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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier need? Like all dogs, Irish Glen of Imaal Terriers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
