Glen of Imaal Terriers are often quieter and more stoic than many terriers, so owners may underreport stress or pain; they commonly have a strong prey drive with intense, single‑minded focus on small animals or fast‑moving objects, and some can be selective with other dogs—busy lobbies or face‑to‑face dog encounters may raise arousal. Expect independence with repetitive handling and a dense, heavy body on short legs that may resist sudden lifting; plan slow, deliberate handling and strict leash control during arrival. If a caller reports bite wounds, uncontrolled bleeding, collapse, pale/blue gums, or labored/rapid breathing after a chase or dog scuffle, escalate immediately and direct to emergency care.
Front desk script: Glens can be very quiet and focused chasers. Are there triggers like squirrels/small pets or reactivity to other dogs we should plan for? We can check you in curbside or take you straight to a room to avoid other dogs—please keep him leashed and let us do slow, careful lifting if needed. If you’re seeing bleeding, trouble breathing, or collapse after a chase or dog fight, please tell me now so we can treat this as an emergency.
Glen of Imaal Terriers have a few notable breed-linked risks to keep on the radar: inherited cone‑rod dystrophy (PRA‑crd3) that causes gradual vision loss and is DNA‑testable; orthopedic screening needs (hips/elbows) endorsed by the parent club; and a chondrodystrophic build that can predispose some puppies to premature closure of the distal ulna (an angular limb deformity) with front‑leg pain and outward turning of the paws between about 3–12 months. Some lines also carry a degenerative myelopathy (DM) gene variant; testing is recommended by the AKC/parent club, and the club is actively studying its relevance in the breed. Front‑desk triage: book the next available exam for gradual night‑vision changes; schedule same‑day if a puppy shows persistent front‑leg limping, marked paw “turn‑out,” or a visibly bowed/painful limb; advise urgent care if severe pain or the dog won’t bear weight.
Front desk script: This breed can inherit a specific retinal disease (PRA‑crd3) and commonly has recommended screening for hips and elbows. If your Glen puppy under a year is limping in a front leg or the leg looks more turned out or bowed, we should see them today; if the dog won’t use the leg or seems in severe pain, please come in urgently. Gradual night‑vision changes aren’t an emergency—let’s book the next available exam. Some lines carry a degenerative myelopathy gene; if you have DNA results, please bring them to the visit.
Sturdy, medium-small terriers with a wiry, low‑shedding double coat; moderate daily exercise (walks/play) and weekly brushing with periodic hand‑stripping help keep them comfortable. They’re affectionate but independent, usually quieter than many terriers, and do best with early training/socialization and secure leash/fence due to prey drive. For health, owners should expect or request breed‑recommended screening: hips, elbows, a veterinary ophthalmologist eye exam, and DNA tests for PRA‑crd3 and degenerative myelopathy; your vet can advise what’s due at routine visits.
Front desk script: Glens are sturdy, low‑shedding terriers that need moderate exercise and routine grooming; most families brush weekly and have the coat hand‑stripped a few times a year. Their parent club recommends hip and elbow evaluations, an ophthalmologist exam, and DNA tests for PRA‑crd3 and DM—we can review your dog’s records and schedule anything due. If you notice sudden non‑weight‑bearing lameness, eye pain, or a sudden change in vision, please call us right away so we can triage the same day.
Front-desk teams most often hear from Glen of Imaal Terrier owners about: itchy skin and ear odor/shaking (allergy‑pattern questions and possible otitis), scooting/requests for anal‑gland checks, bad breath/dental cleaning inquiries, and intermittent limping or stiffness after jumping or stairs—especially in puppies with short, bowed forelimbs. Owners also call about nail tears or sore paws from digging, hand‑stripping/coat care logistics, and genetic screening questions for PRA‑crd3/DM or concerns about night vision. Please escalate scheduling if a Glen is suddenly non‑weight‑bearing or yelping after a jump/stairs, has ear swelling with dark discharge or head tilt, or rapid vision change; advise immediate emergency care if there is severe pain, collapse, or neurologic signs.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Glen. We can book the first available same‑day exam for ear odor/shaking, frequent scooting, sudden limping after a jump or stairs, or new eye changes; routine nail/dental/grooming or screening test visits can go in our next standard slot. If your dog cannot bear weight, is crying in pain, has a marked head tilt or profuse ear discharge, or vision seems to have changed suddenly, please seek emergency care now while we help locate the nearest ER. How soon can you arrive, or would you like directions to the emergency clinic?
Glen of Imaal Terriers have a weather‑resistant double coat (soft undercoat + harsh outer coat) that needs brushing several times per week and periodic professional hand‑stripping; routine clippering/shaving softens or can damage coat texture and may allow the undercoat to mat. They are low‑shedding, but compacted undercoat can form painful mats without regular combing, so plan grooming ‘tidy + de‑shed/strip’ visits every few months with a groomer experienced in terrier hand‑stripping. Bathing is only as needed. Their folded ears can trap moisture/debris—ask about head‑shaking, odor, redness, discharge, or ear pain and escalate for a same‑day vet check; also flag rapidly forming mats, hot spots, sudden intense itching, or patchy hair loss for clinical review.
Front desk script: This breed’s double coat needs frequent home brushing plus periodic hand‑stripping to keep the coat healthy—would you like a referral to a groomer familiar with terriers? For routine care, we typically book grooming every few months and can add an ear/skin check at wellness visits. If you notice ear odor, redness, discharge, head‑shaking, or tight/painful mats, please call us for a same‑day appointment.
For Glen of Imaal Terriers, collect and upload breed-specific records at intake: hip and elbow evaluations, recent ophthalmologist (CAER) eye exam results, and DNA results for PRA-crd3 and (if available) degenerative myelopathy; note breeder/CHIC numbers when provided. Route routine wellness or mobility concerns to general practice. Escalate immediately if the caller reports sudden eye redness, squinting, cloudiness, obvious eye pain, or sudden vision changes (book same-day; if severe pain or rapid swelling, direct to emergency now). For lameness, especially in puppies after a jump/fall or any non–weight-bearing limb, schedule same-day. Document plans to breed so eye certificates are current and genetic results are on file, and set reminders for periodic eye screening per club guidance.
Front desk script: “Thanks for calling about your Glen of Imaal Terrier. We typically add any hip/elbow screening, eye exam (CAER), and DNA results for PRA-crd3/DM—do you have records we can upload? Are you seeing sudden eye redness, squinting, vision changes, or is your dog unable to bear weight or yelping after a jump or fall? If yes, we should see your pet today—if the eye looks very painful or rapidly swelling, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now while I notify the doctor. If not urgent, I can book the next available wellness or mobility visit and note if you’d like an eye screening added.”
Puppy (birth to end of rapid growth): set up a series of early‑month visits for core vaccinations, parasite prevention setup, microchip, and growth/behavior check‑ins; owners often ask about house‑training, chewing, and socialization. Adult (young/mature): schedule routine wellness annually with parasite prevention and lifestyle vaccine updates, weight/nutrition reviews, and dental planning; questions tend to center on exercise needs, grooming/ear care, and travel. Senior (last 25% of expected lifespan—often around 7–8 years for medium breeds): plan more frequent (often twice‑yearly) wellness visits per the veterinarian, with mobility/cognition and appetite/weight trend check‑ins and discussion of comfort and home adjustments. If clients report difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, extreme lethargy, inability to urinate/defecate, or heavy bleeding, advise that this is an emergency and direct them to come in immediately or go to the nearest ER.
Front desk script: For Glen of Imaal Terrier puppies, we’ll arrange a series of early‑month appointments for vaccines, growth checks, and behavior questions. Adults are seen for yearly wellness; once your Glen enters senior years (often around 7–8 for medium breeds), we book more frequent, twice‑yearly visits as directed by the doctor. If you’re seeing trouble breathing, seizures, collapse, or inability to urinate, this is an emergency—please come in now or go to the nearest ER.
For Glen of Imaal Terrier owners, set clear lobby expectations and triage cues: these terriers can be calm but very focused on small animals and may be selective with other dogs—ask clients to arrive on a short leash and tell us if their Glen is uncomfortable around dogs so we can room them quickly. When scheduling, ask about mobility (recent limping, trouble with stairs, stiffness) and any vision changes (bumping into objects at night), since hips/elbows and inherited eye issues are noted in the breed. If a caller reports sudden non–weight-bearing lameness after a jump, eye redness/squinting or sudden vision loss, collapse, or labored breathing, state clearly: “This needs immediate emergency care—please proceed to the nearest ER now,” and notify the medical team.
Front desk script: “Thanks for calling about your Glen of Imaal Terrier. For everyone’s comfort, please keep your Glen on a short leash; if they’re uneasy around other dogs, we can check you in curbside or move you straight to a room.” “For today’s visit, have you noticed any recent limping or trouble with stairs, or any changes in night vision?” “If you ever see sudden severe lameness, eye redness or pain, or trouble breathing, let us know immediately—those are emergencies and we’ll direct you to urgent care right away.”
For Glens, schedule an ACVO ophthalmologist exam annually until age 8 and keep PRA‑crd3 and DM DNA test results on file per breed‑club/AKC guidance; ask owners about night‑vision changes, bumping into objects, eye redness, squinting, or sudden vision loss—these eye signs need same‑day evaluation. Monitor for orthopedic risks (hip/elbow dysplasia) by asking about limping, stiffness, or difficulty rising; in puppies, flag any forelimb lameness or front‑leg bowing (possible premature closure of the distal ulna) for prompt assessment.
Front desk script: Because Glen of Imaal Terriers have specific eye and joint risks, we recommend a yearly eye exam with a veterinary ophthalmologist and noting any PRA‑crd3/DM DNA test results in your pet’s record. Have you seen night‑vision changes, bumping into things, red or squinting eyes, or sudden vision loss? If yes to a red, painful, or suddenly blind eye, please come in today or proceed to a 24/7 ER. Also, any limping or stiffness—and for growing pups, any front‑leg bowing—so we can plan a hip/elbow check at your visit?
Sturdy, low-slung terrier that’s typically calmer and quieter than many terriers but may be selective with other dogs and has a strong prey drive—seat away from canine traffic and let the dog approach calmly. Dense/heavy for size; if lifting is needed, use a two-hand lift (support chest and hindquarters). For handoff, note any dog–dog reactivity, keep greetings low-key, and use high-value treats. Key intake items: ask about eye screening/DNA testing for PRA-crd3 and any night-vision changes, and whether hips/elbows have been evaluated; note any intermittent limping or difficulty rising for the clinician.
Front desk script: We’ll place your Glen in a quieter area away from other dogs and let them come to us at their pace. They’re compact and heavy, so if we need to help lift, we’ll support both the chest and rear. For the doctor, has your Glen had a PRA-crd3 genetic test or a recent eye exam, and have you noticed any night-vision changes? Also, has your dog had hips/elbows screened, or any recent limping we should note?
Glen of Imaal Terriers are typically sturdy, moderate‑energy, and quieter than many terriers, but they retain a strong prey drive and may be selective with other dogs—use secure leashing/fencing and plan slow, supervised introductions to dogs and small pets. For intake and placement, request and file any prior health records, especially hip and elbow evaluations, ophthalmologist exams, and genetic results for PRA (cone‑rod dystrophy 3) and degenerative myelopathy per parent‑club/AKC guidance; note that Glens can be stoic, so advise adopters to watch for subtle pain or mobility changes. Set expectations for regular coat care (hand‑stripping/brush‑outs) and routine ear checks, and encourage early training and socialization to support successful home transitions. Escalate promptly if adopters report sudden non‑weight‑bearing lameness, collapse, or signs of eye pain (squinting, cloudiness) or severe distress.
Front desk script: Thanks for adopting a Glen of Imaal Terrier—wonderful but strong‑willed terriers that can have a high prey drive and sometimes be selective with other dogs, so please use secure leashes/fencing and do slow, supervised introductions. If you have any prior records, please share hip/elbow screens, eye exam notes, or DNA results for PRA (crd3) or degenerative myelopathy so we can update the file. If you notice sudden non‑weight‑bearing lameness, collapse, or eye pain, please seek veterinary care the same day; if severe or after hours, go to the nearest emergency clinic.
Typically calmer and quieter than many terriers, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is people‑friendly yet independent, with a strong prey drive and may be selective around unfamiliar dogs. For check‑in and lobby flow: use a short, non‑retractable leash; seat away from other dogs and small pets; and offer a quieter path/room if available. For handoff, ask about known triggers and treat permissions; approach calmly from the side, avoid leaning over the head, and allow the dog to initiate contact. If behavior escalates (stiff freeze, hard stare, growling/snarling, lunging) or the dog shows sudden distress/lameness, move to a quiet area and alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: Hi there—Glens are often calm but very strong and independent, so we’ll keep some space from other dogs today. Please keep a short leash; we’ll seat you in a quieter spot away from small pets. Are there any handling triggers or treats that work best for your dog? If we see her tense up, stare hard, growl, lunge, or seem suddenly painful, we’ll move you to a quiet room and page the medical team right away.
Escalate to emergency care immediately if a Glen of Imaal Terrier has any of the following: trouble breathing or pale/blue gums; collapse, fainting, or seizures; repeated vomiting/diarrhea, blood in stool/vomit, or a swollen painful abdomen with unproductive retching; sudden severe back/neck pain, wobbly or dragging hind legs, or loss of bladder control (possible spinal emergency); inability to urinate or straining with little/no output; eye injury, sudden vision loss, or bulging eye; signs of heatstroke (heavy panting, weakness); major trauma or uncontrolled bleeding; or any known/suspected toxin exposure.
Front desk script: Based on what you’ve described, this is an emergency and your Glen needs to be seen now. Please go to the nearest 24/7 veterinary ER; we can call ahead to expect you. If a toxin may be involved, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 while en route and bring any packaging.