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Glen Of Imaal Terrier

H i s t o r y

Brief Historical Summary: Like many dogs in the terrier group, not really appreciated by gentlemen sportsmen before the middle of the 19th century, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is an old breed which was simply ignored for a long time. It was very much a local dog, confined to the bleak area of the Glen of Imaal, County Wicklow. The farmers of this area, who were descended from soldiers given land in the 16th and 17th centuries as payment for service rendered to the British Crown, had to utilize their natural cunning and dexterity to survive in this harsh terrain. A dog, who could not pull his weight in the day-to-day struggle for existence would not be tolerated. They would spend long hours propelling dog wheels, and was often pitted against other dogs in the dubious sport of dog fighting, a custom now long disappeared. Before the Glen of Imaal Terrier became known at dog shows, it had evolved through generations of hard work into the strong, sturdy dog we know today. The Irish Kennel Club gave official recognition to the breed in 1933 and a club to promote its interests was soon formed. , .

General Appearance: *** Medium size dog, with a medium length coat, great strength with the impression of maximum substance for the size of the dog.

Proportion: *** Body longer than high.

Height: *** Dogs 14 inches (35.5 cm) at the withers, Bitches: accordingly less.

Weight *** Dogs 35 lbs. (16. kg) Bitches: accordingly less.

Behavior: *** Temperament: Active, agile and silent when working. Game and spirited with great courage when called upon, otherwise gentle and docile

Color: *** Blue brindle, but not toning to black, wheaten, from a light wheaten color to a golden reddish shade. Puppies usually born true to type. Masks are usually an inky blue, there may be a streak of blue down back, on tails and ears. The darker markings will clear with maturity

Coat: *** Medium length, of harsh texture with soft undercoat.

Characteristics *** Active, agile and silent when working. Native of County Wicklow and named after the Glen of Imaal.

Temperament *** Game and spirited with great courage when called upon, otherwise gentle and docile.

Head and Skull *** Of good width and fair length with powerful foreface. Muzzle to taper towards nose. Well defined stop. Nose black.

Eyes *** Brown, medium size, round and set well apart. Light eyes undesirable.

Ears *** Small, rose or half pricked when alert, thrown back when in repose. Full drop or prick undesirable.

Mouth *** Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Teeth of good size.

Neck *** Very muscular and of moderate length.

Forequarters *** Shoulders broad, muscular and well laid back. Forelegs short, bowed and well boned.

Body *** Deep and of medium length, slightly longer than height at withers. Well sprung ribs with neither flat nor barrel appearance. Chest wide and strong. Topline slightly rising to a strong loin.

Hindquarters *** Strong, well muscled, with good thighs and good bend of stifle. Hocks turned neither in nor out.

Feet *** Compact and strong with rounded pads. Front feet to turn out slightly from pastern.

Tail *** Docking optional.
Docked: Strong at root. Well set on and carried gaily.
Undocked: Strong at root. Well set on and carried gaily. In overall balance with rest of the dog.

Gait/Movement *** Free in action. Covers the ground effortlessly with good drive behind.

Coat *** Medium length, of harsh texture with soft undercoat. Coat may be tidied to present a neat outline.

Colour *** Blue, brindle and wheaten (all shades).

Size *** 35-36 cms (14 ins) at the shoulder is maximum height for dogs and bitches.

Faults *** Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note *** Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.