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FAQs
WHAT IS A HOME BREEDER?
This literally means that our dogs live with us at home. They mostly sleep on the sofa and occasionally snooze in their own bed. They are not caged or kenneled elsewhere.
Both litters were born under our kitchen table. A wooden run was erected in the dining room, until they could play outside.
We are not a registered kennel, but Teamhrach is registered with the UK Kennel Club, as are all our puppies.
We are based in Norfolk, UK.
HOME COMFORTS
SKY RELAXES ON HER DAYBED
HOW MANY LITTERS HAVE YOU HAD?
One in January 2018 One in June 2021
PUPPY LOVE
WITH KERROWMOAR | JULY 2021
ARE YOU PLANNING ANOTHER?
Yes, but humour me whilst I elaborate:
Sky's highly-anticipated second litter was planned with understandable optimism in 2019. We were still buoyed with elation by her Magnificent Seven. It had all gone so smoothly the first time, from Sky coming into season on cue, to conception and whelping. We felt tremendously grateful that Sky had taken motherhood in her stride. We both agreed that the next litter would be her second and last.
So, it was a surprise in late spring 2019, when Sky kept us waiting a while before finally coming into season. We were concerned enough to have the vet check her over, and were reassured she was fit as a fiddle. Vet bill #1.
I remain convinced that Sky's subsequent weekend away spent socialising with other Glens – especially the male ones – somehow kick-started her hormones into action. Questionable science perhaps, but I hold great store in doggy logic.
HOW DO YOU MAKE A GLEN OF IMAAL TERRIER?
Now for the real science bit:
To ascertain the perfect moment of fertility, two separate blood tests were required, as the first result was a big fat negative. This entailed two further trips to the vet to extract blood. Vet bill #2 and #3.
Both blood samples were sent away for oestrogen-level testing, for a fee. Once the second result came back with a peak fertility date, it was all systems go. We had to drive Sky nearly two hours to another breeder with a Clear male. We were lucky the journey was straightforward. Sometimes a trip abroad is required in the quest for a perfect mate.
Timing is everything, and the general consensus is ideally a three-day window for the dogs to get fully acquainted. It went well, with both sides convinced the mating had been successful.
We opted not to have another blood test to confirm pregnancy. In retrospect of course, we should have had a scan. Over the next month, Sky appeared to bloom in front of our eyes. Her teats and tummy looked swollen. As in 2017, she seemed to soften and become clingy. Later, we would both touch her tummy and were convinced we felt movement. I know, I know. You are astute and way ahead of me...
We reassembled the Puppy Pen in the kitchen. Further wood was ordered to construct a larger run. Plush new vet bed was purchased and cut to size. The airing cupboards of Hornchurch were depleted once again and we were inundated with towels.
But, as the due date approached, it became obvious that something was amiss. Sky was nowhere near as big as she should be. Had something terrible happened? Sky was rushed to the vet for a scan. Vet bill #4. Thankfully, it simply showed that she was not pregnant. Apparently, Glens do have form at faking it!
SKY'S ELUSIVE SECOND LITTER
Was planned with unwavering optimism for late 2020.
Sadly, a scan in November 2020 showed that Sky was not expecting puppies. After three failed attempts, I think she is trying to tell us something. We reluctantly admit defeat.
So, you can imagine how chuffed to bits, over the moon, ecstatic and elated we were, to welcome Clodagh's first litter into the world on 5th June 2021!
THE WAITING LIST
We appreciate the time and emotion you have already invested to be on our Waiting List. The least we can do is answer your questions and keep you updated with any News. It's worth keeping an eye on the website.
There are no guarantees as to litter size, colour or gender. We are not oblivious to the collective excitement generated by an impending new arrival. Unlike Mother Nature, who prefers to dance to the beat of her own drum.
We will try to forward your details to other reputable breeders with a planned litter, where possible. We do occasionally get asked for names from our list.
Because most Waiting Lists have an emphasis on the first syllable, we recommend being on a few. The EFG and GOITA (the Glen of Imaal Terrier Association) are a good place to start.
If Sky's last mating had been successful, we would then have paid a stud fee, which varies according to breeder. Sometimes, the owner of the male dog will choose a puppy from the litter instead. So, a home-breeder can potentially be minus one puppy before the litter is even born. Quite often, the breeder will decide to keep a puppy from their own litter too. Something to bear in mind, if you are waiting for a puppy.
THE PRICE OF A PUPPY
We try to agree a fair price for a puppy with other breeders we know. Sky's litter sold for around GBP 1,000 each in 2018. Clodagh's first litter sold for around GBP 1,500 each in 2021.
Because Glen of Imaal terriers are a rare native breed, the onus is on us to ensure at least one exceptional puppy from each litter will continue the line with a reputable breeder. Our greatest fear is that Glens will be exploited by unscrupulous human greed. We wonder just how thorough the vetting process for each buyer can be, when money talks.
2019 and 2020 taught us that our overheads are harder to absorb than an established kennel producing more than one litter a year. Whilst Purina initially provided puppy food in 2018, all other expenses are incurred by the breeder.
All Teamhrach puppies come wormed and microchipped, with a full health check and their first jab.
We worked with the UK KENNEL CLUB and GADHARCHUMANN NA hÉIREANN in 2018 to produce a unique five-generation pedigree for each puppy. It looks mighty fine in a frame!
All Teamhrach puppies will be registered with the UK Kennel Club and Glen Footprints.
THE FUTURE IS GLEN-SHAPED
Truly successful breeding relies on new and diverse bloodlines; and the ability to accommodate "complete" male and female dogs together. Males can become stressed when they are near females in season.
The wellbeing and happiness of our dogs is paramount.
Going forward, we hope to ergonomically extend our home and gradually expand our Glen family. We only have Sky, Clodagh and Florence for now.
GLENS GO GLOBAL
No travel is truly stress-free for puppies. Frankly, we would prefer to wave our Glens off on a nice, comfy cruise ship with a sumptuous First Class cabin. And butler. But we accept this is not always a viable mode of transport for their voyage to pastures new.
We have researched some options for in-cabin transatlantic travel. These vary depending on each airline and are constantly updated. Whilst the UK is classed as rabies free, some countries may require a vet’s certificate. We will help with a Pet Passport and any other requirements.
We are keen to continue and strengthen the breed globally, but this is trumped by our concern for the welfare of each precious puppy.
TEAM TARA
Our Teamhrach Puppy Promise means we are always there - as near or far as you would like us to be - for the lifetime of your Glen. We are emotionally invested.
We try to use the website to share what we have discovered about this extraordinary breed. And to show what to expect with a rare Glen puppy. We are forever grateful to Team Tara for making this possible.
We also respect your privacy and membership is entirely optional!
SHOWING OFF
Whilst we do not show our dogs, we understand its importance. We admire the sheer dedication and effort involved. I do struggle with judging one beautiful dog over another, though. We accept there must be a breed standard, but the fate of the British Bulldog tells us that rigid conformity can be hugely detrimental.
Still, we are more than happy to share the show critique for one Teamhrach Rock Steady Beat at Romainville. I find repeating every sentence out loud really enhances the pure pleasure of reading it!
JD (1) 1st. George. TEAMHRACH ROCK STEADY BEAT. Wheaten dog with good bone and substance to him. Strong for a young age. Good in head, eyes and ears; correct bite. Strong neck and broad shoulders. Rib well sprung. Muscular thighs. Moves out well. Needed a bit more coat.
Showing and other Glen get-togethers are a rare opportunity for Glens to shine like the stars they are. That affable, scruffy charm probably explains why there will always be more Glen lovers in the world than Glens. Less than 50 were registered with the UK Kennel Club in 2017. Country shows are another way to encounter several Glens at once, if you have not already had the immense pleasure. Their humans can also offer invaluable insight.
BERTIE SHINES BRIGHT
Teamhrach Rock Steady Beat at Romainville
With Kathy George | Winter 2020
BUSTER DOES MODELLING
Image of Buster thanks to Tina Porter
©PAM & BOB LANGRISH
GLENS ON FILLUM
Not quite as exciting as it sounds, I'm afraid. No bit parts in historical dramas on the goggle box. No starring role doing the Glen Sit in some stylish monochrome advert for a famous Irish brewery - yet! But we live in hope.
Just lots of short, wobbly film of our short, wobbly dogs in the garden or on a walk. And puppies!
If you have not yet managed to meet a Glen of Imaal terrier, this may give you an idea of their size and how they move. Not to mention their extensive vocabulary. Bear in mind that both our adult Glens are female. Male Glens are usually a bit bigger, although Sky is magnificently large for her gender.
FIFTY SHADES OF GLEN
Aptly named, Sky is an exquisite moody BLUE, like a storm rolling in across Lugnaquilla. She carries the wheaten gene from her mum. A true blue starts life black and gradually lightens. Some retain a darker coat.
Blue Pearl, Teagan and Black Dub are BLUE.
Prince Buster, Fragarach, Kerrowmoar and Stella Maris are BRINDLE. A couple of them look more BLUE-BRINDLE. It's a grey area!
Clodagh, Fintan, Rock Steady Beat and Barregarrow are WHEATEN. Uncomplicated. You know where you are with a wheaten.
To an extent, these colours can all be explained by the Glen's ancestry.
FRAGARACH
BABY BRINDLE IN 2018
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WHO'S THE DADDY?
IMAGES OF ROCK BUSTER AND ROCK STEADY BEAT THANKS TO KATHY GEORGE | ROMAINVILLE
DIRTY LAUNDRY
SKY AND HER MAGNIFICENT SEVEN IN 2018
HAIR OF THE DOG: GROOMING YOUR GLEN
Difficult to explain, much easier to do! The EFG offer helpful hints on hand-stripping; and there are some videos available online.
Glens do not shed their hair, as many other breeds do. This may benefit human allergy sufferers.
We found that brushing early on helps to acclimatise your Glen puppy to being groomed. This will also help to detangle and remove dried mud. You will need a stripping knife - good for removing stubborn tangles - and we also have a stripping rake with a handle. Both should be used with care.
We happen to be rather fond of the 'windswept and interesting' look for Sky. But we soon came to realise that a stripped coat will eventually require less maintenance; and a fully clipped coat even less so. Cutting the hair rather than stripping it will make the coat less waterproof. A properly stripped coat will reveal the true proportions and substance of a Glen in all its glory.
We are big fans of the home-cut wonky fringe! Reminiscent of that first day back at school, for humans of a certain age. Keeping it short will prevent hair from irritating the eyes. They are most definitely the window to a Glen's soul.
SKY GOT STICK
UNSTRIPPED IN 2017
LESS HIRSUTE, STILL SUPER CUTE
CLODAGH GETS A BRUISER HAIRCUT - IT'LL GROW BACK!
March 2020
MOTHER & DAUGHTER
SHORTER COATS ARE EASIER TO MAINTAIN
January 2021
DID YOU KNOW...
THAT SOME SPRING BULBS AND PLANTS CAN BE HARMFUL TO DOGS?
Worth noting, as Glens tend to investigate everything with their mouth! Watch out for: Daffodil, Hyacinth, Lily and Tulip bulbs. Also avoid: Amaryllis, Azaleas, Chrysanthemums, Foxgloves and Ivy.
Begonias, Ferns, Gerbera Daisies, Roses and Sunflowers are all fine, as are fragrant herbs like Lavender.
GLEN-FRIENDLY HERBS
HYACINTH BULBS CAN BE HARMFUL TO DOGS
FLORENCE AMONG THE DAFFODILS
Just keep away from the bulbs!
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GLENS IN LAVENDER
Image of Buster thanks to Tina ©Pam & Bob Langrish | July 2019
AND DON'T FORGET...
TO WORM YOUR GLEN REGULARLY for everything, including lungworm.
Glens view snails as delicious gobstoppers. And slugs are just juicy chewing gum, to be deposited on the carpet for bare feet to find of a morning. Lovely!
WE GET LUNGWORM TOO!