Established 1973

A 501(c)3 organization

Responsible Irish Wolfhound Ownership

Irish Wolfhound : Is it the breed for you?

It seems that few people who meet Irish Wolfhounds don't fall in love with them. Being the gentle giants, they do have great temperaments. Their immense size means more to love. However, a lot goes on between the time the one pound puppy is born and the 150 pound yearling destroys your sofa. Before you bring an Irish Wolfhound into your life, be it a puppy or an adult, think how your household may change and if you are ready for and committed to that change. Consider the following:

• Fencing - You should have a "physical" fence in your yard. No "Invisible Fences®" for the IW. The fence should be at least 4 feet tall (but preferably 6 feet) and have a solid barrier for that entire height. In other words if you have split rail fencing, there needs to be a wire mesh backing to it.
• Space - A giant breed takes up a giant space in your home. The IW was a companion of the Irish nobility. He was welcomed into the castles of ancient Ireland. Most of us don't live in castles but the IW is still welcomed in our homes. If you have a collection of fine china or glass figurines, you'd better find a high place or a glass case to display them. The IW's tail can clean off a coffee table in one wag. If you are in the habit of leaving food on the counter for defrosting or otherwise, be prepared to miss a few meals. The IW's head can rest on the top of most counter tops. Eventually, your television will migrate skyward. It is easier to have the TV 36" above the floor than to miss the end of the mystery thriller when the IW saunters across in front of you to get a drink of water.
• Destruction - As with most puppies, the IW puppy can be very destructive when he is given the opportunity. Unfortunately, the IW puppy has a large mouth and paws to be destructive with. The hole he digs is enormous. After he finishes off a shoe as an appetizer, the sofa may be the main course. Most of the time, the destruction can be blamed on the owner not providing a "puppy-proof" place for the IW to spend long periods of time. However, as careful as we all are, things still happen. When the rump roast is devoured or when it looks like beavers have infested your antique dining room set, you cannot take it out on the dog. You have to learn that it comes with the territory.
• Shedding - yes - constantly.
• Exercise - The IW will lounge around and be a couch potato unless you get him out for exercise. Leash training is essential while the puppy is still smaller than you. If you adopt an adult IW who was never leash trained, never fear. It may not be easy, but he can still be trained. The important thing to remember is patience and baby steps. Rome wasn't built is a day. I think that is because Caesar was leash training his IWs. It is important to get the IW regular exercise for his waistline as well as his general health.
• Lifespan - The heartbreak of the IW is the short lifespan. In two studies on longevity conducted in the last few decades, the average lifespan of the Irish Wolfhound was determined to be between 6 and 7 years. Not all IWs die by 6 but once they reach that age, you have a veteran on your hands. Some breeders claim to have longer lifespans in their lines but it is not something that anyone can guarantee.
• Veterinary care - With a giant breed come giant vet bills. Many owners say that the initial cost of purchasing an Irish Wolfhound is the cheapest part of owning one. They are a generally healthy breed but the diseases and injuries that befall them, even if infrequently, usually require intensive treatment and consequently intensive vet bills. A simple cut paw requiring suturing, antibiotics and follow-up treatment without complications can easily cost $500-750. Treatment for cancer or heart disease runs into the thousands.

Your Mother Always Told You to Do Your Homework

Before buying any breed of dog, do your homework. The following is an informational piece provided by KWGN, Denver Channel 7, on buying a puppy. This was a follow up to an investigative story they did on a pet store in Castle Rock, CO who sold ill and possibly unvaccinated puppies. Some of the puppies died soon after purchase.

The link to this story is http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/17977639/detail.html#

Call7 urges consumers to do their homework when considering purchasing a puppy. Buy from a reputable breeder, visit the facility several times, and make sure you understand the contract before you sign it. Also, get veterinary records before you make the purchase. Finally, consider adopting a shelter dog. How can you tell a reputable breeder from a backyard breeder or puppy mill? According to The Humane Society of the United States, "A reputable breeder will never sell dogs through a pet store or in any other way that doesn't allow interaction with buyers to ensure that the puppies are a good match for the families and that the buyers will provide responsible lifelong homes. Please don't ever buy a dog without personally visiting where he or she was born and raised. Take the time now to find the right breeder and you'll be thanking yourself for the rest of your dog's life."Here are some additional tips from The Humane Society of the United States:

Look for a breeder who:

*Keeps dogs in the home as part of the family -- not exclusively outdoors in kennels;

*Has dogs who appear happy and healthy, are excited to meet new people, and don't shy away from visitors;

*Shows you where the dogs spend most of their time; the area should be clean and well maintained;

*Encourages you to spend time with the puppy's parents-- at a minimum, the pup’s mother -- when you visit;

*Only breeds one or two types of dogs and is knowledgeable about what are called "breed standards" (the desired characteristics of the breed, such as size, proportion, coat, color and temperament);

*Has a strong relationship with a local veterinarian and shows you records of veterinary visits for the puppies and explains the puppies' medical history and what vaccinations your new puppy will need;

*Explains in detail the potential genetic problems inherent in the breed (every breed has specific genetic predispositions) and provides documentation, through organizations such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), that the puppy's parents and grandparents have been tested to ensure that they are free of these genetic problems;

*Offers guidance for caring for and training your puppy and is available for assistance after you take your puppy home;

*Provides references from other families who have purchased puppies;

*Feeds high quality "premium" brand pet food;*Doesn't always have puppies available but rather will keep a list of interested people for the next available litter;

*Is actively involved with local, state, and national clubs that specialize in the specific breed; good breeders may also compete the dogs in conformation trials (which judge how closely dogs match their “breed standard”), obedience trials (which judge how well dogs perform specific sets of tasks on command), or tracking and agility trials;

*Encourages multiple visits and wants your entire family to meet the puppy;

*Provides you with a written contract and health guarantee and allows plenty of time for you to read it thoroughly;

*Does not allow puppies to leave their litter before they are a minimum of 8-weeks old.

In addition, you'll want a breeder who requires some things of you, too. The breeder should require you to:

*Explain why you want a dog, and why you are interested in this breed in particular;

*Explain who in your family will be responsible for the pup's daily care, who will attend training classes, where the dog will spend most of his or her time, and what “rules” have been decided upon for the puppy---for example, whether or not the dog will be allowed on furniture;

*Provide a veterinary reference;

*Provide proof from your landlord or condominium board (if you rent or live in a condominium complex) that you are allowed to have a dog;

*Sign a contract that you will spay or neuter the dog unless you will be actively involved in showing him or her (which applies to show-quality dogs only);

*Sign a contract stating that you will return the dog to the breeder should you be unable to keep the dog at any point in the dog's life.

If the breeder you're working with doesn't meet all of these minimum criteria, the Humane Society of the United States advises you to walk away. Remember, your dog will likely live 10 to 20 years, so it's well worth investing some time now to be sure you're working with a reputable breeder who breeds healthy, happy dogs. You can find reputable breeders by asking for referrals from your veterinarian or from trusted friends, contacting local breed clubs, or visiting dog shows.

Here's what you need to know if the breeder or store tells you the puppy is "registered."

Q. What is a registry?

A. Simply put, dog registries keep records about dogs, including the dog's official name, breed, color, sex, and owner. The information is tracked with a registration number. These records should also include a pedigree (the breeder/kennel, the dog's parents, grandparents, etc.) and any titles earned by any of the dogs involved. DNA records may also be a part of the registry.

Q. What does it mean for a dog to be registered with the AKC?

A. The AKC is the oldest and most prestigious kennel club in the USA. It has rigorous accountability standards that breeders must follow, including requiring stud dogs to have a DNA profile on record with the AKC. The AKC can and will disqualify an entire litter if only one puppy’s DNA is found to not match the sire. A sire dog can only have two such instances on his record before being permanently disqualified from registration with the AKC, which would also disqualify any subsequent litters. Because of this, breeders take great care to ensure that the females are bred only to specific eligible males and those records are carefully kept.

Q. Is there a different between registry with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other registries like America’s Pet registry (APRI), Continental pet Club (CKC), American Canine Registry (ACR)?

A. These organizations (and others) are pet registries. One big difference between pet registries and the AKC is that pet registries have "voluntary compliance" with breeding standards. DNA testing is not required, so a breeder can mate a female with several males but list only one sire. In fact, the breeder can list any male dog, even if he was not mated to the female because there’s no proof required. Lax rules and lack of accountability can lead to poor quality dogs, congenital defects and dogs that are not in fact purebreds. Many of the so-called “designer dogs” such as Labradoodles (Labrador/poodle crosses) and Puggles (Pug/Beagle crosses) can be registered with the pet registries. These dogs cannot be registered with the AKC because they are not purebred breeds.Pet registries are referred to as "breeder friendly" because of the lack of accountability required. Hobby breeders, backyard breeders and puppy mills use pet registries and sometimes register the same dog under different names with different registries. Reputable breeders who truly care about breed standards and healthy dogs with good temperaments will register their dogs with the AKC only. The AKC will not allow multiple registrations.

From the IWCA brochure "So, you want to own an Irish Wolfhound?"

This brochure and other educational materials may be found on the IWCA webpage http://www.iwclubofamerica.org/breededu.htm#Brochures

TEN REASONS NOT TO OWN AN IRISH WOLFHOUND
1. You just saw “the most breathtaking Irish Wolfhound” in a large cage at “Puppy Kingdom." A pet store or puppy mill or farm are probably the WORST places to buy an Irish Wolfhound (or any breed).
There are many reasons:
• Selling puppies is strictly a money-making proposition for these businesses.
• The puppies have been taken from their mothers too soon, and haven’t been socialized and evaluated properly.
• These sellers have NO IDEA about the health of the pup and, just as importantly, that of its family.
• The price is often higher than what you would pay a reputable breeder.
• These sellers will rarely take responsibility for any problems that crop up - health, behavioral or otherwise.

2. You can’t - or don’t want to - add another category to your budget. Owning a dog is not inexpensive - especially a giant breed such as an Irish Wolfhound. All of his expenses will considerably exceed those of most breeds whether it be his veterinary care, food or housing when you are away.

3. Your idea of grooming consists of hosing your dog off in an outside tub every once in a while. Brushing an Irish Wolfhound, trimming its nails and keeping it flea, tick and heartworm free is not easy or inexpensive. Although a crisp, harsh coat is not diffi cult to manage if brushed weekly, there is a lot MORE dog to groom! Having an Irish Wolfhound groomed by a professional groomer would prove to be very expensive and your dog probably would not like it, anyway.

4. You are not willing to make a commitment for the lifetime of the dog. Finding another home for a huge Irish Wolfhound can be difficult - especially if you have failed to train him. If he is inexperienced about the outside world, the change could be very hard for him. Older dogs develop illnesses, just as older people do. Finding a new owner who wants to take on such burdens can be very diffi cult.

5. You have valuable furniture, rugs, antiques or flower beds. Irish Wolfhound puppies can be particularly destructive. They dig huge holes, can chew up an entire sofa in an afternoon or eat your car seats beyond recognition if left unsupervised.

6. You are a clean freak and don’t like dog hair. Irish Wolfhounds are big dogs, which means they have more hair than a small dog with a smooth coat. They have great big feet that can track in lots of mud and strong toenails that can scratch your favorite hardwood fl oors. Relegating a Wolfhound to a solitary life outside will cause him to very unhappy - he needs a companion to play with and to be part of your life.

7. You want a guard dog. An Irish Wolfhound’s stature and deep bark are usually enough to thwart an intruder, but other than that, he is likely to gently wag his tail while the family silver is being stuffed in a sack and carried out the door. We quite intentionally do not breed guard dog temperament in the Irish Wolfhound as it would be extremely dangerous in a dog of this size and would be out of character for the breed, in any event.

8. You think having an Irish Wolfhound will teach your children responsibility. An Irish Wolfhound is far too great a responsibility for a child, for all kinds of reasons. It is not a dog that can run loose in the neighborhood at your child’s side or that has much savvy when it comes to traffic. This means that you will need tall, strong fencing - you may feel that will ruin your home’s “curb appeal.”

9. You like to leave snacks on low tables for guests or may want to leave the kitchen during meal preparation. Irish Wolfhounds have been known to steal entire roasts or turkeys from the table in a matter of seconds. They can reach any counter you may have and even the top of the refrigerator!

10. You have a sedentary lifestyle. Unless you can provide a secure area in which your dog can run and exercise, you will need to plan on lots of walking, jogging, or biking in a safe area with your dog at your side. Irish Wolfhounds are sighthounds, which means if they see something that interests them they are likely to chase it. They can run much faster than you.

AKC's Responsible Dog Ownership page

Its not a privilege, it's a responsibility

http://www.akc.org/dog_owners/index.cfm?nav_area=dog_owners

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