chapter 2 in Persuit of a Wolfhound

                                                                       chapter 2

 

The Pursuit of a Wolfhound

 In the process of looking for our new Irish Wolfhound, all I can say is we have certainly done our homework. There are so many breeders that claim their dogs are the best and very few puppies are available. Waiting lists are a mile long and with some politics’ involved it can take some time to get one. So many things that had to be figured into the search, like color, sex, care, feeding, breeding, showing, longevity, and price.

  It seemed every breeder we talked with had similar views and stories about this breed, but price and contracts and waiting lists varied so, that it became frustrating and very confusing, and it also seemed everything bad about this breed was explained first and so abruptly at times, that it would make you want to run for the hills!

 For one, they are sight hounds, very capable of taking off on the slightest movement. Thus a need to be kept in a fenced yard is a must, because when they take off they can become lost, stolen or worse hit by car. But on the other hand, they need room to run and have lots of exercise for those long legs and big bodies. During growth spurts, they shouldn’t be allowed to run and play.  Some say running up and down hills is great and good for muscle development, others say, it can be harmful, and never take them off leash. Never chain them out side, or left to live in an out door kennel because they are house pets, yet they can destroy a home if left unattended in about 3.5 minutes. They eat a ton of food, and not just any dog food, MEAT and lots of it! And when they are done eating that ton of meat, they poop a ton.

 I think we’ll need a bigger scoop.

 They are the KING of the Dog world! Oh and lets not forget medical problems up the yang yang, and certainly not a dog for the first time dog owner or person who is faint at heart.

Good God what are we getting into?  Run, never run, Play, never play, house pets, yet never leave alone in the house, tons of food tons of poop, medical issues; like cancer, bloat, killer pneumonia some only making it to age 4?   Not to mention the average age is only 5-10 years old, OH MY. Do we really want Irish wolfhound?!

  The price was another factor, ranging from $1200 –$3500 US dollars, on the average. That’s a nice chunk of change for a just a dog! And don’t even think about refunds, not happening, unless the dog is defective with in the first year.

photo from Barbora IW

 

  Ahhh but that’s the thing, the Irish wolfhound isn’t just a dog, It is the most wonderful majestic, almost magical creature, capable of special powers that captures the love of every soul who has dared into their world of the unknown. It is by far the tallest breed in the world, and when standing on his hind legs could reach the height of 7 feet tall. The history of this breed goes back farther than the mid evil period, and was used to hunt wolves and elk. Only royalty were allowed to have them and after trying to buy one, I was beginning to think, If only my name was princess Colette of Wales or something of the sort, then perhaps I could actually buy one. I was beginning to think I may never get one.

  You see the one thing all breeders have in common is to protect this breed with their lives and devotion from all puppy mills.  You won’t find one in a pet store, and rarely ever find one in the pound, all responsible breeders require you to return the dog to them if for any reason you can not keep them.  They usually will place them in suitable forever adoptive homes they know and trust.  Most found in Pounds are quickly snatched up by the hard work of the Wolfhound rescuers, for fear they would be killed or re-homed to someone far worse surely sealing his fate.

  The Kennel name means so much to each breeder, as the standard of the breed hasn’t changed for centuries, and keeping the lines pure are the first priority, so if your going to buy one for breeding, forget about it, pups are only sold as pet quality, no breeding rights and for the most part you can’t get final registration papers until the animal is spayed or neutered.  If you are showing your dogs and have hopes of breeding at some point, you have to sign co ownership, and can only reproduce your finished champion with permission of the breeder and his or her approval of the dog you’re breeding to.  I fully understand why people get upset or put off by breeders, because people in general don’t want someone telling them what they can or can not do with their dog especially after paying the price of one. But I have to say I am glad that the Irish Wolfhound Community of Breeders have stood their ground on this matter, because you won’t find one in a pet store, or dog pound, with sad faces in hopes some do-gooder just walking by would impulsively take one only to dump them when they are 180 lbs and 7 feet tall, and totally out of control, only because the impulse buyer was too stupid to do his home work. “This I like a lot.” I have come to learn a lot about this wonderful breed and some really great breeders and show Judges. I have developed a mutual respect and admiration of all them and their dogs. They care about their dogs, they love them with all their heart, and the loss is devastating to all the Wolfhound communities when one of their beloved furry friends crosses the rain bow bridge. So all I have to say is paying my Dues was a very good thing and well worth the wait. I learned so much over the months of research, and I still in spite of all the negative vibes, there is so much more positives to being the proud owner of an Irish Wolfhound.

Photo by http://www.beautyirish.com/

  They are loyal, gentle loving giant creatures that capture your heart and fill your life with love and laughter. They have clown like personalities and are very devoted to their humans. They do well in packs and have hearts as big as they have bodies. They are a dog of nobility and grace, wonderful family guardians, and I now fully understand why Wolfhound owners continue never, to have with just one.

 

My personal opinions are my own. and not meant to offend.
and that's the tail wagging Buzz on Doggie-Talk
Huggies to my Doggies
Colette J Griffin