The Glen
of Imaal Terrier
The Glen
of Imaal Terrier is a breed of dog of the terrier category. It originates
in Wicklow, Ireland, and was developed as a working terrier, proficient
in badger-baiting and hunting of fox.The
Glen of Imaal Terrier, though normally docile, can sometimes be dog-aggressive
if provoked. There have been no reported serious injuries caused by
the breed, but their hunting background is visible in some of the
dogs. This means that some Glens have a high prey drive and might
mistake domestic pets for prey (e.g., cats, rats, gerbils, etc.)
The
Glen of Imaal is classified as a medium-sized dog. When full grown,
the average Glen of Imaal weighs approximately 16 kg (35 lbs) and
stands 35.5 cm (14 in) tall at the withers. The breed has a medium-length
coat that is usually wheaten, blue, or brindle in color.
The
Glen of Imaal Terrier was initially bred to rid the home and farm
of vermin, and hunt fox and badger. The European badger weighs in
at 40 lbs and the Glen was tough and strong enough to go to ground
and dispatch the vermin soundlessly.
According
to legend the Glen of Imaal also has a unique task which it was expressly
designed for: it was a turnspit dog. The turnspit was a large wheel
which, when paddled by the dog, would turn the spit over the hearth--a
canine-propelled rotisserie, if you will. The Glen’s highly
individualized bowed front legs and powerful hindquarters were ideally
suited for this. For several hundred years, these hearty dogs performed
their tasks unnoticed by all except those who treasured them. With
the advent of dog shows in the 20th century, the breed began to emerge
into the public eye. In 1934, the Glen of Imaal Terrier was given
full recognition by the Irish Kennel Club. It was the third of the
four Irish terrier breeds to be so acknowledged. The breed is now
recognized by the Kennel Club of Great Britain, FCI, and several rare
breed associations. In America the Glen was fully recognized and entered
the Terrier Group in October 2004 though the hard efforts of members
of the Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America. There
are 500-600 Glens registered in the United States.
The
Glen is a big dog on short legs. It stands up to 14" at the withers
(the point where the neck meets the back) and weighs between 32-40
lbs. It should always give the impression of great substance for its
size. Longer than tall, it carries a double coat: a harsher outer
coat and a soft under coat. The topknot and furnishings are softer.
Its front legs are bowed--like Chippendale furniture -- with front
feet pointing to 10 and 2 o’clock.turning . Its ears are rose
or semi-prick when alert. Its unique topline rises to a strong loin,
with no dip or slackness behind the withers and no drop-off at the
croup. The hindquarters are extraordinarily well-muscled. The docked
tail is set high and carried erect. Accepted colors are wheaten (any
shade), blue, and brindle, the most commonly seen being blue brindle,
(the most desirable being a bleu brindle a mixture of dark-slate blue,
lighter blue undercoat and hints of tan.
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