is an Irish Wolfhoud really for you?

Do I really want an Irish Wolfhound ?

Courtesy Wim Streulens
Ik wil een Ierse Wolfshond
Website in Dutch

With thanks to Rita Cartois for her help for the English version.

Before contacting a breeder you should ask yourself if you really want an Irish Wolfhound. Most serious breeders will first check anyhow if you are the right person to welcome an I.W. into your home.

The decision to buy one means a lot more than just getting a puppy, your whole life will be influenced by it. It is also wise to consider that an I.W. is not cheap, neither in purchase, nor in maintenance.

You'll have to take into account huge quantities of quality food, the housing also can be quite an investment, because everything has to be bought in extra large dimensions. Keep in mind that a furniture chewing puppy of let's say six months will be as tall as a meduim sized sheperd dog and will be causing far more damage than a Yorkshire terrier. A powerful vacuumcleaner will be needed to cope with all the hairs of a molting dog. A change of your car for a break or monospace can be necessary. He will not fit into the back seat, if you have kids who also need some room. Vets bills go with every dog, but take into consideration that with your I.W. you might have to pay frequently a visit to this man and that the amount of medication needed is in proportion to his size and volume. Considering the expected lifespan of an I.W., certainly not a good investment on yearly basis.

Still tempted ? Let's go on...

Also non-financially the dog will change your life. The I.W. has a huge frame, the amount of dirt his big paws will bring into the house is proportional to his size. If the dog is molting you’ll have to accept that hairs will be lying everywhere. Your home will have to be adapted, everything the dog shouldn’t have, will have to be put out of his reach. Some dogs are real champions in opening closetdoors, these will have to be secured, sometimes even the higher up kitchencupboards are not save. When going out for a walk you’ll notice that people will make a wide berth to avoid you. Perhaps you just like that ? The opposite is also true, other people won’t be able to resist the dog and will be bombarding you with questions.
You’ll have to accept the fact that people will only retain the name of your dog, you will only be known as « the one with the big dog ».

Some people will comment on your dog, many think that owning such a large dog is abnormal. The same goes for visitors to your house. You'll notice that some people won't come by anymore. That of course can also be quite an advantage...

Still interested ? Read what follows.

From the time your dog is about then months old, you'll have to adapt your eating habits. In a restaurant you'll be looked at by people because you are eating with widespread elbows. This is a position you'll have to get used to if you don't want your I.W. to empty your plate at home. Televisionprograms won't not always be easy to follow, because the dog is constantly walking in front of the subtitles. If you are just sitting somewhere, be prepared to feel at any possible moment a cold and wet nose in your ear or neck. Drinking coffee is only relatively safe if you put your cup in the middle of the table after drinking, keeping the cup in your hands is asking for burns. If you are standing normally upright your tender parts will be about level with the dogs head, rather unpleasant and painful collisions might occur... Women who like to wear short skirts should learn to live with an occasional wet between their legs.
An I.W. seldom gets angry, but are you strong and brave enough to keep him in check if this for whatever reason should occur ? A bad tempered I.W. is a real monster you know...

Are you still there ?

Are you somebody who doesn't mind all that preceeded for the sake of a terrific pal, a companion who will give you loads of happiness ?
Don't you mind people looking at you ?
Do you want a dog you can take everywhere, providing having very quietly ?
Do you want a dog who is selfconscious without being a nuisance ?
Do you want to loose yourself into his incredibly loyal and friendly eyes ?
Do you want to offer a good life to a dog who will perhaps no be there for long ?

Then you might be suited...

One last warning however : once you get started, you probably won't be able to stop.

Once an Irish Wolfhound, always an Irish Wolfhound.

Many can't even limit themselves to one of the species. And there are no kick-off centres known to me...