The Irish Glen Of Imaal Terrieris recently in the news as rarer than the giant panda!
However as a breed it is very distinctive in appearance and character and is not for everyone, but if a Glen is really for you, you will never be without one the rest of your life, yes they are THAT intense!
For a review of the IKC standard etc. see www.irishsportingglens.ie
Glens to us are the quintessential Irish dog, thoroughly Irish in nature and habits!
To us the Glen is a very loyal loving companion, with a great sense of fun and fairness. We enjoy their (generally) laid back nature and their readiness to accompany you anywhere.
Glens are easy to keep generally and usually quite hardy and outdoorsy. Indoor Glens may be more prone to skin problems.
Glens generally get on well with kids especially so when brought up as part of the family.
Glens live on average about 12yrs and are usually easy to train as they are eager to please.
Glens are powerful dogs and may not tolerate posturing and threatening from strange dogs.
Do keep your Glen on a lead in a public place and be aware that while other dogs may rush up and growl and threaten your Glen intending to intimidate him/her but not really intend to fight, your Glen may take him on his word and give him a hiding.
Glens are not vicious or aggressive just straightfoward!
Glens are intense and devoted, and do not mess around if another dog, (say in a park) gives them guff, they will most likely give it back, remain calm, shouting and screaming does no good, learn how to use a breaking stick. Note you may have a Glen your whole life and never have to break up a dog fight but in today's litigation conscious and panicky dog unfriendly world it is better to be prepared.
If you are nervous around dogs or timid in your handling of them, do not get a Glen.
If you are out all day and your dog will be alone, don't get any dog at all.
If you don't like hairy dogs and will not be able to comb him thoroughly at least weekly, don't get a Glen.
If you would like to breed Glens, bear in mind they are difficult to breed and mate, have complicated genetics.
Preferrably you already have Glens or know someone with Glens well and know the breed, if not I will help you any way I can to see if they are for you.
Living with Glens is very pleasant especially in the country, where lovely country rambles are indeed rambles with a Glen who rarely hurries and generally loves to stay close by your side, giving a real sense of relaxing 'doggy and owner/owned person time'!
But do not dismay for almost a year I lived in a built up town with Sooty, who behaved impeccably going shopping and I believe was just happy to be where I was, even though it was different to what she knew before.
Glens are very fond of their hugs, and many Glens will snuggle right up close and hold you even putting their butty little legs around your neck and tucking their head into your neck and shoulder, really endearing!
Glens will generally trail around the place with you, ambling along, staying close and keeping a discreet eye on you in case you might suddenly disappear.
Training Glens is generally quite easy as they adore your approval and are quite mortified at your disappointment/displeasure, bless them! A whole section to Training is coming up for Glens as some methods are quite different to how we would train our livelier, more excitable Jacks.
Glens are not inclined to stray, but an unneutered male dog is always at risk of doing so if not enough company is available, do make sure your Glen is safe and be sure he/she is nearby at all times.
Young Glens can be slow to mature mentally and physically. Although Amhain is very well developed for 12 mths and has just started her first season, unlike many breeds that can be bred from when over a year, she like many female Glens cannot as she is totally a big baby, equivalent in mental development right now to a 5 month Jack!
She is soppy, silly, clumsy and still doing baby talk to other dogs, begging for food and wanting to play all the time. This is typical of many Glens and Wolfie is a slow developer too. Cailin and Bruce were very precocious and developed mentally, very fast, adopting behaviours more typical of a adult dog as early as 10 months, physically they still were developing up to 2 and 1/2 yrs old.
