GLEN OF IMAAL TERRIER
Official U.K.C. Breed Standard

Terriers Group
  © Copyright 1993, United Kennel Club, Inc.
Revised January 1, 1996

HISTORY

A native of Ireland's County Wicklow, the breed was named after the glen (valley) of Imaal. Although not very well known, the breed is nonetheless a very old one that has just simply been ignored. This scrappy terrier was developed as a game working dog to destroy vermin, especially badger.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1993.

GENERAL APPEARANCE

This medium-sized terrier has a medium length coat, with a body that is longer than high. It should move with a free, and not hackneyed, gait. The image of the breed is one of great strength, with the impression of maximum substance for the size of the dog.

Any departures from the standard are to be penalized relative to the degree of deviation from the ideal.

Scars, the result of honorable wounds, are not considered faults and are not to be penalized.

CHARACTERISTICS

The active, agile Glen of Imaal is characteristically silent when working. In temperament, the breed is game and spirited, with great courage when called upon. Otherwise it is gentle and docile. It is known for its intelligence and is quick to learn.

HEAD & SKULL

The head and skull are of good width and fair length, tapering to the nose, with a foreface of power. The stop is pronounced. The jaws are strong.

TEETH
A full complement of strong, regular, white teeth of good size meet in a scissors bite. A level bite is acceptable. Broken or damaged teeth are not to be faulted as long as the bite is correct.
Serious faults - Badly overshot. Undershot. Wry mouth. Misplaced teeth.

EYES
The medium size, round eyes are set well apart and are brown in color. Light eyes are to be penalized.

NOSE
The nose is black.

EARS
Small, rose or half-pricked when alert; thrown back when in repose. Full drop, or prick ears are undesirable.

NECK

The very muscular neck is of moderate length.

BODY

The body is deep and long, and longer than high. The backline is straight. The loins are strong. The chest is wide and strong, with well-sprung ribs.
Serious faults - Roach back. Sway back. Barrel or flat ribs.

HINDQUARTERS

The strong, well-muscled hindquarters have good thighs and good bend of stifle.

HIND LEGS
The hocks turn neither in nor out.
Serious fault - Legginess.

FEET

The strong, compact feet have rounded pads. The front feet turn out slightly from the pasterns.

TAIL

The well set on, docked tail is strong at the root and carried gaily. Pups tails are docked to half length.

COAT

The breed is double-coated. The harsh-textured, weather resistant outer coat is of medium length. The undercoat is soft. The coat may be tidied to present a neat outline and the natural "rough and ready" appearance, but should never be over-groomed.

COLOR

Acceptable colors include brindle, blue and wheaten. The blue should not tone to black. Wheaten ranges from a light wheaten color to a golden reddish shade.

Puppies are usually born true to type in color, blue, wheaten, reddish. There may be an inky blue mask, and a streak of blue down the back on the tail and on the ears. These darker markings clear with maturity.

HEIGHT & WEIGHT

Maximum height for males is fourteen (14) inches (35.5 cm), measured at the withers. Bitches may be accordingly less.
Weight for males is thirty-five (35) pounds (16 kg.). Bitches may be accordingly less

FOREQUARTERS

The broad, muscular shoulders are well laid back.

FORELEGS
The short, well-boned forelegs are bowed.
Serious fault - Legginess.

GAIT

Movement is free, covering the ground effortlessly with good drive behind. A hackney gait is not desirable.

DISQUALIFICATIONS

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Extreme viciousness or shyness.

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