Longevity
Life expectancy
With an adapted lifestyle, a quality diet and regular veterinary follow-up, this breed generally lives between 12 and 14 years. Its longevity depends greatly on weight management, daily activity and screening for hereditary conditions.
Build
A robust breed?
Its solid build and double coat give it good overall hardiness. It copes well with a cool or damp climate, but like any dog, it must be protected during periods of intense heat or extreme cold.
Watch points
What to watch for
Vigilance mainly concerns eye health, certain hereditary conditions and the moderate tendency to become overweight. Choosing a reputable breeder, transparent about tests and history, remains essential to limit the risks.
Progressive retinal atrophy : Degenerative eye condition that can lead to a gradual loss of vision and then blindness.
Hypothyroidism : Endocrine disorder that may cause fatigue, weight gain, coat changes, and a decline in overall condition.
von Willebrand disease : Clotting disorder that can promote abnormal bleeding during trauma or a procedure.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Thanks to its double, harsh coat, the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier copes well with cool climates and somewhat harsh conditions. On the other hand, significant heat as well as extreme cold require precautions, with suitable outings, water available and limiting exertion during the toughest hours.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The breed shows a moderate tendency to gain weight if portions are too generous or activity is insufficient. It is preferable to split the ration into two meals, to regularly monitor the silhouette and to adjust intake according to age, activity and body condition.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Schedule ophthalmologic follow-up according to the veterinarian's recommendations.
- Monitor weight to limit overweight.
- Inspect ears, paw pads and coat after outings.
Vaccination
Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier? Like all cats, the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
An ophthalmological examination is one of the checks to prioritize. Depending on the lines and the veterinarian's recommendations, it is also useful to discuss monitoring coagulation and the thyroid panel, especially in the presence of a family history.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
