Glen of Imaal Terrier
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| Glen of Imaal Terrier | |||||||||
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 A Glen of Imaal Terrier puppy | |||||||||
| Other names | Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier | ||||||||
| Common nicknames | Glen | ||||||||
| Origin | Ireland | ||||||||
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| Dog (domestic dog) | |||||||||
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-drawing and hunting of fox. When Elizabeth I was having problems in Ireland she hired French and Hessian soldiers to go and solve the problem; they settled in the Wicklow area in the Glen of Imaal. They brought with them their low slung hounds which they bred with the Irish terrier stock developing the Glen of Imaal Terrier as a general working dog, used for herding and eradicating vermin, especially fox and badger. [citation needed]
Description
Appearance
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. Glen's have a large head and short, stumpy legs. Some are black and some are tan. Unless born black, the Glen of Imaal puppies have black "hi-lights" in their fur. Eventually, the black will fade and their full tan coat will come in.
Health
Generally very strong and healthy, the breed can be prone to progressive retinal atrophy, a disease of the eyes, and to some heart problems though only one recorded case.
Temperament
The Glen of Imaal Terrier, though normally docile, can sometimes be 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.).
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