The breed, which originates from County Wicklow, Ireland, has been through some hard times in recent years, and although it is now making something of a comeback, numbers remain low.

The breed was not formally recognised until 1930, and the Irish Kennel Club first put on classes for it in 1933. Until the banning of badger trials in 1966, the Glen had to earn a certificate at a trial as well as winning in the show ring before he could be called ‘champion’. Although the test is no longer necessary, the Glen is still thought of as a working dog, whose bowed front legs were desirable to give the dog what was termed a ‘mechanical advantage’ when digging.

A tough, robust dog, the Glen has a mixture of the game and the gentle about him. He appears on first impression to be a rather rough chap – and his harsh coat of blue, wheaten or brindle tends to confirm this – but he is, in fact, a good family companion, not nearly as noisy as many small terriers, although his guttural bark would deter most intruders. Despite his build, he is very much more active than one would expect.