TRIMMING A GLEN OF IMAAL TERRIER
Start at the back of the head, the bump between the ears, and strip
the hair off the entire length of the body. Do not forget the tail and
each side of the buttocks.
2) Strip the shoulders and chest (C & D). Leave the hair between the
front legs.
3) Strip along the side of the body and top of the thigh (Line E). Leaving the hair below the line to form “feathers”. If the dog is high on the leg leave a longer feather as it will helps the dog appear lower to the ground Also observe the front elbows; Glens have funny fronts but ARE NOT out at elbow, too much hair left on here can make them appear to be.
4)Tie a piece of wool under the dogs chin & behind its ears (Line F). All the hair to the front of this line is head hair. Head trimming depends on the dog, each animal is different. As a generalisation the hair is combed forward and then the dog is encouraged to shake to make the hair lie satisfactorily. The Glen is still very much a basic dog so does not need incredible flowing locks but it is competing in the beauty ring so a Yul Brynner would look equally out of place. It helps a dog if the expression can be seen, so do not let the forelock grow too long
As the main body hair grows it will be found that the undercoat grows faster. “Scrape” the animal from head to tail with the stripping knife and you will find it easily removed. If correctly exercised little work will be required to the feet as the nails will be naturally short and the long hair worn away. Do remember to check between the toes as some Glens are very hairy and knotted lumps between the toes will soon ruin an otherwise good foot. A Glen of Imaal Terrier does not require much trimming and some purists may complain if any is done. The only way forward for the breed is in the showring and thereby increasing peoples awareness. Better that a moderate trim is adopted now rather than to awaken one day to find it has been excessively barbered or is blessed with hair trailing to the floor.
