GLEN OF IMAAL TERRIER
Terrier Group
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Copyright 1993, United Kennel Club, Inc.
Revised April 15, 2007.



History

A native of Ireland's County Wicklow, the breed was named after the glen (valley) of Imaal. Although not very well known, the breed is nonetheless a very old one that has just simply been ignored. This scrappy terrier was developed as a game working dog to destroy vermin, especially badger.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1993.

This medium-sized terrier has a medium length coat, with a body that is longer than tall and close to the ground. It should move with a free, and not hackneyed, gait. The image of the breed is one of great strength, with the impression of maximum substance for the size of the dog.

Any departures from the standard are to be penalized relative to the degree of deviation from the ideal.

Scars, the result of honorable wounds, are not considered faults and are not to be penalized.

The active, agile Glen of Imaal is characteristically silent when working. In temperament, the breed is game and spirited, with great courage when called upon. Otherwise it is gentle and docile. It is known for its intelligence and is quick to learn.

The head is fairly long, with a pronounced stop.

SKULL - Wide.

MUZZLE - Powerful, tapering in width from eyes to nose.

TEETH - A full complement of strong, regular, white teeth of good size meet in a scissors bite.

Serious Faults: overshot or undershot bite.

EYES - The medium size, round eyes are set well apart and are brown in color.

Fault: Light eyes.

NOSE - The nose is black.

EARS - Small, rose, or half-pricked when alert; thrown back when in repose. Full drop or prick ears are undesirable.

The very muscular neck is of moderate length.

The broad, muscular shoulders are well laid back.

FORELEGS - The short, well-boned forelegs are bowed.

The body is deep and long, and longer than high. The backline is straight. The loins are strong. The chest is wide and strong, with well-sprung ribs.

The strong, well-muscled hindquarters have good thighs and good bend of stifle.

HIND LEGS - The hocks turn neither in nor out.

The strong, compact feet have rounded pads. The front feet turn out slightly from the pasterns.

The well-set-on tail is strong at the root and carried gaily. Pups’ tails are customarily docked to half-length.

The breed is double-coated. The harsh-textured, weather- resistant outer coat is of medium length. The undercoat is soft. The coat may be tidied to present a neat outline and the natural "rough and ready" appearance, but should never be over-groomed.

Acceptable colors include brindle, blue, and wheaten. The blue should not tone to black. Wheaten ranges from a light wheaten color to a golden reddish shade.

Puppies are usually born true to type in color, blue, wheaten, reddish. There may be an inky blue mask and a streak of blue down the back on the tail and on the ears. These darker markings clear with maturity.

Maximum height for males is fourteen (14) inches (35.5 cm), measured at the withers. Bitches may be accordingly less.

Weight for males is thirty-five (35) pounds (16 kg). Bitches may be accordingly less.

Movement is free, covering the ground effortlessly with good drive behind. A hackney gait is not desirable.

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism.