Terrier Medium size 14-18 kg

Irish Glen Of Imaal Terrier

A tough, low-slung working terrier that is calmer than most - a good-natured companion, but with terrier grit and prey drive toward small pets.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
14-18 kg, 32-36 cm
Moderate
Activity
Moderate; a good walk plus play keeps it settled
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Handles a normal workday with routine
Moderate
Trainability
Willing but stubborn; keep training short and fun
Moderate
Coat care
Harsh coat; regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping
Good
Fit with kids
Good with kids given supervision
Cautious
Other pets
Strong prey drive; caution around small pets
Moderate
Health burden
cord1-PRA, hip dysplasia, luxating patella

The Irish Glen Of Imaal Terrier typically weighs 14-18 kg, stands 32-36 cm, and lives 12-15 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a sturdy, calmer terrier with a big personality,
you can offer daily walks and play without needing an athlete,
you have no small free-roaming pets, or can keep them separate,
you can commit to firm, patient, reward-based training.

Do not consider this breed if…

you have rabbits, rodents, or other small pets loose in the home,
you want an easy off-leash dog with instant recall,
you cannot handle a strong-willed, digging, sometimes stubborn terrier,
you want a delicate lap dog rather than a robust working breed.

A typical day with a Irish Glen Of Imaal Terrier

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    30-45 min walk with time to sniff and explore
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rest at home; the breed is calm indoors
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short walk or a game in a secure yard
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Training or a puzzle toy, kept short and rewarding
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Longer walk or play, then relaxed family time
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Settles happily near its people

Temperament and training

Trainability Moderate
Prey drive High
Independence / stubbornness High
Calmness indoors High
Affection to family High
Guarding tendency Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Trusting it around small pets it sees as prey · Skipping the DNA eye test and buying from untested lines · Long, repetitive drills that bore a smart, stubborn terrier

Family and environment

Kids Good
Sturdy and good-natured; supervise with very young children.
Dogs Conditional
Can be scrappy with unfamiliar dogs; early socialization helps.
Cats Poor
Strong prey drive; risky with cats and small pets.
Apartment Conditional
Calm enough indoors with daily walks and play.
House with a yard Suitable
A secure fence contains a digger and hunter.
City Manages
Adapts well with regular exercise and training.
Countryside Ideal
Room to explore suits this earthy working terrier.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
cord1-PRA (Inherited Eye Disease) Breed-specific form of retinal atrophy; a DNA test exists
Hip Dysplasia Screen breeding stock; manage weight and joint load
Luxating Patella Kneecap can slip; surgery if severe
Allergies & Skin Issues Environmental and food triggers are common

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Another low-slung, calmer working terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
A distinctive long-bodied terrier with a topknot - affectionate and dignified, but the long back needs care on stairs and jumps.
View profile →
Sturdy short-legged terrier of similar type
Sealyham Terrier
A calm, affectionate rare terrier that adapts well to apartment life - its independent streak, prey drive and coat upkeep are the main trade-offs.
View profile →
Smaller earthy working terrier
Cairn Terrier
A hardy, spirited little earthdog that stays busy and vocal - great for active owners who can handle a strong terrier prey drive.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier cost?
This is one of the rarer terrier breeds, so in the US expect limited litters, waitlists, and prices commonly around $1,500-$2,500 from a health-testing breeder. The lifetime figure matters more: food, routine care, grooming, and dental work run several thousand dollars over the years, and buying from a breeder who DNA-tests for the breed's cord1-PRA eye disease is worth prioritizing.
Are Glen of Imaal Terriers good with other pets?
With cats and small pets, be cautious. Bred to hunt, they have a strong prey drive and can be risky around rabbits, rodents, and cats, especially ones they were not raised with. With other dogs they can be sociable but sometimes scrappy, so early socialization matters.
Are Glen of Imaal Terriers calmer than other terriers?
Relatively, yes. They are known as one of the more laid-back terriers, often quiet and settled indoors. That said, they still carry terrier grit, stubbornness, prey drive, and a love of digging, so calmer is a comparison to other terriers, not to a placid companion breed.
What health tests should a Glen of Imaal Terrier breeder do?
Responsible breeders test for the breed's inherited eye disease, cord1-PRA, using the available DNA test, and screen hips and knees. Ask to see these results before buying. Choosing tested lines is the single most useful thing a buyer can do to reduce the risk of costly hereditary problems.