As a lover of canines, you probably know about Labradors, German Shepherds, and Bulldogs. But here’s something you might not know – there’s a charming little powerhouse terrier from the Ireland hill country, a dog that loves to dig, known as the Glen of Imaal Terrier. This breed is petite and sturdy with a dynamo personality, a thick coat, and one more special feature – surprisingly minimal shedding!
Yes, you read that right! The Glen of Imaal Terrier, unlike a lot of dog breeds, is known to be a low shedder, making it a great choice for those of us who love dogs but aren’t so keen on the ‘hairy’ side of dog parenting. This unique quality stands out because a lot of people associate dog ownership with dealing with a house full of fur. But with a Glen of Imaal by your side, this no longer has to be a constant worry.
But let’s not rush into decision-making just yet. Dealing with shedding is one aspect of raising a dog. The Glen of Imaal Terrier comes with its personality, training requirements, exercise needs, and grooming routine. Understanding all these facets is vital before bringing a new fur-iend home.
Let’s dive right into unraveling the life and needs of a Glen of Imaal Terrier, and by the end, you’ll be in the best position to know if this low shedder is the ideal furry companion for you.
As we’ve established before, Glens are low-shedding dogs. However, minimal shedding doesn’t mean zero grooming. The Glen of Imaal Terrier has a thick double coat that needs regular attention. Brushing your Glen’s coat at least once a week helps to keep the fur healthy by distributing natural oils throughout the coat. It also helps to keep the coat mat-free.
Unlike your hair, which grows to a particular length and then falls out, a Glen’s coat grows continuously. This means the dead hair can remain in the coat instead of shedding, but weekly brushing removes the dead hair and keeps the coat looking tidy. Daily brushing during high shedding seasons – such as spring and fall – can help keep their coat manageable.
While Glens are low shedders, there is more to consider relating to their grooming needs. For instance, their coat is traditionally ‘stripped’ rather than trimmed. Stripping involves pulling dead hair out from the roots, causing new, denser hair to grow back. This can be done by a professional groomer or at home, but requires knowledge and practice.
The Glen of Imaal Terrier doesn’t just captivate hearts with its intriguing low-shedding coat but also through its attractive personality. Glens are known for their sparkling spirit – they are lively, good-natured, devoted, and fearless. Weighing between 30-40 pounds and measuring about 14 inches high, these small-sized dogs pack in abundant energy. Their strong personality and high energy require fulfilling activities that prevent them from getting bored.
Training a Glen can be a fun experience, and it’s even better when you start at a young age. They are intelligent and quick to learn, but there’s a tinge of stubbornness that adds to their charm. Your Glen might amuse you with their creative responses to your commands. However, despite their playful mood, Glens can be trained effectively with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
Exercise is another essential aspect of a Glen’s life. Glens were originally bred to hunt down vermin and foxes in the rough terrain of the mountains in Ireland. This makes them sturdy dogs who thrive on a moderate but regular exercise regime. A couple of short walks a day paired with some playtime can work wonders for a Glen’s physical and mental wellbeing.
To sum up, if you desire a furry companion but dreading the excessive shedding, Glen of Imaal Terriers can be an excellent fit. Their low shedding nature combined with a vivacious personality and compact size can make them a wonderful addition to many households.
But remember, this unique breed requires consistent care, with appropriate grooming, plenty of mental stimulation, and regular exercise. If all these needs align with your lifestyle, a Glen’s low-shedding coat and dynamic spirit might just be the perfect ingredients for your next canine companion!
