Glen of Imaal Terrier - Irish breed of dogs specially bred for hunting badgers and foxes. The animal is distinguished by great dexterity, endurance, besides it has a bold character, and at home it is obedient and friendly to all family members. However, there are nuances of keeping such pets.
Breed description
The first representatives of the breed were fighting dogs and achieved official recognition at the beginning of the last century. Despite the hunting qualities that provide for some aggressiveness of the animal, when living together with a person, Irish terriers behave in a balanced way and become his helpers and companions.
The appearance of the terrier is very different, if you look at the dog during and after the hunt. In the first case, it is a shaggy, not very neat-looking beast, a little different from the usual yard dog. But the look of an Irishman changes greatly when he participates in shows and exhibitions. The terrier appears in a different guise - clean, combed, like a decorative dog.
Do not underestimate the glen of Imaal Terrier - it is a strong representative of the breed, which has tremendous energy and fighting qualities.
For the breed developed specific requirements for the appearance of the animal.
- The terrier has a slightly elongated, but wide head, muzzle tapers from forehead to nose with black lobe. Lips are also black or gray-black, optimally adjacent to the jaw. Bite right, scissor.
- The ears have the shape of a triangle, they are small but thick, set high.
- The eyes are small in size, non-convex, of a dark shade, with a lively, fearless and attentive gaze.
- The average neck size is strong and strong muscles.
- The body of a terrier is elongated in shape, with a deep and wide sternum. The back is flat and straight, the loins stand out in relief, the stomach is tucked up.
- The tail has a high fit, thick at the base, covered with stiff hair. This part of the body can be stopped by one third.
- The legs of the dog are straight, strong, of moderate length with oval paws and black claws, a slight turning out of the front paws is allowed.
According to the standard dog There should not be bryle, light or amber shades of eyes, excessively hanging tail fringe, clubfoot.
The terrier's coat feels like wire to the touch; it is hard and very dense, but straight. On the head reaches a length of 3 cm, longer in the mustache and beard.
The undercoat is thick and soft. The color of the glen of Imaala in accordance with the standards may be as follows:
- gray-brindle (blue);
- reddish tiger;
- pale yellow (light and pronounced with golden and red hues).
The dog may have a dark gray strip on the back and a mask, but white spots on the chest and paws are undesirable. The height of males at withers is 35-36 cm, weight is not more than 16 kg. Accordingly, girls are smaller in height and body weight.
Temperament and character
Terriers of this breed have a balanced psyche and an independent character. Sometimes an animal can be disobedient, so the owner will have to be patient with the first days and find a common language with a shaggy friend. With a full understanding of the animal and human dog, as a rule, obedient and truly devoted to the owner.
On the other hand, The terrier is distinguished by a jealous attitude towards the one he recognizes as the main one and will love it.
This affects the fact that the pet constantly requires attention and may discriminate against other pets.
Perhaps it will upset someone, but there are few real fighting dogs of this breed, and modern representatives of the pedigree are more like playful kids who can quite get along with everyone around with good attitude.
Conditions of detention
Terriers of this breed can be kept in an apartment, but since the dog likes to move a lot, it is more suitable for a country house, where there is more room for active games and activities. Caring for an animal provides for the fulfillment of certain requirements. In the diet of the dog must necessarily be present protein, however, lean meat should be in harmony with vegetables and cereals. In addition, you will have to calculate calories so that the animal does not overeat.
In addition to this dog, you need to regularly give vitamins and minerals, using specially balanced complexes.
Stuffing on the menu is undesirable because it is poorly digested by the terrier's body. Also, for health, he needs greens, occasionally - fish, boned, some vegetable oil for normal skin and coat.
Terrier care is:
- in long walks;
- bathing every 3 months or as the wool is contaminated;
- in regular removal of growing hair on the ears, in their cleaning.
Wool need combed periodically (1-2 times in 7 days), so as not to form mats.
During the molt, this procedure should be done daily.
The haircut is relevant in the warm season, and to make the animal feel comfortable, you can buy a cooling mat for your pet and keep the air temperature cool in the room.
Lifespan
Glen of Imaal Terrier lives from 12 to 14 years, but some of these diseases and a tendency to pathologies can reduce these periods:
- congenital hip dysplasia;
- predisposition to injuries of paws, especially in puppy age, which is associated with an energetic temperament and greater weight, compared with growth;
- susceptibility to dystrophy and further retinal atrophy that can cause blindness;
- unsatisfactory digestion and assimilation of protein foods, leading to digestive disorders;
- allergic manifestations, accompanied by itching (most often suffer paws of the dog).
Therefore, the owner should be prepared to to closely monitor the health of your pet and in time to contact the veterinarian when the first signs of illness appear. Despite some probable diseases in Irish terriers, it is believed that they are quite healthy and strong animals.
See what the Glen of Imaal Terrier looks like, see below.
