Grooming the Glen of Imaal Terrier

By Cindra Grooming Products — USA-Made Professional Grooming Essentials

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a rugged, low-slung Irish working terrier from the remote Glen of Imaal in County Wicklow. One of the less excitable terriers, the Glen carries a medium-length, harsh double coat that is among the lower-maintenance wire coats in the terrier group — weekly brushing and periodic hand stripping are all that’s needed to keep it looking right.

Coat

The Glen of Imaal Terrier has a medium-length, harsh, rough double coat — a wiry outer coat over a soft undercoat. The coat is not as tightly wiry as many terriers; it has a more rustic, natural appearance. Colors include wheaten (sandy to red-wheaten), blue (gray), and brindle. The softer hair around the ears, neck, legs, and belly is prone to matting and requires regular attention. Hand stripping two to three times a year maintains the correct harsh texture and keeps the coat looking its best; the coat can also be clipped for pet dogs, though this softens the texture over time.

Character

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is hardy, alert, and spirited, but less excitable and more laid-back than many terrier breeds. Bred to hunt fox and badger independently in mountainous terrain, Glens are courageous and tenacious when working, but calm and affectionate at home. They are loyal family dogs that get along well with children and bond deeply with their people. They can be challenging to recall once engaged in a chase, and they retain a strong digging instinct. A good terrier for owners who want the personality without the constant high energy of some breed cousins.

Recommended Cindra Products

  • Texturizing Shampoo — maintains the harsh outer coat texture; ideal for show preparation
  • Cleansing Shampoo — deep clean for heavily soiled coats; Glens love to dig and can get very dirty
  • Super Coat — diluted 90/10; light finishing mist to reduce static without softening the jacket

Problems & Solutions

Problem Cause Solution
Matting around ears, neck, legs, and belly Softer hair in these areas tangles more easily; moisture accumulation Brush these areas weekly with a slicker brush; comb through with a steel comb; check after outdoor exercise
Coat becoming soft or woolly Repeated clipping; over-conditioning Return to hand stripping; use Texturizing Shampoo; avoid conditioners on the outer jacket
Dirt and debris in coat Glens are enthusiastic diggers; coat collects earth and debris readily Brush out after outdoor sessions; use Cleansing Shampoo when heavily soiled

Hands-On Grooming Guide

Brushing

Brush the entire coat once to twice weekly with a slicker brush, paying particular attention to the softer areas around the ears, neck, inside of the legs, and belly where matting occurs. Follow with a steel comb to check for any remaining tangles. The coat is relatively easy to manage with consistent weekly brushing.

Hand Stripping

Hand strip the jacket two to three times a year to maintain the harsh outer coat texture and remove dead coat. Pull dead hairs in the direction of growth using a stripping knife or finger cots. The Glen coat is not as tightly wiry as some terriers, so stripping is straightforward — the dead coat comes away relatively easily when it’s ready. Many pet owners choose to clip instead of strip for convenience; this is acceptable but softens the coat over time.

Bathing

Bathe every 6–8 weeks or when dirty — Glens’ digging habit means they may need bathing more frequently. Use Texturizing Shampoo to maintain the coat’s harsh character. Use Cleansing Shampoo for heavily soiled coats. Dry thoroughly after bathing.

Shedding

The Glen of Imaal Terrier sheds very little when properly maintained. Hand stripping removes dead coat at the root; consistent weekly brushing prevents shed hair from accumulating. A well-kept Glen leaves minimal hair around the home.

Puppy vs. Adult Coat

Feature Puppy Adult
Coat texture Softer puppy coat; adult coat develops gradually Medium-length, harsh, rough outer coat
Stripping First strip as puppy coat blows at 6–12 months 2–3 times yearly
Key focus Building grooming tolerance; weekly brushing from day one Consistent weekly brushing; managing softer areas around ears and legs

Quick Grooming Schedule

Task Frequency
Brushing Weekly (twice weekly around ears and legs)
Bath Every 6–8 weeks (more if digging heavily)
Hand stripping 2–3 times yearly
Feet tidy Every 4–6 weeks
Nail trim Every 3–4 weeks
Ear check Weekly