Glen of Imaal Terrier
Sturdy, spirited, and affectionate, this breed thrives as a loyal companion and playful family member. Renowned for their strong work ethic and adaptable nature.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
35.5–36.5 cm (male)
33–35.5 cm (female)
WEIGHT
15–16 kg (male)
13–15 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
10–14 years
Glen of Imaal Terrier: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Glen of Imaal Terrier isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Glen of Imaal Terrier's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is typically gentle, loyal, and less excitable than many terrier breeds, yet remains courageous and spirited. They are good companions and tend to be affectionate with family.
Key Personality Traits
Affectionate with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, responds well to training
Moderate energy, enjoys regular daily walks
Enjoys games and interactive playtime
Adjusts well to various home environments
Strengths
- Loyal to family members
- Good with respectful children
- Moderate exercise needs
- Low-shedding, easy-care coat
- Strong problem-solving ability
Challenges
- Prone to stubbornness during training
- Can be dog-aggressive if unsocialized
- Needs firm, consistent leadership
- Strong prey drive toward small animals
- Can be vocal when alerting
Protect your Glen of Imaal Terrier
Glen of Imaal Terrier can develop hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Glen of Imaal Terriers are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and learns quickly, but can be somewhat independent and stubborn. Consistent, positive training methods and early socialization help bring out their best responsiveness.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
45–60 minutes daily
recommended per day
Glen of Imaal Terriers have moderate exercise needs, enjoying daily walks and playtime. They benefit from both physical activity and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and maintain their overall well-being.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Glen of Imaal Terriers are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Glen of Imaal Terrier would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Generally manageable with patient, consistent training and early socialization
Apartment Living
Moderate size and calm demeanor fit well in apartments with daily walks
Active Lifestyle
Enjoys activity but doesn't require excessive exercise to stay content
Kids
Playful and sturdy, often gentle with young children when supervised
Multiple Pets
May show dominance toward other dogs without careful introductions
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral problems
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Glen of Imaal Terriers compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Glen of Imaal Terrier
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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