Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier Better than the Harrier as a Pet? Answer…

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Glen of Imaal Terrier Versus Harrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and for the Harrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Harrier.

Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Harrier

Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Harrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Harrier is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Glen of Imaal Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Harrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Glen of Imaal Terrier to the Harrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier

Factor Glen of Imaal Terrier Harrier
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Weight Up to 35 pounds 45 to 60 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • CONE ROD DYSTROPHY
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Must have an eye examination performed by an AVCO opthalmologist (or equivalent in foreign countries) beginning at 2 years of age and repeated every 2 years until age 8
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 168 183

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Glen of Imaal Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Harrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Glen of Imaal Terrier is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Harrier is 81 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is a better pet than the Harrier. So, you should get the Glen of Imaal Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier

    Below is a list of where the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier are most different:

  • Glen of Imaal Terriers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Harriers get along well with other dogs.
  • Glen of Imaal Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier

    The Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier are most similar:

  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier are very playful.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Harrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers weigh Up to 35 pounds when fully grown. Glen of Imaal Terriers are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Harrier

    The lifespan of Glen of Imaal Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Glen of Imaal Terriers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers live longer than Harriers.

    Adopting the Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Adopting the Harrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Glen of Imaal Terriers and many Harriers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Glen of Imaal Terrier named Rupert that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Glen of Imaal Terriers like Rupert on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Glen of Imaal Terriers, Harriers are also available for adoption. For example, Bailey is a Male Harrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Harriers like Bailey that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also, Pilot is an adorable Male Harrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Glen of Imaal Terriers and Harriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Popularity of Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Popularity of Harrier

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Glen of Imaal Terrier is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Popularity of Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Popularity of Harrier

    Popularity of Harrier

    Year Glen of Imaal Terrier Popularity Rank Harrier Popularity Rank
    2013 167 173
    2014 162 181
    2015 168 183
    2016 180 186
    2017 158 183
    2018 174 189
    2019 168 186
    2020 169 190

    Health Problems of Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Health Problems of Harrier

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Glen of Imaal Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Glen of Imaal Terrier than for the Harrier.

    4 health tests are recommended for Glen of Imaal Terrier while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Glen of Imaal Terriers and in Harriers.

    Glen of Imaal Terrier Health Problems

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Glen of Imaal Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Glen of Imaal Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Glen of Imaal Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Glen of Imaal Terriers for:

  • CONE ROD DYSTROPHY
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Must have an eye examination performed by an AVCO opthalmologist (or equivalent in foreign countries) beginning at 2 years of age and repeated every 2 years until age 8
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Glen of Imaal Terriers here.

    Harrier Health Problems

    Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Harriers for:

  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Glen of Imaal Terriers and Harriers

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Glen of Imaal Terrier Breed is Cone Rod Dystrophy problems.

    This is because the Glen of Imaal Terrier ranks 1 out of 2 dog breeds for Cone Rod Dystrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 356 Glen of Imaal Terriers, 7 of them had Cone Rod Dystrophy problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Glen of Imaal Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Glen of Imaal Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Cone Rod Dystrophy problems: Rank 1 out of 2 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 25 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 37 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 45 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Harrier Breed is Hips problems.

    This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Hips problems: Rank 76 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Glen of Imaal Terrier and in Harrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier:

    Disease Glen of Imaal Terrier Rank Harrier Rank
    Cone Rod Dystrophy problems 1 out of 2 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 25 out of 198 dog breeds 76 out of 198 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 37 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 45 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Harrier

    Glen of Imaal Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Glen of Imaal Terriers shed more than Harriers?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Harriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Harrier

    Glen of Imaal Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Harrier?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Glen of Imaal Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Harriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Glen of Imaal Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Glen of Imaal Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Glen of Imaal Terrier vs. Harrier

    Glen of Imaal Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Glen of Imaal Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Harriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Harrier?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Glen of Imaal Terriers good family dogs? What about Harriers?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Harriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Glen of Imaal Terriers and Harriers?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier Easier to Train than the Harrier?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are very easy to train.

    Harriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Harrier?

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Glen of Imaal Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Glen of Imaal Terrier:

  • Australian Terrier (79 percent match with Glen of Imaal Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Australian Terrier.
  • Silky Terrier (79 percent match with Glen of Imaal Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Silky Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Harrier:

  • American Foxhound (82 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Glen of Imaal Terrier vs American Foxhound.
  • Black and Tan Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Black and Tan Coonhound.
  • Black Mouth Cur (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bluetick Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Bluetick Coonhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Glen of Imaal Terrier and how the Harrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Glen of Imaal Terrier and of the Harrier to other breeds:

    Glen of Imaal Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Bich Poo     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Miniature Poodle     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Barbet     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Biewer Terrier     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Brittany     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Biewer Terrier     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus English Setter     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Schnoodle     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus American Bulldog     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Carolina Dog     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Boston Terrier     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Bordoodle     Glen of Imaal Terrier versus American Bulldog     

    Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Harrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Harrier versus Afador     Harrier versus American Foxhound     Harrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Harrier versus Afador     Harrier versus Kooikerhondje     Harrier versus Belgian Malinois     Harrier versus Standard Poodle     Harrier versus Shiba Inu     Harrier versus Westiepoo     Harrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Harrier versus Carolina Dog     Harrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Harrier versus Bordoodle     Harrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Harrier versus Tibetan Mastiff     Harrier versus American Water Spaniel     Harrier versus Papipoo     Harrier versus Leonberger     Harrier versus German Pinscher     Harrier versus Shihpoo     Harrier versus English Toy Spaniel     Harrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Harrier versus Great Dane     Harrier versus Samoyed     

    Conclusion: Glen of Imaal Terrier versus Harrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Harrier better suits you and your family.