History

In this chapter we have tried to reveal a little more about the origin of the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier. We go back to the 16th century, to the Wicklow Mountains, where it all began for the breed. The Glen was, at that time, a useful dog, dealing with the many foxes, badgers, otters, rats and other small rodents which were present at this wild area. The dogs were also used for herding cattle, as watchdogs, as "turnspit dog" and for fighting other dogs. Nowadays we keep the Glen as a pet. But they are still great watchdogs and, if living on a farm, they are still able to kill a rat or two.