Irish Wolfhounds

Rating:
Summary: Very generic new dog owner's handbook
Review: I do not have an Irish Wolfhound, but wanted to learn more about them, because I'd like one someday. But at page 32 of 192 this book ceased to be about Irish Wolfhounds. It's just a generic new dog owner's handbook. The items (beds, collars, etc.) pictured are all too small for a large breed dog. There was no health information on the particular problems IW may have, including bloat.

Page 42 reads on the subject of Selecting Your Dog "Generally speaking, small dogs live longer than big ones. With love and proper care any dog will live to its optimum age. Many persons, however opt for a particular breed because of it's proven longevity.". It seems to me the author doesn't know this is a breed-specific book! I thought it was a waste of time past page 32.

Rating:
Summary: Very generic new dog owner's handbook
Review: I do not have an Irish Wolfhound, but wanted to learn more about them, because I'd like one someday. But at page 32 of 192 this book ceased to be about Irish Wolfhounds. It's just a generic new dog owner's handbook. The items (beds, collars, etc.) pictured are all too small for a large breed dog. There was no health information on the particular problems IW may have, including bloat.

Page 42 reads on the subject of Selecting Your Dog "Generally speaking, small dogs live longer than big ones. With love and proper care any dog will live to its optimum age. Many persons, however opt for a particular breed because of it's proven longevity.". It seems to me the author doesn't know this is a breed-specific book! I thought it was a waste of time past page 32.

Rating:
Summary: Stay away from this book
Review: I'm a sucker for Irish Wolfhound books because I have an IW, so I bought a copy. What a disapointment. First, the author seems more concerned with brand placement than real advice. Second, I don't think this person has ever met an Irish Wolfhound. Here are examples of gross errors:
1- "average weight: 120lbs". No, the average is over 150lbs. Mine is 185lbs.
2. Doggie Tug-of-war toys. They are only of interest to an IW when s/he's a puppy and that's exactly the time when the pup should stay away from that toy or s/he'll develop teeth alignment problems.
3. The food and water feeders shown are barely big enough for my cats. My dog drinks over 3 gallons of water a day. Futhermore, there is NO mention of stomach torsion danger, especially if you feed your dog from the ground as the picture shows. IW puppy food is actually adult dog food because you have to slow their growth down or the dog will have bone problems later in life. This is of course not mentioned.
4. Harness. A harness on an IW? My dog's chest wouldn't fit in my husband's XL jacket. Besides, you'd have to have the strength of an elephant to restain an IW this way. The same goes for a "Flexi" leash - which is conveniently pictured of course.
5. Choke collar. First, a choke collar as shown wouldn't have fit my dog at 10 weeks. Second, you need to choose a choke collar with comparatively small links. It is not the strength of the chain that matter, it's where on the neck you place it. Rememnber you'd need to strength of an elephant to restrain an adult IW unless you place the chain correctly.
I could go on and on. This book's a waste of money. Spend a little more and get the book from Mary McBryde. Several breeders I know consider it their de facto handbook.

Rating:
Summary: Stay away from this book
Review: I'm a sucker for Irish Wolfhound books because I have an IW, so I bought a copy. What a disapointment. First, the author seems more concerned with brand placement than real advice. Second, I don't think this person has ever met an Irish Wolfhound. Here are examples of gross errors:
1- "average weight: 120lbs". No, the average is over 150lbs. Mine is 185lbs.
2. Doggie Tug-of-war toys. They are only of interest to an IW when s/he's a puppy and that's exactly the time when the pup should stay away from that toy or s/he'll develop teeth alignment problems.
3. The food and water feeders shown are barely big enough for my cats. My dog drinks over 3 gallons of water a day. Futhermore, there is NO mention of stomach torsion danger, especially if you feed your dog from the ground as the picture shows. IW puppy food is actually adult dog food because you have to slow their growth down or the dog will have bone problems later in life. This is of course not mentioned.
4. Harness. A harness on an IW? My dog's chest wouldn't fit in my husband's XL jacket. Besides, you'd have to have the strength of an elephant to restain an IW this way. The same goes for a "Flexi" leash - which is conveniently pictured of course.
5. Choke collar. First, a choke collar as shown wouldn't have fit my dog at 10 weeks. Second, you need to choose a choke collar with comparatively small links. It is not the strength of the chain that matter, it's where on the neck you place it. Rememnber you'd need to strength of an elephant to restrain an adult IW unless you place the chain correctly.
I could go on and on. This book's a waste of money. Spend a little more and get the book from Mary McBryde. Several breeders I know consider it their de facto handbook.