All Dog Breeds >>Temprament of Glen of Imaal Terrier
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is active, docile, spirited, gentle, and affectionate. He is easygoing and less easily excited than other terrier breeds. Glens adore people. They like to be close to their owners. However, they have an independent streak, can be stubborn, and need a strong human leader whom they can trust.
They adore children, especially if raised with them. They are tolerant and sweet with kids, but a playful Glen could accidentally knock over a toddler, so supervision is important. Glens can be dog aggressive. They rarely pick a fight, but they also don't back down if they are harassed. Some Glens can live with cats when raised with them, but care should be taken inviting a Glen into a home with small animals, as they are often ready to give chase. They are safest in a fenced-in yard, as they are not car smart.
Be aware that many Glens have dug their way to freedom underneath their fences. They are bred to be silent while working, and they usually only bark for a reason. They do, however, make good watchdogs. When necessary, they have a scary bark that matches a much larger dog. They have moderate exercise needs and love to go for a good walk. They also excel at earthdog and agility competitions. They are smart and moderately easy to train, and also work as therapy dogs. These calm and happy dogs are often couch potatoes, but they also love to play. They are known to entertain themselves by running in circles. They can be silly when in the mood, and are usually full of pluck.
They can live anywhere, apartment or mansion, and they love to go for car rides. They are courageous, curious, and ready for anything. There is a lot of variation in personalities within the breed, but all Glens are loyal, hardy, resilient, sweet, and loving.