His Neck is on the Line

"His neck is on the line." This idiom is appropriate when conversing about show dogs but also specialized breeds. Yes, the neck is more than just another part of the canine skeletal structure that connects the trunk and the head. In truth, it seems to have fluctuating levels of importance depending on the breed.

In conformation events, the neck can be a showpiece as handlers or exhibitors accentuate or occasionally overemphasize it as exceptional while presenting the dog for examination. It is a familiar sight to watch a handler jerk the dog’s collar up behind the ears while the other hand is stroking downwards on the neck to attract a judge’s eye to both the upper and underlines, subliminally boasting on its length and crest. The Cocker Spaniel or Whippet breed rings are good examples of this as the handler removes the show lead from the dog conferring great flourish on this one aspect of the anatomy. In some cases, such embellishment may be warranted because, in truth, it may be the best part of the dog!

Before I get ahead of myself, a quick anatomy lesson is appropriate. Every dog has seven neck vertebrae, no matter the breed. Attaching the neck and skull are the Axis and the Atlas vertebrae (C1) which allow for head movement. The nape is the skull and neck junction while ‘the blending’ refers to the neck and shoulder junction. Many are unfamiliar with the word 'nape' and the related term ‘crest,’ yet both factor into a number of breeds. Various breeds' fanciers prize a crest; that is a shapely neck whose upper line curves or arches over the Atlas vertebra. Two excellent breed examples are the Scottish Deerhound and the Akita. The Deerhound possesses a prominent nape adding to the beauty of his sighthound curves, and the Akita has an emphasized crest, which blends in with the base of the head, and is reasonably characteristic of the breed.

On the other hand, the neck is a lot more than a showpiece. For some hunting breeds, the neck is instrumental in performance and outcome, as well as safety. The Scottish Deerhounds neck is essential to his function, which is to hold a Stag. His neck is to be powerful and strong, not short and stumpy, but not as long as the greyhound. The greyhound, who has a long, smooth, muscular neck, uses it to stoop while dispatching hare. An Irish Wolfhound will dispatch game by breaking the back of the neck. In order to do this, he must himself have an extremely powerful, hard muscled, long neck, without which, he could become the victim. I included Figure One of an Irish Wolfhound, who illustrates a beautiful, powerful neck whose underline and upper line epitomizes ideal ‘blending.’ The form of this exemplary neck portrays strength and depth — the latter being the distance between the upper line and the underline. The neck is not overly long, weak and
spindly or stuffy, coarse and bunchy. The observer’s eye follows the flow of the neck which enhances the fine topline.

View fullsize

Cudama Santa of Ballyhara

The neck has central muscles coursing from the skull to the shoulder girdle, sternum and rib cage. The Splenius and Sternocephalicus muscles allow side to side motion, extension and lift of the neck. Other muscles lift and move the dog’s limbs, in particular, the Brachiocephalicus, Rhomboideus and Omotransversarius muscles. They work by stretching and contracting, allowing for circumduction of the scapula, shoulder, and upper arm. These are just a few of the vital neck mechanisms that permit the functional dog to perform and excel at his work.

There are approximately fourteen or so descriptions contemplating the varying shapes of the neck that we apply to the many breeds. A few common labels are the bull, ewe, goose, stuffy, 'reachy', and upright neck. Two others specify skin involvement, such as wet and dry necks. A wet neck’s skin is loose, showing wrinkles, throaty with excess dewlap. A dry or clean neck has tight fitting skin without wrinkles and dewlap. A few shapes, which fanciers should be very familiar with, describe either a virtue or a fault. Several are only the opposite of one another such as a reachy neck describes a neck that is of a good length, well-muscled, refined or elegant. This is radically different from a short, stuffy, bunchy, muscled neck. Fanciers tend to confuse ewe and goose neck descriptions, so an explanation is appropriate. The underline of an ewe neck has a slight convex shape (curving outwards) rather than a natural, concave appearance (curving inwards). A goose neck is elongated, round and tubular lacking depth and power. Both of these anatomically defective types have a circumference around the neck and shoulder base similar to that of the skull and neck junction.

In conclusion, breeders perceiving the neck as a mere ornamentation of the skeletal anatomy put their dogs' functional necks on the line.

This article was first published on the Canine Chronicle website,
Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=40257

Truth and Consequences

Scene One:
The proud, new owners of an Irish Wolfhound puppy visit their local dog park to socialize and exercise their newest family member. Over time, the pup is trained to the basic commands of sit, stay, down and recall. Ideally, these novice owners were also properly educated on and appreciate what we veterans recognize as the typical "I'll think about it" hound response to training. That is to say the momentary, delayed reaction to almost all commands as the hound deliberates before fulfilling any instructions given to them. Incidentally, I believe that our hounds eventually do as we ask not to please but because they merely tolerate our requests.  
Scene Two:
Fast forward in time and the much-loved wolfhound, no longer a puppy, is very familiar with the dog park, having enjoyed the recreation and fraternizing for quite a while. Ultimately, some time ago, the owners believed they could trust their wolfhound, especially since the hound had not demonstrated worrisome disobedience nor an intense interest in chasing other dogs. As a result of his continuing good behavior, the gentle giant engages in off-lead play time, happily galloping and casting around for new scents.
Scene Three:
Today, a new dog comes to the park. Although there is a segregated area for small dogs, this leashed newcomer accompanied by his elderly owner, cheerfully trots into the big dog park through the double gated chain-link entrance. In the distance, our wolfhound previously occupied with a Golden Retriever buddy has now become keenly aware of the new presence. The wolfhound's owners who are yards away may notice, but are unknowing of sighthound body language. Veterans know the warning signs and understand what I gently coined ‘intense interest’ as actually ‘the look of death.’ A marked attentiveness usually, but not always, accompanied by rigidity of carriage, and lowering of the neck and head while the limbs crouch ever so slightly before launching into action.
Scene Four:
The wolfhound's owners react too late and are yelling their recalls that quickly turn into panic as they watch their hound, disregarding their commands, bear down on the small dog. Realistically, though just about any person’s reaction, unless one is nearby and can dive through the air and onto the Hound, will be too late for a swift gazehound. Meanwhile, the elderly woman is frozen with fear as the strange, giant hound gallops full speed towards her little dog. She does not turn and flee back through the gate in time.
Final Scene:
Amid all the tremendous sobbing and shouting, the elderly woman looks on as her dog lay lifeless. She too possibly has fallen after being hip checked by a 150-pound flying wolfhound body. The police are called, and animal control arrives to seize the giant sighthound whose only crime was having an innate response to stimuli. That being a strange little dog that appeared to the wolfhound as being a lot like prey. What fate lies in store for this poor sighthound depends on municipality ordinances, regional social attitudes, and the sympathy, if any, of the court. Certainly this hound is not to blame because his instinctual drive overrode any supposed clicker training, and sadly, he could pay the ultimate price— with his life.

Truth: The above scenario is certainly not preposterous nor unimaginable. I know first-hand that such a plot can happen, but my ending was significantly more fortunate. Though the setting was different, a long time ago I had a wolfhound run down two small dogs, harming one before I was able to intervene. My self-prescribed penance was the $700.00 in surgical costs as I was profoundly grateful that no lives were lost, as a result of the incident. Fundamentally, the essence of an instinct is any performed behavior that is not based on prior learning. Hard-wired prey drive is an inborn complex behavior and most sighthound breeds, many with origins dating one or more Millennium, once specialized in independent hunting and dispatching of Game. Indeed, this inherent ability is still well and strong today. In fact, this faculty has proven to be very surprising, though it should not have been, to breed fanciers and novice enthusiasts involved with the rehoming of wolfhounds. I am aware of a few rehomed Irish Wolfhounds who, allegedly, had not previously demonstrated any prey drive. Nonetheless, after the original owners placed their hounds for common excuses, such as finances, relocating, or divorce; these hounds' natural prey drive emerged, especially as they were highly stressed and they went on to dispatch neighboring dogs.

Consequences: There are possible aftermaths stemming from the above hypothetical dog park scenario. Court cases do exist involving dogs sentenced for euthanasia by the legal justice system for killing another domestic animal. One recent case involved two medium-sized dogs, who after having killed their neighbor’s cat, were both condemned by a Court Judge to be destroyed. Only after circulating a petition garnering over one hundred thousand signatures and the family retaining an attorney were the dogs granted a repeal, but the conditions required relocating them to another area.  

The truth is that most companion owners who are not well versed in sighthounds do not understand, appreciate nor have deference for their sighthound’s instinctual prey drive. Many novices confuse this drive with the passive aggressive scent hunting attributes displayed by our other hound brethren, and mistakenly believe that prey drive can be trained away. Such as the prospective young admirer who recently contacted me for a wolfhound. Though an initiate in both breeds, she is an advocate of compliance training to resolve potentially high prey drive. Because she has insufficient acreage, she proposes exercising a wolfhound on another property. She writes, “I understand your concerns with the Wolfhound’s prey drive. Our Bloodhound has a very strong drive to run (because of that darn nose), but he was properly trained and knows better. However, with the right training and guidance, I feel we will have no problems. If I can unleash a bloodhound on a 60-acre farm and know that he will not go out of my sight because of our training — then I feel confident that we can do the same for a Wolfhound.”  

Any seasoned sighthound fancier is aware that gazehounds have specialized attributes. Galloping hounds live to run and when they are in flight mode, both their speed and focus are simply amazing to observe; so long as their pursuit is performed in a safe location. Rarely can you instantly call off sighthounds while they are chasing live game or prey. I explain to newcomers that the hound enters a different zone or realm. While he is fixated on the quest, neither recall commands, whistles, clickers or shouts will break him off from a hunt. That is until his concentration wanes or is broken, especially if chasing white-tailed deer. Often though and quite tragically, their focus is interrupted by other means such as an automobile and, by then, it is too late. 

Prey drive must be respected at all times, and even the most experienced fanciers can make mistakes. I recall one such time when I sat down ringside next to a woman with a reclined, relatively relaxed greyhound. Accompanying me was my 17-pound Australian Terrier who jumped on my lap and within seconds, the greyhound shot up and snapped connecting with my terrier's muzzle. Given that this occurred while we were seated and not while on the ground where the greyhound could have broken the terrier's neck was extremely fortunate. The terrier being a terrier shook it off and, of course, the only one to blame was me for disrespecting the Greyhound's prey drive and momentarily letting my guard down.

Before I go on, I acknowledge that the degree of prey drive can vary in singular sighthounds of the same breed, just as individual people have varying measures of aggressiveness. In my experience, I have had littermates with fluctuating levels of prey interest. Several demonstrating a keen interest in cats and small dogs, and a few that could mingle safely with them. Interestingly, at one time or another, I even have had one or two wolfhounds that would not leave my side, no matter the inducement. However, in my experience, this is very, very rare. That is not to say that a giant or large sighthound cannot successfully co-exist with small dogs or cats. For the past nine years, an Australian Terrier matriarch has governed our home. She imprinted on and raised each wolfhound out of the whelping box. Nonetheless, we have management protocols in place to protect her and exercise strict precautions, largely during feeding or when the hounds are roughhousing. Despite the presence of this queen who commands respect, some of our hounds demonstrate an interest in other, off-site smaller dogs. As a result, we tread carefully, and our hounds are not off-lead in public areas.

We, breeders, receive numerous queries and more often than not these potential owners have ambitious plans to exercise their sighthounds on public lands, dog parks or trails. At the outset, this may sound well and good, but new owners become complacent not believing or knowing that sighthound behavior can change instantly. Misplaced trust in a sighthound can result in sad endings. I'll soon not forget an AKC Gazette breed column written years past by veteran Scottish Deerhound fancier, Joan Shagan. A story that always stuck with me, she recounted an incident involving her 8-year old Deerhound, who accompanied her on a trip. During their travels, they stopped off to overnight at a friend's home. Upon arriving, the Deerhound vacated his bladder and returned to her as usual. Later that dreary rainy evening, Joan lets her cherished Deerhound outside. As she waited and watched, he began trotting away down a path and soon was gone. Without even a backward glance, the old Deerhound disappeared from his beloved owner into the gloom and kept on going. In the wee hours of the morning, and only after a long, sleepless night for all, the Deerhound -- wet, cold and frightened -- was discovered several miles away by a stranger and was thankfully identified by his microchip.

It goes without saying that this story's ending could have been much different as even the author expected to find her Deerhound collapsed, trapped, dead or dying. Mysterious behavior is not unheard of as those who are long versed in sighthounds know that these breeds can behave eerily. I once had a wolfhound slip out a gate and started trotting away down the road. She paused at my recalls, looking over her shoulder at me with an odd expression -- as if she did not know me -- and then continued away. We were able to secure her safely, but it was a look I had seen before throughout the decades in other Wolfhounds who have gotten loose at specialty shows. Unhappily, at one point in time or another old hand breeders, such as myself, have participated in search parties at specialty or all-breed shows to look for a spooked sighthound that has run off. We know full-well the resulting sorrow it can bring. I have endeavored to describe this meaningful glance to newcomers, but the majority of people do not get it.

I recall a particularly memorable and tragic tale that continues to haunt me in spirit, involving a hound that I knew very well. After having returned from a dog show, a wolfhound bitch ran away from a Handler and through a driveway gate that was not secured. Despite searches, even the use of a psychic, she was not recovered. The bitch's owners also retained the services of a bloodhound trained in trailing lost dogs who allegedly followed the wolfhound back to her home's open driveway gates. She had found her way back home, seemingly close enough to view and hear all her kennel mates who also may have seen or smelled her and who would have most likely been calling to her. However eerily, she turned and ran off, disappearing forever and reportedly, without any further sightings. Why this Wolfhound found her way back home but mysteriously left, we will never understand.

Suffice to say, if events such as these can befall hardened hound enthusiasts, it certainly can happen to novice owners. I believe it is important to educate new owners to sighthound flight tendencies and their typical reaction when spooked. Sighthound personalities can change if they are experiencing an immediate and continuous state of fright. For example, a frightened Irish Wolfhound runs away from and not towards humans as this is a natural reflex because the hound remains highly stressed and panicked. In contrast, a lost Labrador Retriever having a different temperament will approach strangers — friends or foe.  

When introducing the subject to prospective sighthound owners, it is important to emphasize that if a sighthound is loose, frightened or lost it may be difficult to entice, lure or capture them again. In some cases, it has taken several weeks despite search parties, countless flyers, social media alerts, and radio announcements. In short, they can transform into flight hounds. One often overlooked consideration is the sighthounds impressive size and the subsequent reaction to such. Although those familiar with these breeds understand they are gentle towards people, the majority of the public may be shocked, frightened or just plain nasty and unkind. Some may even call the police who might shoot the strange, huge dog. When encountering a large loose sighthound, people might respond by shouting, gesturing angrily at them, or possibly throw objects which further terrorizes the hound. I recall a sad incident several years ago while attending the Rhodesian Ridgeback National Specialty. After a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy had become startled, he escaped from his owner and ran off. At one point, he reportedly was seen at the back of the hotel, near the rear kitchen and garbage areas but was waved and scared off by an employee. Though there was a collective search, he was not found alive after apparently being struck by a vehicle.

I am quite accustomed to the commotion a giant breed creates as I have lived in a year-round resort for over 33 years where we regularly socialize our leashed Irish Wolfhounds around the village tourist areas. The reception they experience ranges from people exclaiming their beauty and wanting to touch them, to a few screaming in fear. The latter has surely happened on occasions and from time to time children recoil or run at the sight of them.
 
As I write this article, I received a phone inquiry for a wolfhound from a family whose one and half-year-old wolfhound is dead. After recently moving to a new home that was not yet fenced, the wolfhound, while unleashed outside with the grandchildren ran out and was hit by a car. Several weeks later and still deeply upset, these strangers contacted me to inquire about a puppy, even then though they had no definitive plans in place for installation of proper fencing. It goes without saying that I would not place any hound with such irresponsible and reckless people. Yet, how very sad and wasteful that such a special breed is bordering on expendable and plainly seen as replaceable. As breeders, we cannot control every aspect of our hounds future life with a loving family. However, it is my policy to counsel owners on the 'what if' scenarios, such as moving to a new home, and every necessary precaution that must be made beforehand and during these stressful times. All to ensure the safety and well-being of the hound, leaving nothing to chance.

Though the above casualty did not involve my breeding, I too once had a novice owner with one of my hounds relocate with terrible consequences. The people transferred to another state and purchased a sizable farm. They did not safeguard their hound by erecting fencing before moving into their new home, and shortly afterward, their beloved wolfhound was killed. However, his demise differed from the above incident — it came at the end of a rifle. The wolfhound was shot and killed while wandering on his new farm. You see, the new neighbors did not care if the hound was friendly or not. Though his death was both violent and indefensible, in some states there are statutes allowing farmers to shoot a dog while he is roaming unattended if there is a claim the dog was attacking livestock. In some states, ordinances permit a farmer to pursue a dog away from the livestock and then shoot him. Short of having an eyewitness to defend the dog, there is no way of disproving a neighbor or farmer's allegations, except if the dog were slain in a secure, appropriately fenced area.

Subsequently, there may be no legal implications for the assailant such as animal cruelty charges. Even if there is a conviction, it is a small measure of comfort, and it will not bring your devoted friend back. What a pathetic and appalling way to perish for such a beautiful animal.

Sighthound Necessities

The Importance of Free Exercise for Large Sighthounds

Sighthounds love to gallop, to chase and stretch out. They experience unmistakable, sheer glee as they are bending, folding and leaping. You can see it in their expression. So, why is it that so many of these admirable Sighthounds are found living in unsuitable homes, having little or no fenced, secured acreage? As responsible fanciers and hobbyists, fulfilling their needs should be a primary concern when we place our hounds in their new, permanent homes. Our stewardship of these unique breeds obliges us to proceed with utmost care and concern while considering a new home.                                                                                                                          

I am not an elitist who snubs a potential puppy owner, turning up my nose at those whose accommodations are not ideal for our Sighthounds. On the contrary, I encourage them to contact me so that I may educate them about the exceptional needs and characteristics of our breeds. More importantly, though, I am aware that urban population growth has changed significantly over the past 60 years in our nation. We all live in an evolving landscape. "Metropolitan areas are now fueling virtually all of America's population growth," as reported in the Washington Post by Emily Badger. In an interesting article, unwittingly she corroborates what many conscientious breeders have realized, that ideal Sighthound companion homes are harder and harder to find. Small population centers with less than 50,000 people have had infinitesimal growth changes. Rural populations have dwindled. Today, one in three Americans lives within the metro areas of 10 cities — or just a few spots on the nation's map. The relevancy of the census data must not be under-appreciated, as this means that, slowly but surely, there are fewer opportunities for us to find homes for our galloping hounds.  

The reality I face is that significantly more inquiries than in the past hail from people with no land. From the 36 puppy requests I have received in the past six months alone, 32 (90%) were from persons who did not have what I consider sufficient area to accommodate a Sighthound. Furthermore, this percentage includes some individuals who either currently have or previously owned a Sighthound — from another breeder — in their home.

I readily anticipate the question "How much land does she require?" Ideally, a home for a large breed Sighthound should have at least one acre of property secured with breed-appropriate fencing, but from my experience of three-plus decades in dogs, this often seems like an unrealistic requirement. A bare minimum of half an acre of open land, again properly fenced, not including the house, is my condition. I have received some requests from potential puppy buyers who own half an acre of land that included the home as well as an accessory building; one memorable inquiry offered half an acre of land that included the house, an in-ground swimming pool with a cabana and what appeared to be a Bocce ball court. All that was left was a postage-sized space for the hound to defecate in, without any area to run and play.

I politely refuse to place my large Sighthound puppies in these environments, notwithstanding the usual promises of the on-lead daily exercise that the hound would receive. You must be familiar with this type of dialog. A potential owner asserts that, although there is no acreage for free running, they regularly walk so-and-so many miles and they also live near a park where the hound can be off-lead. Almost all of us understand that Sighthounds are not candidates for off-lead running on public grounds. Simply, this is a hazardous situation due to their prey drive — a good subject for another article I plan on writing.

As for good intentions and best-laid plans, how many times has life thrown us curve balls? Life has a habit of bringing unexpected, unwanted changes or accidents. If a hound’s principal caregiver is injured or becomes ill, ultimately the hound is handicapped as well. The Sighthound will no longer have lengthy walking excursions to release energy and obtain needed exercise. Likewise, if an owner’s work responsibilities increase, this almost invariably impacts the time spent with the hound on a leash. Regrettably, because the properly fenced acreage was initially sacrificed, the hound does not have an area for self-exercise and running. So, ultimately, he suffers.   

Self-exercise for a Sighthound is not only the freedom to stretch out his legs, to leap, twist and turn, all of which releases energy. It also is key to a Sighthound's development, both physical and mental. Strong, hard muscles are vital to proper maturation and longevity, as well as to protecting the body from unwarranted injuries. Secured exercise provides valuable mental stimulation: simply, it is good for a Sighthound's psyche or soul, mind, and spirit. His personality and character can develop to their full potential, which is especially crucial in the powerful, giant Sighthound breeds where it is especially important that they must be even-tempered and well adjusted.

Some may feel that placing companion-quality Sighthounds in a loving home where they receive individualized attention is far better than allowing these hounds to languish in a kennel environment. To a great extent, I agree, but the compromises that some breeders make are worrisome. The trade-offs are unfair and incompatible for galloping hunters bred for running, especially when we hear that Wolfhound puppies are placed in townhomes, not as temporary but as permanent quarters. Where is the line drawn for responsible breeders to reject a potential home?

Others may belittle this discussion by stating that one cannot keep every puppy, and who am I to decide what is enough space for a Sighthound to live on comfortably? Some may claim that leashed exercise is sufficient for our hounds and that many of the hounds exercised only on leash are in better physical condition than a hound with acreage. Now and again, this statement could prove true. Having been a longtime Wolfhound fancier, I know from first-hand experience that, on occasion, some Wolfhounds will not use the available space for running but just sit at the gate. Despite having one hundred fenced acres, there they were, lying on the opposite side of the fence gate waiting for me. On the other hand, Sighthounds living on considerably less acreage may happily explore and bound about their areas.

Today's average homeowner does not have acres of property, in fact, much, much less. For those fortunate to have some but still acceptable amount of property, it can be transformed to accommodate a galloping hound, as long as the homeowner is willing to do so. Indeed, the initial fencing investment is costly, but our sighthound breeds can be expensive. Expenses are a certainty all prospective puppy owners must be prepared for, though, in the end; these hounds are well worth the investment.

Returning to the subject of alternative leashed exercise, I frequently pose this logical question. Which athlete would have the better overall cardiovascular condition? A person who runs or walks daily? Granted, walking is far superior to no workout and also offers benefits. I always recommend puppy owners frequently walk with and socialize their hounds, regardless if they have one or ten acres of fenced land. However, what about the muscle-toning obtained while the Sighthound enjoys fenced but free exercise that is not achieved by just leash-walking? While placing a Sighthound, maybe future fitness is not a priority for some breeders, despite the health benefits. If care, love, and clean accommodations are all that a breeder requires from their puppy owners, they are, in my opinion, doing a disservice to our Sighthounds.    

If we cannot respect these breed's noble heritage, why then do we bother having them? There is a myriad of other Group breeds who require only small areas and some exercise who are entirely satisfied residing on the couch. In fact, AKC generates several suggested dog breed lists that correspond to homeowners lifestyles. You can see the links to these from my website page, Irish Wolfhound Breed Character. Several times in these past years, after I called attention to inadequate property conditions and discussed such concerns with a few rational, prospective owners who had fallen in love with the Irish Wolfhound breed, they did, in fact, resist the urge of instant gratification. These people understood my objections; they respected my advice and my decision, recognizing that it would be simply unfair for them to have a giant, galloping hound. As a long-standing breed custodian, a rational resignation like this is one of the best things that I could wish for my wonderful sighthound breed, the Irish Wolfhound.

Prospective Wolfhound Puppy Buyers: Caveat Emptor!

I receive periodic inquiries about the Irish Wolfhound breed, and I am happy to share my knowledge with such people. These queries also include requests for advice regarding health issues and nutrition. On several occasions, new owners have reached out to me to ask questions about specific issues their new puppy was experiencing. Delving into the problems further, I had been taken aback when a novice puppy owner told me that they acquired their Irish Wolfhound pup at eight weeks of age! Frankly, taken aback is an understatement. When a caller informed me of this the first time I was momentarily startled, I paused and asked them to repeat what they had just said. After confirming that I heard their unsettling news correctly, I privately assumed that the pup had to have been acquired from a backyard breeder or a puppy mill.

However, after that first time, there have been several others who also reported obtaining their wolfhound puppy at the same very early age, and from various breeders. I fear this has become a profoundly disturbing trend. My previous emotions have now been replaced with alarm. Yes, I am alarmed, and I am not being melodramatic.

It is unethical to place a wolfhound puppy at the age of eight weeks. This act is unconditionally unacceptable for a giant breed Irish Wolfhound, who is underdeveloped — both mentally and physically -- at such an immature stage. It is paramount that Irish Wolfhound puppies are well socialized and spend quality and quantity of time with their Dam and siblings. For other long-standing, conscientious breed guardians and me, it is inconceivable to place a wolfhound puppy before ten weeks of age. Personally, I DO NOT release any Wolfhound puppy before 12 weeks of age.

Mentally, the Irish Wolfhound breed is a slowly maturing hound. His size is very deceiving and just because he or she weighs upwards of 60-75 pounds at three months does not liken him mentally to other breeds of the same age. I have always informed students that this sighthound breed is unlike popular breeds such as Poodles, Golden Retrievers, Labradors or Shepherds, among many others. During growth stages, on a mental comparative basis, for instance, a six-month-old wolfhound is comparable to a three-month-old Labrador. Yes, that much of a difference. Even a yearling -- a phrase attributed to a wolfhound aged 12-24 months -- is still more immature than a similarly aged dog of another breed. The difference has nothing to do with intelligence. An Irish Wolfhound is an intelligent hound who curiously possesses natural foresight, always sensitive to his surroundings. Wolfhound puppies should be confident, poised, comfortable, and friendly. These traits develop from various stimulations deriving from social interactions in the company of his littermates with the dam by their side during their twelve weeks of development and companionship.

For instance, it has long been common knowledge amongst veteran breed guardians that special care, socialization and additional time is usually always required when raising a singleton litter -- just one Irish Wolfhound puppy. Indeed, I know of some older breeders who had a trying time with a singleton that they kept for breeding purposes. Sadly, many modern fanciers know nothing of the old grand breeders knowledge as they have had no maturation under wizened mentors.

Releasing a wolfhound puppy at eight weeks is indefensible. Those precious four weeks stolen from these poor, eight-week-old wolfhound puppies is unique, priceless and it may very well come back to haunt the Buyer. Moreover, releasing wolfhound puppies at eight-weeks-of-age is done so most likely for financial and opportunistic reasons. Commonly, a breeder needs to get rid of the puppies as soon as possible as they cost time, food and money. Often, these people need to move the pups out to make room for new litters and more puppies that are coming or planned. It may be a modern movement acceptable to some unknowledgeable social media participants making feeble arguments in favor of such and who attempt to defend it, but this practice is wholly unsound, heartless and unsafe.

Irish Wolfhounds are a gentle, beloved disposition, sensitive, soft temperament breed who require -- better yet demand -- boundless human interaction. This begins in the whelping box, and ours is NOT a breed to farm out as soon as they become inconvenient for the breeder to have around. If this practice continues, it will only lead down a slippery slope. But, then again, perhaps some self-proclaimed breeders will turn their backs on the breed and jump ship to another one. Finally, if the above factual information does not convince you, then know that breeders who are members of the Irish Wolfhound Club of America (IWCA) are obliged by such membership to the Standard of Behavior for Breeders.

It stipulates, in this protocol, under General Do's and Don'ts:
Breeders should not release a puppy to its new home prior to 10 weeks of age. Elsewhere in this protocol, breeder's must be prepared to give up three months of her/his life caring for the bitch and puppies. The bitch needs supervision and care while in the whelping and nursing phases, and the puppies need constant care and socialization from birth until they leave for their new homes at 10-12 weeks. Moreover, breeders must be prepared to provide the proper care for both the bitch and the litter and to retain the puppies for as long as is necessary to find proper homes, even if that means retaining the entire litter for their lives.

To read the full Standard of Behavior for Breeders, something I strongly recommend all prospective buyers do, follow this link.

Irish Wolfhound Club of America, Inc. Standard of Behavior for Breeders

Year-End Tidings

As the year 2015 comes to a conclusion, TV broadcasting, email and regular postal mail is inundated with charity and donation requests. Animal lovers especially are targeted with the heartwrenching ASPCA television commercials pleading for regular monthly donations to save abused, neglected, and abandoned pets. The sad music plays in the background while a popular musician sings or an actor narrates as the images of seriously neglected, starved, woeful creatures look at the camera causing our eyes to well up in tears -- or many of us to look away from the TV screen -- as our heart breaks for animals that cannot help themselves.

"Don't Let Time Run Out! Donate Today to Receive a Last-Minute Tax Break" headlines the ASPCA website. A similar call to action is blaring from the Humane Society of the United States webpage and other solicitators as we edge closer to New Years Eve, the final day for our year-end tax break donations.

As a passionate, conscientious animal lover, but also a kind human being as well, I am angered and disgusted with animal abuse and neglect. I too am deeply affected by the advertisements, however, I simply do not sit down and write out a check or go online and make a donation. There are far too many charities or non-profit organizations seeking even a tiny percentage of each of our donations. Some of these are scandalously run with blatant inefficiencies that ONLY are revealed if a smart donor investigates FIRST before giving money. Otherwise, your hard-earned money is a contribution towards a charity administrator's mortgage on their house or a luxury vacation. Even worse, there are popular rescue organizations that have been shut down by law officials for both animal cruelty as well as embezzling money, despite having accreditation from newsmakers or celebrities. Look at this for example!

N.Y. State Shutters Pet Hospice Supported by Celebrities

New York State officials have closed an upstate shelter for ill and injured dogs and cats, accusing its owner of multimillion-dollar mismanagement, reports the Associated Press. The group had won televised kudos from Oprah Winfrey.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said Susan Marino, owner of the Angel's Gate animal hospice, steered $3.1 million raised from 2007 to 2012 into personal expenses and failed to file required financial reports.

Mr. Schneiderman's office filed suit in 2012 seeking to shut down the charity in rural Delhi, N.Y. A state Supreme Court judge ordered the dissolution last month and permanently barred Ms. Marino — who had been convicted of animal cruelty following investigations of the hospice by animal-rights groups — from taking in rescue pets.

Angel's Gate received a flood of contributions after being featured on Ms. Winfrey's show in 2008. The charity was also touted by TV hosts Rachael Ray and Martha Stewart and won an award from the ASPCA. Mr. Schneiderman said money remaining after the 98-acre Angel's Gate property is sold and creditors paid will go to another animal-welfare charity. Ms. Marino could not be reached for comment. October 15, 2015, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, https://philanthropy.com/article/NY-State-Shutters-Pet/233772

In short, I always investigate before I donate! And what's more, it is easy to do so. There are a number of charity watchdog groups that monitor non-profit organizations and actually assign them scores on how well these organization live up to their missions. This includes the giants such as the ASPCA, The Humane Society, and numerous others. One particular watchdog group I frequently visit is CharityNavigator.org. One can look up a charity organization or browse rated charities in categories. Their mission statement:

Charity Navigator works to guide intelligent giving. By guiding intelligent giving, we aim to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace, in which givers and the charities they support work in tandem to overcome our nation’s and the world’s most persistent challenges.

Charity Navigator is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization under the Internal Revenue Code and does not accept any contributions from any charities we evaluate.

So, for example, due to the extent of media advertising and continual requests for donations, I researched the ASPCA on Charity Navigator and found that they have been assigned a Program Expense percentage rating of 61.3% (the higher the percentage the better). The ASPCA Administrative Expenses score is 5.8% out of 10 (the lower number the better). What do these numbers mean?

Charity Navigator explains that Program Expenses are the percent of the charity’s total expenses spent on the programs and services it delivers (the higher the percentage the better) and Administrative Expenses as being the total functional expenses spent on management/general (the lower number the better). What is more Charity Navigator details:

Our data shows that 7 out of 10 charities we've evaluated spend at least 75% of their budget on the programs and services they exist to provide. And 9 out of 10 spend at least 65%. We believe that those spending less than a third of their budget on program expenses are simply not living up to their missions. Charities demonstrating such gross inefficiency receive a 0-star rating for their Financial Health. 

Hmm...so the ASPCA spends just 61.3% of their budget on Program Expenses, which is lower than the 7 out of 10 charities that spend more than 75% of their budget on programs and services. Also, the ASPCA administrative expenses are nearly 6%. Yet, there exists other animal charities that spend up to or slightly more than 90% of their budget on Program Expenses! Meaning, they spend 90% of every penny coming in on their programs and services. All the while, in 2013, the ASPCA raked in more than $142 million dollars from contributions, gifts and grants and had over $10 million in administration expenses. For me, this is an eye opener. As a comparison, the World Wildlife Fund who has similar annual contributions, gifts and grants of $165 million, but spends 75% on Program Expenses.

I decided several years ago that our regional and local philanthropic organizations and no-kill animal shelters would be the recipients of my contributions. Directly donating to these organizations, I can stipulate where my funds should be spent. I can visit the centers to observe the administration, view care and cleanliness and am comfortable knowing that my money is being spent as it should be. In short, it doesn't matter what charity you are considering -- the best practice is to investigate them first with watchdog groups and see where the money is actually going. You may be very surprised. 

New Blog!

Today is my first posting! As many of you have visited my website previously, this is an all-new website design. I decided to add a Blog to my Ballyhara Irish Wolfhounds website to express my thoughts on important issues facing the breed today. However, not all my thoughts are going to be based on topics of great significance, but my musings will diverge towards matters in question. My perspective is that of a pragmatist and not usually one of ideological notions.