Glen of Imaal Terrier
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Glen of Imaal Terrier. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | moderate | Heavy bone on short legs predisposes to joint disease; request OFA scores. |
| Progressive retinal atrophy (crd3) | moderate | Breed-specific late-onset blindness; DNA testing identifies carriers. |
| Elbow dysplasia | low | Occasionally seen; screened in responsible breeding programs. |
| Heart disease | low | Murmurs reported at low rates; routine exams catch early changes. |
| Skin allergies | low | Atopy occurs occasionally and responds to standard management. |
Pet insurance for a Glen of Imaal Terrier
Insurers price a Glen of Imaal Terrier from the breed's documented claims profile — here, a clean bill of health with no dominant high-risk hereditary condition. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Glen of Imaal Terrier is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 32–40 lbs and a grooming score of 2/5, the Glen of Imaal Terrier sits below the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Glen of Imaal Terrier
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a sturdy, short-legged Irish working terrier bred to hunt fox and badger and, legend says, turn the kitchen spit. Unlike most terriers it was bred to work silently, and the modern Glen remains unusually quiet and calm for the type — a moderate-energy dog content with a daily walk. It is brave and game with vermin but gentle and tolerant at home. The harsh coat needs occasional hand-stripping. Rare and generally hardy, it suits owners wanting terrier character without terrier chaos.
Origin: Ireland (Glen of Imaal, County Wicklow)
Temperament
Related reading for Glen of Imaal Terrier owners
Glen of Imaal Terrier FAQ
How long do Glen of Imaal Terriers live?
The typical Glen of Imaal Terrier lifespan is 10–15 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Glen of Imaal Terrier?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Glen of Imaal Terrier carries no dominant high-risk hereditary condition, which keeps it near or below that average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier a good apartment dog?
Yes. With an energy level of 3/5 and a medium build, the Glen of Imaal Terrier adapts well to apartment living provided it gets daily walks.
What health problems are Glen of Imaal Terriers prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy (crd3). Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.