Glen of Imaal Terrier — breed guide
A low, heavy-boned Irish terrier bred to work badger silently — the one terrier here that genuinely is not a barker.
At a glance
- Group
- terrier
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 14–16 kg (31–35 lb)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Harsh, medium-length coat with a soft undercoat
Living with a Glen of Imaal Terrier
- Moderate energy — a proper walk every day.
- Regular grooming — brushing a few times a week.
- Light shedding.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Quiet.
- Good with children.
- Usually fine with a familiar dog; strange dogs need managing.
- Not a safe bet with cats — this is prey drive rather than a training problem.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Handles cold well.
Temperament
Gutsy · Quiet for a terrier · Stoic · Gentle at home
Health to watch
- Progressive retinal atrophy (crd3)
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Glen of Imaal Terrier good with kids?
Generally yes. Glen of Imaal Terriers are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Glen of Imaal Terrier good with cats?
Usually not. This is prey drive rather than a training problem — a cat that runs can trigger it in a dog that is otherwise impeccably behaved.
How much exercise does a Glen of Imaal Terrier need?
A real walk every day, around 30–60 minutes.
Can a Glen of Imaal Terrier handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Glen of Imaal Terrier's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.