The team
Theresa Nesbitt
Breeder, Preservationist and Enthusiast
Theresa Nesbitt is an Obstetrician Gynecologist with specialty training in genetics and maternal fetal medicine. Although she has retired from an active medical practice she remains very involved with women’s wellness as “Dr Theresa” and teaches around the world.
Theresa has always had a passion for her pets and animals in general. In addition to adopting and rehabbing many abandoned dogs she also worked at the Philadelphia Zoo while still in high school. She has found a number of ways to apply her medical background to help both people and dogs live a longer and healthier life. She started a not for profit Weight Waggers which promotes healthy movement and weight loss for dogs and people.
When it comes to dog breeding and glens in particular, Theresa has found a great outlet for her interest in population genetics and breed preservation as well as a particular clinical interest – achondroplasia or dwarfism. Glens have
Despite her other activities, it’s her passion for the Irish Glen of Imaal Terriers that made this website a reality. To Theresa, Glens are a living breathing embodiment of the many things she loves about the Irish land, people and traditions. Although she was born in the United States and has lived there for most of her life, Ireland the native land of her ancestors, has alway been an endless source of fascination and curiosity.
The first time Theresa set foot on the Irish soil, it simply felt like home. Glens soon became a piece of her magical Ireland she felt she had to protect – a living symbol of a country that is rough and modern filled with whimsy and wit.
That’s why Theresa is a fierce advocate of keeping the Irish Glen of Imaal Terriers true to tradition with their “Tyrion Lannister” looks and their quirky and unusual character. But most of all, she hopes this website will become your “Glen treasure chest,” filled with precious info about the breed you won’t find anywhere else.
We should all be so lucky to see a Glen of Imaal Terrier through Theresa’s eyes!
Nick and Ann White
Founders and Original Breeders of Abberann Irish Glen of Imaal Terriers
When did you get your first Glen?
Although involved with the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier Ass.since the late 70’s it was mainly on Committee and Board and we held various positions over the years. Our first serious Glens were around 1995.
Why did you get your first Glen?
While we had the Afghans and Saluki’s it wasnt feasible or indeen we felt a good idea to have Glens. As our Afghan no’s had declined (we were never prolific breeders only for our needs) and with the theft of one of our Saluki’s which basically wiped out our breeding programme we thought maybe it was time to see if we could achieve with the Glens the success we had with the Afghan’s and Saluki’s since 1974 which included Group and Best in Show wins.
Where and Why the kennel prefix Abberann?
“Abberann” – Well it is not easy to come up with a name that the Kennel Club will acept as a Prefix / Affix.
A lot of our shows were in England so driving through Wales you will see the word “Abber” many times which I liked the sound of to which I added Ann and the prefix “Abberann” was born. It has served us well over the past 40 yrs.
Did you see glens you liked or did you want to improve the breed?
There were always Glens we liked but at that time there was a lot of room for improvement. Even today there are areas of concern.
What would you want people to know about Glens?
That they are a Native Irish Breed. The importance of the Breed Standard which will describe what is a Glen of Imaal Terrier. A great family pet and in the Show Ring are as capable as any other breed of winning the Group and Best in Show.
Why would you involve an American in Irish breed?
Strange question. Many Americans are involved with Irish Breeds over the years. Most are genuine to the Breeds but because they seem unwilling to use our (Native) Breed Standard we are always reluctant to get involved.
The reason we involved Theresa Nesbitt with Abberann had nothing to do with America or the fact that she was American. We were looking for someone with like mind, whose ideals and vison were similar and who has the determination to keep all Abberann breeding true to the Breed Standard of the country of origin, Ireland.
What do you want for the future of Abberann?
It is our hope that the work we started back in the 80’s & 90’s to raise the profile and standard of the Glens to a level of acceptance by Judges and others as serious contenders for top awards. We are delighted to see in our lifetime Glens in many countries winning Groups and Best in Show’s.
Who do you consider to be the dog that most typifies Abberann Glens and why?
CH.GB.CH.AM.CH.SU.CH.INT.CH.ABBERANN CONAN (An.Ch.08,09,10,CJW 07,CW 07,08,09, WW 08)
VET.CH. Otherwise known as Homer. Homer was always an attention seeker, he loved people especially children and people loved him. Judges loved him, to them he represented the breed standard and many (Judges) stated that over the years. In fact over his long career (he is now 16) it was rare that he did not get Best of Breed. He was a pleasure to bring anywhere and he never let us down, wheather it was a show in Ireland, hotels and Shows in US, Cruft’s, the World Show in Sweden, TV studios to him it didnt matter so long as he could please you.
He is the product of Abberann and our vision of the important features we strive to ensure all our Glens will poccess, good temperament, excellent head with dark eye and correct ears which give Abberann Glens their unique charm, strong muzzle with strong teeth another Abberann hallmark. Good bone, well muscled quarters with correct angulation which ensure correct movement and a good strong tail with correct set. We also believe in masculine dogs and femine bitches.
That in essence is Abberann Glen of Imaal Terriers.
As judges you know a “sound dog”. Which do you think is more important… A good dog or a typey dog (glen)?
Judging or assessing dogs is an important and serious aspect of breeding and requires knowledge and understanding the Breed Standard.
A “good “ dog will be a sound dog with Breed type and conforms to the Breed standard.
A “Typey” dog will have many charesteristics of the Breed but may not be sound and may not conform to the Breed standard.