Glen of Imaal, << ee MAHL, >> terrier is a breed of dog developed in the mountainous Glen of Imaal region in southeastern Ireland. The earliest writings to mention this breed date from the 1500’s. For centuries, people have used the dog to hunt badgers and foxes and to rid their property of mice and other small pests. The terriers also served to operate traditional cooking devices called turnspits, large wheels that turned rods called spits over fires. The dog would climb inside the wheel and paddle with its strong legs to turn the wheel.
Male Glen of Imaal terriers measure from 121/2 to 14 inches (32 to 36 centimeters) high at the shoulder and weigh about 35 pounds (16 kilograms). Females grow slightly smaller. The breed has a broad head and short, bowed front legs. The outer coat is coarse, but the inner coat is softer. The most common colors for these dogs include wheat, blue, and blue brindle (a mixture of slate-blue, light blue, and tan).
Glen of Imaal terriers have basically gentle personalities, though they become more aggressive when hunting. They can make excellent pets.
See also Terrier.
