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

Nutrition

Nutrition in dogs is a topic that can cause a lot of disagreement. Some people believe strongly in feeding a raw diet, some cook for their pets, and some are happy with kibble. It is nearly impossible to change the mind of someone who has strong opinions on feeding but the following are some guidelines and suggestions to consider when feeding young IW's:

*Listen to what your breeder recommends. Ideally they will have enough experience to help you avoid problems. Ask them how many puppies they have raised on the diet they are recommending for you.

*DO NOT use a calcium supplement to try to "build strong bones" and "make them grow really large". Slow growth is recommended, and severe orthopedic problems can be caused when too much calcium is given and when the balance of calcium and phosphorous is not correct.

*If your breeder recommends a raw diet or BARF (Bones and Raw Food) diet, ask them how many puppies they have raised on it and whether they have had the recipe or finished diet analyzed for balance. This analysis is now offered by several labs and veterinary schools and can help prevent developmental issues. Not all raw diets are balanced, and while this may be a minor problem for adults, it can cause developmental issues in a fast growing puppy.    (Photo clickable)

*Raw meat may carry bacteria such as salmonella and campylobacter which can be a concern for the pet and also the human handling the food. Healthy immune systems will prevent many problems with this bacteria, but for immunocompromised pets and humans, these bacteria can cause very serious infections. Always make sure to use proper food handling procedures and disinfect after working with a raw diet to decrease the risk of problems.

*If feeding a commercially produced diet, use either a large breed puppy or adult diet to slow growth and prevent developmental problems.

*"Free feeding" of puppies, access to food at all times, has been linked to obesity in these same dogs as adults. This has been shown to decrease the average life span of dogs. Do not let the puppy become overweight.

*Use minimal supplementation if the diet is balanced. Personally, I only supplement essential fatty acids in the form of a fish oil based gel cap product. Dogs do not seem to be able to convert flax seed oil as humans do into the biologically active fatty acid and gel caps protect the material from oxidation.