Irish History of the Glen

  It seems that all things truly Irish are shrouded in history and legend. None other than the wild and barren Glen of Imaal in the heart of County Wicklow to which the hardy, courageous, bow-legged terrier is indigenous and from where the dog proudly takes its name.

The " Glen " itself owes it's name to the people who inhabited the area centuries ago,a tribe named "Ui Mhail". The Glen of Imaal lies in all it's beauty, guarded by a circle of protecting mountains. This is where our little game Terriers come from; from a wild Irish Glen, steeped in the romance of Irish history and legend; a place of mighty deeds and acts of courage, which still lies unchanged through the years, as are the native Glen of Imaal Terriers. They remain pure now as they were then, still endowed with the characteristics with which they served their masters long ago in the mountains and glens of Wicklow.

Over many generations, the inhabitants of this beautiful but infertile Glen kept their Terrier and gradually bred into this little dog all the characteristics of a much larger canine. He is one of the smallest, gamest terriers in the world today and the Irish are as proud of him now as they were centuries ago.

The Glen Terrier is silent at his work and will not bark or whimper underground where his strong forelegs give him an advantage when digging his way toward his opponent. The Glen is a small tough framed dog, suitable for hunting badger and fox. The Glen Terrier was bred to merge with the heather, bracken and fern of the landscape thus giving the coloring of blue,brindle and wheaten to this great little dog. The Glen's small size, his short coat and his lack of yapping without cause, make keeping him easy.

It is a companion dog that, should the opportunity arise, makes itself useful as a hunter of mice. It is a most intelligent pet and affectionate with the family. It is very much an efficient working dog but adapts easily to apartment or house life where it makes an excellent pet and children's companion. The Glen is extremely gentle and loving with children.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a very rare dog and still has very low numbers in the United States. It is presently being shown in the United States as well as throughout Europe. In the United States the breed is recognized by the United Kennel Club(since1994), American Rare Breed Association,States Kennel Club(since1987) and registration are now being recorded by the Foundation Stock service of the American Kennel Club.

  Introduction To Glen of Imaal