Glen of Imaal Terrier

GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 33-36cm (l4”).
Colour: Blue, Brindle or Wheaten.
Coat: Harsh outercoat with a soft undercoat. Normally untrimmed, the coat may be tidied up for show.
Gait: Free flowing and ground covering with plenty of hind propulsion.
These long bodied terriers give an impression of strength and substance. The well defined stop and widely set round eyes separate the broad skull and powerful muzzle. The small ears are either rose shaped or half pricked when alert (never fully erect or dropped). The deep body is slightly longer than the shoulder height and the back rises slightly to the strong loin. The well boned forelegs must be bowed and the compact forefeet may turn slightly out. The strong hindquarters must be well angulated at the stifle, and the strong tail must be carried gaily and may or may not be docked.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
True to their terrier heritage, this breed is hardy and game, but at the same time they are completely adaptable and docile in the home. In Ireland, they still combine their work as a hunter with that of the role of pet and protector of children. The coat needs periodic grooming with a pin or strong bristle brush that will penetrate through to the undercoat.
HISTORY
This tough terrier hailed from the Irish Glen of Imaal in the County of Wicklow from where it takes its name. Its fame lies in its expertise in hunting, badgers, foxes, otters and rats and it has been claimed that the Irish also used them for fighting. While relatively common in their country of origin, the fame of this breed has not spread widely around the world.