PuppyBase

Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Saluki

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

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Saluki

You’re probably not comparing a squat Irish terrier built like a tank to a desert-born sighthound straight out of an Egyptian tomb painting unless you’ve done some deep digging. But here it is: both are rare, both are dignified in their own way, and both bond fiercely. yet choosing between a Glen of Imaal Terrier and a Saluki is like picking between a cozy pub and a moonlit desert run. One grounds you, the other pulls you toward the horizon. The Glen is the quiet powerhouse. At 35 pounds and under 14 inches, he’s low to the ground but full of quiet confidence. He’ll curl up on your lap after a solid day of digging in the backyard. because yes, he’ll still hunt vermin if given the chance. He’s adaptable to apartments, doesn’t bark much, and loves his people deeply. But he’s no push-button dog. Training takes patience, and if you’ve got a rabbit or cat, good luck. he was bred to go after small creatures. The Saluki, in contrast, is built for flight. Tall, lean, built like a greyhound with feathered ears, this dog can hit 40 mph in seconds. He’s not barking up a storm, but he needs space to sprint. fenced yards aren’t optional, they’re survival. He’s affectionate but on his terms. You’ll find him at your feet, yes, but don’t expect him to follow you room to room like a Labrador. Here’s the real talk: the Glen wants to be your partner in a quiet life with pockets of adventure. The Saluki wants to remind you that dogs were once wild, and some still are. If you crave control, pick the Glen. If you can surrender to mystery, go Saluki.

Glen of Imaal Terrier
Saluki
12.5–14 in
Height
23–28 in
32–40 lb
Weight
40–65 lb
10–15 yr
Lifespan
10–17 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–4.0k
#174
AKC popularity
#120

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.
Glen of Imaal Terrier Saluki
Overlay

Where they diverge

Coat Grooming
Saluki needs less grooming (2-point difference)
Saluki
Watchdog / Protective
Glen of Imaal Terrier is more protective (2-point difference)
Glen
Mental Stimulation Needs
Saluki needs more mental stimulation (2-point difference)
Saluki
Drooling Level
Saluki drools less (1-point difference)
Saluki
Adaptability
Glen of Imaal Terrier is more adaptable (1-point difference)
Glen
The verdict

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 noticeably higher.

Choose the Saluki if…

  • Active owners with running space
  • Experienced sighthound owners
  • Those wanting an elegant, quiet breed
  • You value mental stimulation needsSaluki scores higher here.
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
Saluki Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Saluki 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

Other comparisons people run