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Broholmer vs Glen of Imaal Terrier

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

Broholmer vs Glen of Imaal Terrier

You’re not going to find two dogs more opposite if you tried, so why are people even comparing a Broholmer and a Glen of Imaal Terrier? Probably because both are rare, both are loyal to their people, and both have that “I’ve seen things” look in their eyes. But that’s where the similarities end. The Broholmer is a gentle giant from Denmark, tipping the scales at up to 150 pounds. It’s calm, quiet, and built like a draft horse with a bear’s coat. You’ll want a yard, strong arms, and experience handling big dogs. this isn’t a breed that forgives rookie mistakes. It’s affectionate and protective, yes, but its sheer size means a playful shove could knock over a child. It’s great with families, just not little families in studio apartments. Then there’s the Glen of Imaal Terrier. a low-slung, wiry Irishman who looks like he’d rather nap than cause trouble, but don’t be fooled. He was bred to go after badgers in tight underground tunnels. That means he’s bold, determined, and not always eager to listen. He’s half the size of a Broholmer, adaptable to city life, and deeply affectionate. practically glue on your lap when indoors. But his terrier instincts run hot, so cats or squirrels might set him off. Here’s the real talk: the Broholmer needs space and structure, but gives you a living, breathing security system with a heart of gold. The Glen? He’s a character. stubborn, quirky, full of surprise. If you want calm presence, go Broholmer. If you want a feisty, compact companion with endless personality, the Glen’s your guy. Just know. both will love you fiercely, in their own very different ways.

Broholmer
Glen of Imaal Terrier
27.5–29.5 in
Height
12.5–14 in
90–150 lb
Weight
32–40 lb
8–10 yr
Lifespan
10–15 yr
$2.0–4.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
AKC popularity
#174

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Broholmer Glen of Imaal Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Coat Grooming
Broholmer needs less grooming (2-point difference)
Broholmer
Affectionate w/ Family
Glen of Imaal Terrier is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Glen
Shedding Level
Glen of Imaal Terrier sheds less (1-point difference)
Glen
Drooling Level
Glen of Imaal Terrier drools less (1-point difference)
Glen
Watchdog / Protective
Broholmer is more protective (1-point difference)
Broholmer
The verdict

Choose the Broholmer if…

  • experienced large-breed owners
  • families with children
  • homes with large yards
  • You value shedding levelBroholmer scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Glen of Imaal Terrier if…

  • Experienced terrier owners
  • Families with older children
  • Apartment or small home living
  • You value coat groomingGlen of Imaal Terrier scores higher here.
Broholmer Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Broholmer home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Glen of Imaal Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Glen of Imaal Terrier home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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