Glen of Imaal Terrier
A short-legged, sturdy Irish working terrier from County Wicklow. Brave and game at work yet notably calm and gentle at home, and quieter than most terriers.
Overview
A short-legged, sturdy Irish working terrier from County Wicklow. Brave and game at work yet notably calm and gentle at home, and quieter than most terriers.
Good to know — a Glen of Imaal Terrier is best with a garden and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Glen of Imaal Terrier is good with children and generally fine with other dogs. They tend to be a quiet, and as a guide they are manageable for committed beginners. Early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Homes with a secure garden
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Glen of Imaal Terrier typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is regular brushing and shedding is low. Brush regularly (a few times a week) to keep the coat healthy and remove loose hair.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Glen of Imaal Terrier should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food suited to its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a small breed will eat relatively little compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Calmer and quieter than typical terriers
- Sturdy, affectionate family companion
Things to consider
- Strong prey drive and terrier stubbornness
- Harsh coat needs regular hand-stripping
Similar breeds
French Bulldog
A compact, easy-going companion that suits flats and modest exercise — but with serious health considerations.
View breed guide →
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A gentle, affectionate lap dog that’s wonderful with children and adapts happily to flat or house living.
View breed guide →
Border Terrier
A hardy, good-natured working terrier that’s friendlier with people and dogs than many of its terrier cousins.
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Dachshund
A bold, characterful "sausage dog" that suits smaller homes but needs careful handling of its long back.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
Are Glen of Imaal Terriers good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Glen of Imaal Terriers tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Glen of Imaal Terrier need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Glen of Imaal Terrier needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Glen of Imaal Terriers shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Glen of Imaal Terriers easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Glen of Imaal Terriers are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Glen of Imaal Terriers bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Glen of Imaal Terriers good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Glen of Imaal Terriers suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Glen of Imaal Terrier is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.