Breed Comparison: Chihuahua Versus Glen of Imaal Terrier

Last Updated: Mar 22, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Chihuahua Versus Glen of Imaal Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier? 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 Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Chihuahua and for the Glen of Imaal Terrier. 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 Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

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

Read on.

Chihuahua versus Glen of Imaal Terrier

Chihuahua versus Glen of Imaal Terrier: Overview

Both the Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are similar in size. The Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are both tiny-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Chihuahua belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

On the other hand, 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.

Chihuahua versus Glen of Imaal Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chihuahua to the Glen of Imaal Terrier 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 Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier

FactorChihuahuaGlen of Imaal Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather1/53/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Minimal Exercise Needs5/52/5
Life Span10 to 18 years12 to 15 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/54/5
Dog Friendly2/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/53/5
Does NOT Shed4/55/5
General Health2/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/51/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/53/5
Low Prey Drive3/51/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/52/5
NOT Rambunctious3/52/5
Weight3 to 6 poundsUp to 35 pounds
Good For Novice Owners4/52/5
Easy To Train4/54/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/54/5
Easygoing1/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
Easy To Groom5/55/5
Height6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan14.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$1820No Data
Price Range$850 – $2500No Data
Temperament Score69.6 percent66.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds30169

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua 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 Glen of Imaal Terrier. 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 Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Glen of Imaal Terrier is 83 out of 125.

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

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

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

  • Chihuahuas have low exercise needs. However, Glen of Imaal Terriers require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Chihuahuas have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Glen of Imaal Terriers are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Chihuahuas do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Glen of Imaal Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier

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

  • Both the Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are very playful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Glen of Imaal Terrier

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

    Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, 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.

    Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Glen of Imaal Terrier

    The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.

    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.

    Chihuahuas live longer than Glen of Imaal Terriers.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.

    Temperament of the Glen of Imaal Terrier Versus the Chihuahua

    The Chihuahua has a better temperament than the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Chihuahua is 69.6 percent while the temperament score for the Glen of Imaal Terrier is 66.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 69.6 percent, the Chihuahua has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 66.7 percent, the Glen of Imaal Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 46 Chihuahuas and 3 Glen of Imaal Terriers.

    The Popularity of Chihuahua versus Popularity of Glen of Imaal Terrier

    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 Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Chihuahua is more popular with dog owners than the Glen of Imaal Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Chihuahua is 30 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Glen of Imaal Terrier is 169 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Chihuahua

    Popularity of Chihuahua

    Popularity of Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Popularity of Glen of Imaal Terrier

    `
    Year Chihuahua Popularity Rank Glen of Imaal Terrier Popularity Rank
    2013 22 167
    2014 24 162
    2015 28 168
    2016 30 180
    2017 32 158
    2018 33 174
    2019 35 168
    2020 34 169
    2021 37 175

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Chihuahuas shed more than Glen of Imaal Terriers?

    Chihuahuas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua

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

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

    Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.

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

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

    Chihuahuas are very easy to train.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers are very easy to train.

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

    Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

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

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

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

    Chihuahuas have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    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.

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

    Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Glen of Imaal Terrier

    Chihuahuas do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

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

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.

    Glen of Imaal Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Chihuahua versus Glen of Imaal Terrier. 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 Chihuahua and the Glen of Imaal Terrier better suits you and your family.