| Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier |
FCI Standard No.302 Origin – Ireland 1.2.01UTILIZATION:Like all other terriers, this small, tough breed had to hunt badgers and foxes, and to keep the rat population to a minimum he also is a gentle and docile family dog. CLASSIFICATION FCI: Group 3 TerriersSection 1 Large and medium sized Terriers Without Working Trial IRISH CLASSIFICATION: Terrier Group.BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY:Like many dogs in the Terrier group, not really appreciated by gentlemen sportsmen before the middle of the 19th century, the Irish Glen of Imaal is an old breed which was simply ignored for a long time, rather than the result of later breed experiments. He is very much a local dog, confined to the bleak area of the Glen of Imaal. The farmers of this area, who were descended from soldiers given land in the 16th and 17th centuries as payment for service rendered to the British Crown, had to utilize their natural cunning and dexterity to survive in this harsh terrain. A dog, who could not pull his weight in the day-to-day struggle for existence would not be tolerated. So he had to spend long hours propelling dog wheels and was often pitted against other dogs in the dubious sport of dog fighting, customs now disappeared. Before the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier became known at dog shows, he had evolved through generations of hard work into the strong sturdy dog we know today. The Irish Kennel Club gave official recognition to the breed in 1934 and a club to promote its interest was soon formed. GENERAL APPEARANCE:Medium sized with medium length coat, great strength with the impression of maximum substance for the size of the dog.IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS:Body longer than high and low to the ground.BEHAVIOUR/TEMPERAMENT:Active, agile and silent when working. Game and spirited with great courage when called upon,otherwise gentle and docile, who oozes personality; his loyal and affectionate nature makes him a very acceptable house dog and companion. The Irish Glen of Imaal is said to be less easily excited than other terriers, though he is always ready to give chase when called on. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICSCRANIAL REGION:Skull: Of good width and of fair length.Stop: Pronounced. FACIAL REGION:Nose: Black.Muzzle: Foreface of power, tapering to the nose. Jaws: Jaws strong. Teeth: Teeth sound, regular, strong and of good size. Scissor bite. Eyes: Brown, medium size, round and set well apart. Light eyes should be penalised. Ears: Small rose or half pricked when alert, thrown back when in repose. Full drop or prick undesirable. NECK: Very muscular and of moderate length.
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