© 2008 Glen Services

Grooming

What Is A Glen?

Glens are a hairy breed and the coat easily grows to around three inches in length and then it is “dropped” in readiness for a new one. On average it appears a Glen needs stripping every six months. Once stripped it is mainly a question of waiting for the coat to grow: there is not the continual work required like in the Welsh, Fox Terrier etc. Additional work is required if the show ring is intended but for the companion Glen the coat, if combed, is easy to look after.

A Glen of Imaal Terrier is fourteen inches and thirty five pounds plus of muscle and bone! Their bone structure is one of the heaviest; couple this with their characteristic “bowed and splayed” front legs and you certainly have a dog to take notice of.

If the contemplation of a Glen is due in any part to the hope of low food bills it is recommended you forget it. Size for size the appetite of a Glen is about equal with a Great Dane. A Glen eats. If a young Glen is exercised correctly it is virtually impossible to overfeed it. One point worth note is that the currently very fashionable, mega-high protein premium complete foods are not suitable for the breed. As small puppies probably yes but as they get older they are an old fashioned breed that requires old fashioned bulk. Glen of Imaal Terriers have to have something on their frames to turn into the bulk and muscle that is a hallmark of the breed. A streamlined puppy usually leads to an under developed adult.

They make good pets as they are very people friendly and adore children-if introduced from an early enough age. It MUST be remembered that a Glen weighs more than a toddler and it is very easy for the enthusiasm of a Glen to mean the knockdown of a little human. Also because of their weight they are not suitable for under eight-nine year olds to take out on their own. A sudden lunge will unbalance an adult so a child could easily be pulled over.
The Glen excels as a house dog as it does not shed hair. Its size means it is big enough to be seen but does not get in the way. Remember though they are heavier than they appear so do see if you can pick one up because one day you may have to!

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