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Have you owned an IW before? If so, from what breeder did you obtain them from?

If not, have you researched the IW breed? If so, what type of research and what books and authors have you read on the breed?

Describe why you want to have an Irish Wolfhound?

If you have not owned an IW previously, have you visited and interacted with any IWs at dog shows or at a Breeders kennel or residence?

ACREAGE: IW owners are required to have a MINIMUM of one acre of property. At least half an acre, not including the home's footprint should be unwooded and securely fenced for the IW. If you meet this requirement, how much acreage do you own?

FENCING: What is your fence height and what is the fencing material? Is the fenced acreage accessed through a door to the home?

If you do not have fenced acreage are you willing to spend the money to construct the breed specific and required fencing which can be costly?

Do you have other dogs? If so, what breed(s) and ages?

Do you own any other animals?

Farm animals, livestock?

IW PREY DRIVE: Are you aware that the IW is a Sighthound, a hunter with typical, strong prey drive who may give chase and dispatch small and large animals? This may include cats, and on occasion even small dogs? Are you thoroughly informed about the IW characteristics?

HEALTH: Are you familiar with the breeds inherent health concerns, e.g. Cardiac Disease, Cancer & Gastric Torsion (Bloat)?

The IW will require, beginning at the age of two years and every year thereafter, Annual Advanced Cardiac Screenings/Evaluations throughout his lifetime. These tests are to be performed only by a Board Certified Veterinary Cardiologist, and NOT your local Veterinary Clinic. Are you prepared for this annual cost ($850-$1,000 per hound per visit) and responsibility which may require, depending on where you live, a lengthy drive of perhaps 4-5 hours each way to access one of these Board Certified Veterinary Specialty Clinics?

Are you willing and able to afford consecutive monthly comprehensive Pet Health insurance premiums for your IW typically $175-$200 per month or more?

Are you willing to consider and adopt the proper nutritional "Natural Rearing" diet the IW has been reared and raised on? We do not feed commercial dog food. Instead, their diets consists of fresh meat on bone, yogurt, vegetables, oats, eggs, fruit, herbs, etc.. Review my Nutrional Webpage for complete details.

Are you aware that IW's regularly shed hair, are very sloppy water drinkers, and that they frequently howl like a wolf? That they can counter-surf kitchen counters and steal food?

IW's often drink water and then proceed to greet their humans so a towel is usually very handy to have around.

The IW is not a suitable dog breed for landscaped yards and flower beds. They are habitual diggers and the holes they create can be anywhere and as deep as 4 feet into the earth in a short amount of time. Example: We had an older female who was trapped in a deep hole that she and another had dug. It took two people to drag her out as only her head and shoulders were visible.

If you have a spouse or partner, does your partner support the plan to get a puppy? Is everyone excited and ready to have a giant hound in your home with all the responsibilities that accompany the IW?

Do you have children? What are their ages?

Who will be the Primary Caregiver?

Describe your lifestyle? Hobbies, outdoor activities?

What is your Occupation?

How many hours do you work at a stretch? How much time per day will the primary caretaker be with the IW?

How long have you lived at your current address? Do you relocate occasionally or frequently?

Are you or your partner a member of the Military?

Would you describe your residence as urban, suburban or rural?

Do you live on a busy, well-traveled road?

Do you travel for business or pleasure frequently? If so who cares for your dogs while you are traveling?

Initial home site visits are a regular requirement. Are you agreeable to this?

Have you ever had to give up a pet to the shelter or to rescue? If so, what were the circumstances?

Are you aware that it is standard practice for a Buyer to sign a Puppy Purchase Contract?

Are you willing to stay in close contact with us, openly discuss any training or health problems you have?

If you have a swimming pool, what are your plans for keeping a puppy safe around it?

Name and contact information of your Veterinarian?

I will only contact your Veterinarian after we speak and begin the interviewing process. You will have to give permission to your Veterinarian to speak with me.