GROUP IV – TERRIERS
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Origin & Purpose
The Glen of Imaal Terrier receives its name from the Glen of Imaal, a region in the county of Wicklow Ireland where it was developed long ago. It is a game terrier, fearless in attacking quarry and compact enough to go to ground after badger or fox and game enough to fight its chosen vermin.
General Appearance
Medium sized with medium length coat, great strength with impression of maximum substance for size of dog. Body longer than high. Its distinctive head with rose or half-pricked ears, its levelled forequarters with turned out feet, its unique outline and topline are hallmarks of the breed.
Temperament
Active, agile and silent when working. Game and spirited with great courage when called upon, otherwise gentle and docile. His loyal and affectionate nature makes him a very acceptable house dog and companion. The Glen of Imaal is said to be less easily excited than other terriers, though he is always ready to give chase when called upon.
Size
Height: 33 to 35 cm (13-14”) at the shoulder; 35 cm (14”) maximum height for dogs and bitches. Weight Weight approximately 16 kg (35 lbs), bitches somewhat less. Shall not be penalized for being slightly outside the suggested weight.
Length
The length of body, measured from sternum to buttocks, and height measured from the highest point of the shoulder blades to ground, to be in a ratio of approximately 5 (length) to 3 (height). The overall balance is more important than any single specification.
Coat & Colour
Hair: Medium length, of harsh texture with soft undercoat. Coat may be tidied to present a neat outline.
Colour
• Blue brindle but not toning to black.
• Wheaten, from a light wheaten colour to a golden reddish shade.
• Puppies may be born coloured Blue, Wheaten, or Reddish. Lighter coloured pups usually have an inky blue mask, and there may also be a streak of Blue down the back, on the tail, and on the ears. The darker markings will clear with maturity.
Head
Skull: Of good width and of fair length. Stop: Pronounced. Nose: Black. Muzzle: Foreface of power, tapering to the nose. Jaws: Strong. Teeth: Teeth sound, regular, strong and of good size. Scissor bite. Eyes: Brown, medium size, round and set well apart. Light eyes should be penalised. Ears: Small rose or half pricked when alert, thrown back when in repose. Full drop or prick undesirable.
Neck
Very muscular and of moderate length.
Forequarters
Shoulders: Broad, muscular and well laid back. Forelegs: Short, bowed and well boned. Feet: Compact and strong with rounded pads. Front feet to turn out slightly from pasterns.
Body
Deep and long, and longer than high. Topline: Level. Loin: Strong. Chest: Wide and strong, ribs well sprung.
Hindquarters
Strong and well muscled. Thighs: Well muscled. Stifle: Well bent. Hocks: Turned neither in nor out. Feet: Compact and strong with rounded pads.
Tail
Docked or undocked. Strong at root, well set on and carried gaily. If docked, to half length.
Gait
Free, not hackneyed. Covers ground effortlessly with good drive behind.
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 in which it interferes with the health and well-being of the dog and the breed’s purpose.
• Hound ears.
• Undershot bite, overshot bite.
• Too short in body.
• Straight front.
Disqualification
• Aggresive or overly shy.
• Black & Tan colour.
• Narrow foreface.
Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified. Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Breed Name: Glen of Imaal Terrier
Year of Recognition: 2020
Effective Date: Jan 2021
Canadian Kennel Club Official Breed Standards – GLEN OF IMAAL TERRIER