How to choose a Glen of Imaal Terrier puppy

So, you’re all set to begin your wondrous adventure with the rare Glen of Imaal Terrier breed. How to best choose a puppy to make sure you get a healthy, happy and well-bred Glen?

Here are a few things you should consider before buying your Glen of Imaal Terrier:

1. The first thing you need to brace yourself for is a long waiting list. As with any rare dog breed, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is not easy to come by and it could take up to a year to find your perfect furry friend.
2. If you live in one of those countries where the Glen of Imaal Terrier is officially recognized as a breed, contact your local breed club and ask for a list of certified Glen breeders. If your country doesn’t have local breeders, consider going to the source of it all: the Irish Glen of Imaal Association, where you will receive lots of info about reputable Glen breeders in Ireland.
3. Don’t get your Glen of Imaal Terrier from the nearest shop around for a bit, ask the right questions and then you can make the best decision. Remember that you’re choosing a companion that will enrich your life for 12 years or more, doesn’t it deserve your time and patience in making this decision?
4. Never buy from a breeder who raises more than 3 different dog breeds. You should look for specialized breeders, with a genuine love for the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the keen interest to keeping this dog’s traditional features.
5. Once you’ve settled on a trust-worthy breeder, it’s a good idea to visit the place on more than one occasion. See if the dogs are happy and clean, but most importantly, ask questions about the breeders’ first-hand experience with a Glen. There are lots of question marks when it comes to grooming, behavior, and even how to feed a Glen.
6. When choosing a Glen puppy, always have in mind the genetic disorders that affect the breed. Ask for the medical backgrounds and genetic tests performed on your pup and its parents. Also, once you’ve acquired your very own Glen, make sure you receive the Kennel Club registration certificate, micro-chip or tattoo certification, Pedigree Certificate and the Puppy Sales Wallet.
7. If available, consider adopting an adult Glen of Imaal Terrier. There are owners who don’t fully acknowledge the huge responsibility it takes raising a Glen, so they often abandon them.

Please remember that by adopting a Glen, you could save a life and get a best friend for life!