were kept to control foxes, badgers and rats, and some worked turning spits in kitchen wheels. The breed came close to disappearing, was recognised by the Irish Kennel Club in 1934, and has since spread to the UK, USA and Canada.124
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Glens can do a "Glen sit", sitting upright on their hind legs like a meerkat.2
- 2
They were once used as turnspit dogs, running in a wheel to turn meat over the fire.4
- 3
The breed can take up to about four years to fully mature.2
- 4
DNA studies place the Glen closer to mastiff-type dogs than to most other terriers.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier; Group 3 (Terriers), Section 1 Large and medium sized Terriers. Standard dated 20 September 2024.1
- Irish Kennel Club
- Recognised in 1934.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Terrier group; listed as a vulnerable native breed.5
- AKC
- Terrier Group; recognised in 2004.2
- Canadian Kennel Club
- Recognised in 2017.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Glen of Imaal Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard, Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier fci.beused for recognition, size, weight, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Glen of Imaal Terrier, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, recognition years, height, fun facts
- AKC, Glen of Imaal Terrier akc.orgused for origin, temperament
- Purina UK, Glen of Imaal Terrier purina.co.ukused for weight, lifespan, exercise, grooming, fun facts
- The Royal Kennel Club, Glen of Imaal Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for recognition, exercise, grooming, living needs
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.