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Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Teddy Roosevelt 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

Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

People mix up Glens and Teddy Roosevelts because they’re both short, stubby little terriers with big personalities and tails that wag like they mean it. But that’s where the similarities end. If you’re torn between them, you’re really choosing between a cozy fire and a lightning bolt. The Glen of Imaal Terrier is the quiet rebel. He’s got that low-slung, tough-as-nails build from hunting badgers in Irish hills, but at home he’s a velcro dog who’ll claim your lap like it’s his birthright. He’s not loud, doesn’t shed much, and will tolerate older kids who respect his space. But don’t mistake his calm for compliance. he’s clever and stubborn, and if you’ve never handled a terrier’s mind before, you’ll be outmaneuvered. He thrives in homes that appreciate his pace, whether you’re on a farm or in a city apartment. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier? This dog’s always on deck. Bred to clear barns of rats in the American South, he’s leaner, quicker, and wired for action. He’s fantastic with kids, eager to learn, and will happily zoom around the yard all day. But if you’re a couch potato, this isn’t your match. He needs jobs, puzzles, play. he’ll invent mischief if you don’t. Here’s the real difference: the Glen wins your heart by being a loyal shadow, the Teddy by being your tiny, tireless partner in adventure. Pick the Glen if you want a calm companion with depth. Pick the Teddy if you want a dog that’s always ready for the next thing. And either way, don’t expect them to get along with your pet hamster. Neither will.

Glen of Imaal Terrier
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
12.5–14 in
Height
8–15 in
32–40 lb
Weight
8–25 lb
10–15 yr
Lifespan
14–16 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$0.8–2.5k
#174
AKC popularity

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 Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is better with kids (2-point difference)
Teddy
Good with Other Dogs
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Teddy
Energy Level
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier has more energy (2-point difference)
Teddy
Barking Level
Glen of Imaal Terrier barks less (2-point difference)
Glen
Shedding Level
Glen of Imaal Terrier sheds less (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 Teddy Roosevelt Terrier if…

  • Active families
  • Farm settings for pest control
  • Apartment or small home living
  • You value good with young childrenTeddy Roosevelt Terrier 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
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Teddy Roosevelt 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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