Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Poodle

Glen of Imaal Terriers from the Terrier group carry a brave, gentle and patient personality, shaped by their heritage as terrier dogs. Poodles, belonging to the Non-Sporting group, are intelligent, elegant and athletic — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.

The Poodle needs slightly more exercise (4/5) than the Glen of Imaal Terrier (3/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have high to moderate energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Poodle.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier sheds a bit more (2/5) than the Poodle (1/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Poodle has a slight edge.

If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The Poodle's trainability score of 5/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.

Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.

Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,500–$2,500 for a Glen of Imaal Terrier and $1,000–$3,000 for a Poodle. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier stands 30–36 cm (12–14 in) and weighs 14–18 kg (31–40 lbs), while the Poodle measures 38–61 cm (15–24 in) and 18–32 kg (40–71 lbs). The Poodle is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.

Lifespan is a near-tie: the Glen of Imaal Terrier lives roughly 10–15 years while the Poodle averages 12–15 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.