Terrier irlandais Glen of Imaal

The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier is an ancient Irish terrier breed, traditionally used in the county of Glen of Imaal, composed of difficult terrain and climate. It was then used as a hunting dog, but also as a fighting dog and in dog wheels. Cynophiles became interested in this regional breed only from the mid-19th century. The Irish Kennel Club recognizes the breed in 1934. With no registration in the French stud book (LOF) in 2012, the breed is virtually unknown in France. In the United Kingdom, with 41 to 89 registrations on the English Kennel Club registers each year, the breed is very rare, even among the terrier group. In the United States in 2013, the Kerry Blue Terrier is the 167th most popular breed out of 177, according to the American Kennel Club.

The standard of the International Canine Federation (FCI) describes the breed as active, agile and silent at work. The temperament is ardent and courageous on demand, otherwise gentle and docile. It is loyal and affectionate with its family and considered of a less excitable temperament than other terriers.

The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier is a terrier of medium size and basset type. The body is well descended and long, with a straight top, strong loins and a broad and powerful chest, with well-sprung ribs. The tail is docked in countries that allow caudectomy. It is carried gaily. The skull of good width is fairly long, the stop is marked and continues with a muzzle denoting power which narrows towards the end to the black nose. The eyes of medium size are brown, round and well-spaced. The small ears are carried rose or semi-erect when the dog is attentive, behind the head at rest. Medium length, the coat is of rough texture with a soft undercoat. Two coat colors are accepted: blue brindle, which should not turn black and wheaten, varying from light wheaten to golden wheaten tinged with red.