Glen of Imaal Terrier Dog Breed Profile

Omar — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 02:16:32 +0000

Quick Stats for the Glen of Imaal Terrier Dog Breed

Height (at the shoulders): 14 inches (35.5 – 36.5 cm)
Weight: 34 – 36 pounds (15.5 – 16.5 kg)
Life Expectancy: 13 – 14 years
AKC Group: Terrier Group – AKC recognized in 2004
Shedding: sheds little to no hair
Living Conditions: okay in apartment; moderately active indoors; okay without a yard

Personality of the Glen of Imaal Terrier Dog Breed

The Glen of Imaal Terrier makes the perfect pet for anyone that desires an active terrier. These are active little dogs, yet they know when to slow down and relax. These adorable little dogs are courageous and spirited, yet calm and easy-going. They are easy to train and enjoy learning new tricks.

The Glen is one of the most playful members of the Terrier Group, and always on the lookout for new friends. They are friendly towards other dogs and pets in the house, and equally nice towards strange people. Not the most dependable of watchdogs that you might expect from a terrier, the Glen of Imaal Terrier makes up for it in love and affection.

History of the Glen of Imaal Terrier Dog Breed

Ireland is the home of an important member of the Terrier Group – the Glen of Imaal Terrier. The Glen was the type of dog needed to work various tasks in the harsh land of the Glen area, which was rough and full of rocks.

So how did these feisty little terriers earn their keep? They did so by being focused hunters, going after rats, badgers, and fox. At night these dogs were also the center of entertainment and wagering bets for the men, as fighters against one another. Women also used these terriers during the day as turnspit dogs, turning wheels to help with making food and clothing.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier was left alone as far as breeding was concerned, keeping their bloodline preserved and its natural traits in place. The breed was recognized in 1934 by the Irish Kennel Club and during the 1980s had started to become popular in the United States.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 2004 as a member of the Terrier Group.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier Care and Grooming

The Glen is a dog of perfect size: small enough to carry around anywhere you go, yet large enough to enjoy all of the fun activities with the family. They thrive on human companionship and never seem to get enough playtime in. Therefore, daily exercise and fun games with your Glen Terrier is a must.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is at home in just about any climate so long as the temperatures do not reach extreme cold or high heat. They have a higher tolerance for cooler weather. These dogs should not live outside, but at the same time have plenty of time to roam in a safe area. They tend not to wander when walking off-leash.

Grooming requirements call for a good brushing about two times weekly and a full stripping two to three times per year.

Health Problems of the Glen of Imaal Terrier Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the Glen of Imaal Terrier Breed is about thirteen to fourteen years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)

Minor health issues include:

CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

Veterinarians recommend having the Glen of Imaal Terrier Breed tested specifically for hip, and eye problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Border Terrier Breed Profile

Omar — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Quick Stats for the Border Terrier Breed

Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 13 – 16 inches (33 – 41 cm) ; bitches: 11 – 14 inches (28 – 36 cm)
Weight: dogs: 13 – 16 pounds (6 – 7 kg) ; bitches: 11 – 14 pounds (5 – 6 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
AKC Group: Terrier Group – AKC recognized in 1930
Shedding: sheds little to no hair
Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); moderately inactive indoors; small yard okay

Personality of the Border Terrier Breed

The Border Terrier is one of the friendliest members of the Terrier Group. They are intelligent, energetic, and usually easy to train. They make great family pets and would do best with a family that loves the outdoors and live a fairly active lifestyle.

They are great with children and just love to play. Border Terriers are very affectionate dogs which makes them a great companion.

History of the Border Terrier Breed

This dog breed is believed to have originated from an area in the Cheviot Hills that bordered England and Scotland. Their history can be traced back as far as the 1700s. They were mainly used to chase fox and other animals. In the 1800s they also participated in the gentry’s elegant fox hunts, where their job was to dispatch the fox.

They were originally called the Coquetdale Terrier, but in 1870 their name was officially changed to the Border Terrier. In the late 1870s, the breed entered the show ring for the first time.

They are closely related to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1930.

The Border Terrier Breed Care and Grooming

These dogs have very high energy levels, but they can still do okay with a couple of brisk walks daily. If possible, they should be allowed to play in a safe enclosed area as well. Border Terriers also love to explore, so a long hike along a nature trail would be something they would just love to do.

Grooming requirements include a weekly brushing to remove any dead hairs from the harsh wiry coat. A quarterly stripping is also recommended. This helps the coat to maintain a neat outline. You may want to have your Border Terrier professionally groomed twice per year as well.

The breed sheds little to no hair and is considered a good choice for allergy sufferers.

Health Problems of the Border Terrier Breed

The average life expectancy of the Border Terrier breed is about twelve to fifteen years.

There are no major health concerns for this breed.