Breed standards

Glen Of Imaal Terrier

Breed standards are the official guidelines that describe the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential.

Last Updated: 03 Oct 2012

Kennel Club, London 1994

Group:
Group 2 (Terriers)
History:
General:

Medium sized with medium length coat, great strength with impression of maximum substance for the size of dog. Body longer than high.

Characteristics:

Active, agile and silent when working. Native of Co. Wicklow and named after the Glen of Imaal.

Temperament:

Game and spirited with great courage when called upon, otherwise gentle and docile.

Head And Skull:

Of good width and fair length with powerful foreface. Muzzle to taper towards nose. Well defined stop. Nose black.

Eyes:

Brown, medium size, round and set well apart. Light eyes undesirable.

Ear:

Small, rose or half pricked when alert, thrown back when in repose. Full drop or prick undesirable.

Mouth:

Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Teeth of good size.

Neck:

Very muscular and of moderate length.

Forequarters:

Shoulders broad, muscular and well laid back. Forelegs short, well boned and slightly bowed.

Body:

Deep and of medium length, slightly longer than height at withers. Well sprung ribs with neither flat nor barrel appearance. Chest wide and strong. Topline slightly rising to a strong loin.

Hindquarters:

Strong well muscled, with good thighs and good bend of stifle. Hocks turned neither in nor out.

Feet:

Compact and strong with rounded pads. Front feet to turn out slightly from pastern.

Tail:

Docked: Strong at root. Well set on and carried gaily.
Undocked: Strong at root. Well set on and carried gaily. In overall balance with rest of the dog.

Gait/Movement:

Free in action. Covers the ground effortlessly with good drive behind.

Coat:

Medium length, of harsh texture with soft undercoat. Coat may be tidied to present a neat outline.

Colour:

Blue, Brindle and Wheaten (all shades).

Sizes:

Height: 35-36 cms (14 ins) at the shoulders is maximum height for dogs and bitches.

Faults:

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Notes:

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.