ABC's of Irish Wolfhounds
Main Page
    * What is an Irish Wolfhound?

Choosing a breeder
& a puppy:

   * Picking a Puppy
    by Mel Mercer, DVM
   * Novice Owner
    by Christiana Hartenstein 
   * Socialization
   * Rules of Seven
   * Check list
   * Contracts  

Should you choose:
   * Should you choose an older hound (rehome or rescue) or a puppy?
     by Gayle Curtis

Puppy's First Night
     by Gayle Curtis

Health:
   Puppy
     * Exercise
     * Medical Conditions
       by Mel Mercer, DVM
     * Nutrition
       by Mel Mercer, DVM
     * Vaccinations
       by Mel Mercer, DVM

   Adult
     * Health Issues in Adult IWs
       by C. A. Krowzack, DVM

Conformation
       by A. I. Gottsch

Lure Coursing &
LGRA (racing)


Agility

Obedience

Therapy Dog Work
      by Jeanne Patterson

Puppy Tales:
a collection of stories of IW mischief

Resources:
    * a list of books,
    * Magazines
    * and web links

Find a person in your area for help and information

Photo Gallery:
   * Puppy
   * Adult
   * Veterans
   * Events
   * Lure/LGRA
   * Therapy Dog
   * Other Animals & People
   * Humor   
   * Seasonal
   * Mischief
   * Rehomed Hounds

FAQ

Contracts

Why do some breeders have comprehensive contracts and others do not? It is simple personal preference.

As breeders we all want to protect our puppies as much as is possible; the love and hard work that goes into raising a litter is only the beginning to rearing a well rounded and balanced hound. A contract is a tool some breeders employ to outline the expectations of a new owner, detail how to best protect the puppy and list the responsibilities of the breeder in the transaction.

Some contracts will require a certain amount of feedback from the new owner on a regular basis. The breeder can be kept apprised of the progress and health of a puppy and offer help where needed. This information can be very helpful to a breeder since the health, growth information and temperament of every puppy are factors to be considered in any future breeding decision.

You should always read your contract carefully before picking up your pup. Be sure you are comfortable with anything you are signing by asking questions ahead of time. A good contract will help to eliminate misunderstandings and assist in creating a good relationship between you and your breeder. Regardless of whether the contract is detailed or brief, no one knows more about your pup than your breeder. A good breeder will always be there to assist you and answer questions. They can also introduce you to their mentors/friends who share a deep knowledge of Irish Wolfhounds, so that you have a community of support. Your feedback to your breeder is important to them, so be sure to share the good and the bad.

In the end; no matter the wording, a contract should help both you and your breeder to raise your puppy into a good wolfhound citizen.