Glen of Imaal Terrier characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | 24% of breeds |
| Energy level | Medium | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | Medium | 26% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | Low | 32% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | High | 31% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 14 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier right for you?
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a compact little dog that fits small homes easily and never crowds a room. In terms of temperament, it is famously gentle and patient with children and is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly. Day to day, the Glen of Imaal Terrier thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Glen of Imaal Terrier thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. With medium energy and medium athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Glen of Imaal Terrier to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Glen of Imaal Terrier needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions and is generally quiet, barking only occasionally. It handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Glen of Imaal Terrier
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Glen of Imaal Terrier genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Size: Small — the Glen of Imaal Terrier is genuinely small, which suits limited space. Only 24% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Glen of Imaal Terrier actually costs you
| Exercise | About an hour a day of walking and play suits it. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Weekly brushing keeps the coat in reasonable order. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Quieter than most breeds. |
Where the Glen of Imaal Terrier fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Good fit | Medium energy and low barking travel well into a flat. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | Medium trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Medium prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Guides the Glen of Imaal Terrier is ranked in
The Glen of Imaal Terrier earns a place on 1 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Gentle families
- Irish breed enthusiasts
- Apartment living
- Calm households
Things to consider
- Extremely rare breed
- Can be stubborn
- Moderate exercise needs
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier good with children?
- Yes — the Glen of Imaal Terrier is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Glen of Imaal Terrier shed a lot?
- The Glen of Imaal Terrier has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Glen of Imaal Terrier need?
- With medium energy, the Glen of Imaal Terrier needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
- How long does the Glen of Imaal Terrier live?
- The Glen of Imaal Terrier typically lives around 14 years.
- Can the Glen of Imaal Terrier live in an apartment?
- Yes — the Glen of Imaal Terrier is small and not overly vocal, so it adapts well to apartment living with daily walks.
- Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier easy to train?
- The Glen of Imaal Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Glen of Imaal Terrier be left alone during the day?
- The Glen of Imaal Terrier handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.