Irish Wolfhound History

Of the 28 hounds entered at Westminster, 26 appeared on the benches and later in the ring for W.L. McCandlish, chairman of the English Kennel Club, who came over to judge our breed. Mr. McCandlish went over all the entries, and in the classes he not only carefully watched the gait going and coming, but from the side. He was very particular that every hound be shown with a loose lead and was not patient with anyone who attempted to pose a hound, or touched one, or handled one while he was scrutinizing them. He distinctly wanted to see the hounds as they moved naturally about and placed themselves, and appeared annoyed when he had to repeat his remarks of "leave the dog alone" and "don't touch him."

It was confusing to some of those showing their hounds, since after being shown on a loose lead walking and trotting, it is quite the custom for the average exhibitor on this side to attempt to keep his hound in a decent pose while he is standing still. We seem to think, on this side, it gives a more orderly display and is more attractive from the ringside point of view at least. Since each hound must be moved in turn, no faults can be covered up definitely by keeping the hound, when not in action, in what is termed a 'posed position.'

We all appreciate the necessity of running the hounds on a loose lead, and any attempt to show them as terriers, holding their heads up, is to be discouraged. I have often heard Chas. G. Hopton comment on this, and he particularly deplores the tight lead when he asks you to move your hound.

The awards for Westminster will be found in their proper place in the Gazette, and since the future editorial policy of the Gazette is to discourage the giving of show awards in the columns, causing needless repetition, this column will no longer give any show placings in our breed, with the exception of the awarding of club plate or major awards or entries that have a direct bearing on the breed's progress.

It was evident to the close observer at the ringside at Westminster - which, by the way, was packed when Irish wolfhounds were being judged - that from the time the hound Dan Riley came into the ring, the judge was impressed, and he remarked to his owner, Miss Margery Arms, after the judging, that he was the most magnificent hound he had ever seen. Later, Mr. McCandlish remarked that all the hounds were better than he had expected.

There was an imposing array for the finals after Dan Riley had been judged best of winners, when Ch. Felixstowe Kilcully Halcyon, Ch. Steyning Sorrel Halcyon, Ch. Balbricken of Ambleside, and Ch. Halcyon Tamara came into the ring to contend for the top honor.

There were seven exhibitors in our breed, and they represented the States of Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan and New Mexico.

As to the club plate, the Halcyon Farms Trophy for best of breed and the Ch. Killabrick Cup for winners dog was given to Miss Arms' Dan Riley (Sulhamstead Dan of Ambleside — Molly Bawn of Ambleside and bred by Mrs. J. St. A. Boyer). The Secretary's Cup for winners bitches went to Mr. and Mrs. L.O. Starbuck's Ch. Roonagh of Ambleside. The Coval Brood Bitch Trophy was awarded to Halcyon Kennels' Ch. Steyning Sorrel.

The annual meeting of the Irish Wolfhound Club was held February 12, and the Board of Governors for the ensuing year includes the officers, which are: President, Edward T. Clark; vice-presidents, Herbert B. Shaw, Mrs. Victor C. Mather, Thomas M. Howell, Miss A.E. White and Mrs. Norwood B. Smith; the secretary-treasurer, L.O. Starbuck, and the following committee: Mrs. Edward T. Clark, R. Pryor Combs, Mrs. C. Groverman Ellis, Mrs. Amory L. Haskell, Mrs. Grant Small and Mrs. L.O. Starbuck. Our delegate to the American Kennel Club is Amory L. Haskell.

Let me remind all exhibitors at this time that the next "get together" for our breed is our Club Specialty, held at the Morris and Essex Kennel Club Show, at Madison, New Jersey, in May. Fred Ford is the judge. —

L.O. Starbuck, Secretary, Ambleside, Augusta, Mich.
April 1, 1935

This month I shall interrupt what I had intended to continue about the Irish wolfhound standard with a matter of more immediate importance. But first I am requested to announce that the annual meeting of the Irish Wolfhound Club of America will take place, as usual, on the day on which the breed is judged at the Westminster Show. The place of meeting, however, will be changed from a room in Madison Square Garden to a private room in the Hotel Lincoln. Members of the Club in New York on the selected date should ascertain the precise time and place by enquiring of the Secretary, Mrs. Starbuck, or other members, either at the wolfhound benches or by telephone at the Hotel Lincoln.

A problem which may come before the annual meeting is this: Morris and Essex has for some time been considered the specialty show for the breed, and rightly so, because it is outdoors and attracts more breeders, since it is held for only one day. But with the growth of the Morris and Essex show to its present huge proportions, there has come a corresponding growth in the distractions for the exhibitors, so that many feel they scarcely get settled and have time to show their dogs before the show is over in a whirl. There are so many people to see, so many things to do, that there is scarcely any time available for proper "visiting" or discussion.

The question at hand, therefore, is whether the Irish Wolfhound Club should not — with Mrs. Dodge's permission — hold its specialty show the day before Morris and Essex at the show grounds or at some other equally convenient place. The advantages that come to mind most prominently are these. Without the pressure of a large all-breed show going on around, members can meet in perfect leisure, discuss and compare their hounds formally and informally, and have a completely secluded and isolated wolfhound day devoted exclusively to the breed.

The judge selected will be the one selected by the Club, and not, as sometimes happens, with the best of intentions, a compromise between Club and Show. He will have no other assignment, and no other obligations or outside interests. Therefore, he will be able to devote more time to a detailed examination of every hound and discussion with its owner. In a manner impossible under other conditions, there will be no excuse for exhibitor and judge not coming closer together in an ideal situation.

Since Morris and Essex generally means that the exhibitor must come to the neighbourhood the night before, there should be no serious difficulties for the majority of exhibitors in arriving on the previous day. There will be the added advantage that in two days — since obviously all will wish to stay over for the main show the next day — they will be able to match their hounds at two large gatherings under two different expert judges, who may very well differ in certain awards.

Finally, with such a specialty show, there will once again arise the chance for competing for all sorts of special prizes, as was formerly done, but is now debarred by A.K.C. rules from all-breed shows. Thus, there could be specials offered, as there used to be for the tallest hound, for the best movement, for most ideal conformation, all sorts ranging down to the hound with the smallest ears or whatever points of excellence need emphasizing.

More points of advantage, and perhaps of disadvantage, will undoubtedly arise in the discussion at the meeting, and certainly the question of expense must be investigated. But, if sentiment is favorable, I hope we shall see in 1940 the new Irish wolfhound specialty show with all the trimmings.

Perhaps other large breeds would join us, and we might have the start of the "big breeds show", which is a feature of the English show year the day before another important all-breed show. Such a show would attract spectators who would be interested in us as we in them. But the main purpose of the proposed change is, and ought to remain, the complete and unhurried exhibition of our breed for our own sakes. —

F.T. Bowers, 27 University Circle, Charlottesville, Va.
February 1, 1939

Now that our country is at war, many are wondering how it is going to affect our breed, from both the breeding and exhibiting angle. I can say, at this time, I have considerable news of breeding plans throughout the country that you may like to know about.

A hasty run across the country shows that at Cragwood Kennels in California Mrs. Smith has bred two bitches; Jonathan E. Pierce in Texas has bred one, Mrs. Ellis at Killybracken Kennels in Illinois has bred two as have my Ambleside Kennels in Michigan. The Dr. McCormicks in Pennsylvania and the Whippoorwill Kennels of Mrs. Haskell in New Jersey plan for a litter each this summer, while the Kihone Kennels of Miss McGregor in Massachusetts expect a new litter soon and plan to breed another later. Since Irish Wolfhounds are not numerically strong, I feel this news sounds like a good beginning to the year, under present conditions.

The breed is so well scattered that representative groups appear at dog shows from time to time throughout the country, but since the majority of Wolfhounds are never shown, and since so few that buy them can be persuaded to show, I believe we will find that the lessening of dog show entries — which will be more or less universal in all breeds — will have little effect on the popularity and demand of this breed.

With automobiles for show transportation becoming more and more curtailed, it will be well if the breeder spends some of his breed missionary money in advertising through various doggy channels. This, together with strong support given your local shows, should make a rational breed program.

A.J. STARBUCK, Sec., Ambleside, Augusta, Mich.
April, 1942

I have just heard that 15 hounds were entered at our "Specialty" at North Westchester, Katonah, N.Y. This news comes in a brief report from Mr. Burrage telling me that his Loree Lacroma of Ambleside was winners bitch, and that the following day at Westport, she repeated this win. Also that, if his calculations are correct, this finishes her championship. As the title requirements were fulfilled on the day she was two years old, it was definitely a great day for owner and hound.

Loree Lacroma is by Cragwood Seamus O'Shaughnessy out of Good Hope of Ambleside, and the win at Katonah gives her the Whippoorwill Trophy for 1942, and as she was also judged best of winners, the Kihone Trophy is hers also.

Best of breed was won by the well known winner, Ch. Sulhamstead Flute, owned and shown by Miss McGregor. This is the second year in succession that Flute has gone best hound at the Club's Specialty, so the President's Cup will remain at Kihone Kennels. Flute is by Ch. Killarney of Ouborough out of Ch. Sulhamstead Fiana. Ch. Sulhamstead Fame, owned by Mr. Button and which has been doing so much winning out on the Pacific Coast, is his litter brother.

Winners dogs, and the Kilmorac Cup were taken by Mrs. Van Brunt's Erin II. It is especially interesting to note that Erin is litter brother to Mr. Jeanes's Eamon, which went winners dogs at the 1941 Specialty. They are by Heroic and out of Ch. Nene Riley.

An especially fine entry was that of the yearling bitches and puppies from the Whippoorwill Kennels of Mrs. Haskell. An impressive, even lot, and the only male in her entry went on to acquire reserve winners. As he is but nine months old, his future is before him.

Mr. Burrage writes that the judge, D.S. Edgar, Jr., was thorough and painstaking in his work, and paid especial attention to gaiting.

Two of the exhibitors, Mrs. Frederick Van D. Martin and Mrs. Peter Van Brunt are newcomers in the Club. My big regret is that I was unable to be present at the show. It's a great pleasure to meet and welcome new members and to see the new young hounds come out is something to warm any dog lover's heart.

The Club's annual meeting was held the day of the Show and as soon as a copy of the minutes are forwarded to me, members will be advised of the business transacted. —

A.J. STARBUCK, Secretary, Ambleside, Augusta, Mich.
August, 1942

The Wolfhound classes at the North Shore Kennel Club's show at Hamilton, Mass., constituted the sixth annual specialty show of the Irish Wolfhound Association of New England. Having been planned for some time it was held, but action on one for next year was deferred.

Nine hounds were entered for Lewis Worden to pass on, the same number as last year — a good entry with the gasoline restrictions in effect. Mrs. Ellis' Ambleside Failinis of Kihone (Pat) defeated his litter brother Meac Casey of Kihone, owned by Miss McGregor, for American-bred and winners, accomplishing this on gait and general conformation. Miss McGregor's Meeve of Ambleside defeated Mrs. Frederick Martin's Bally Brigida for winners bitch (an absentee being Dianann of Kihone) and Pat took best of winners. He then met Miss McGregor's Ch. Baine of Kihone, and Ch. Sulhamstead Flute, which were best here the two preceding years, and Mr. Burrage's Ch. Loree Lacroma of Ambleside.

The judge finally gave the award to Loree on type, gait and all around soundness. Flute went best of opposite sex, reversing the placing at the Club's Specialty at Katonah. Flute was not in as good condition and the intense heat and humidity affected him more perhaps than some of the others, for his gait was not as good as it has sometimes been. Loree was fourth in the group and Ch. Inverdale Dawn was happy to be present for exhibitors.

At Framingham the next day Bally defeated Meeve and Dianann, and the other placings were the same under David P. Wilson, although Flute was absent because of the heat. —

CHARLES D. BURRAGE, JR., Boston, Mass.
October, 1942

When a column deadline is involved a month goes by at a pace much faster than a dog trot, even the trot of an Irish Wolfhound. There doesn't seem to be time enough to collect one's thoughts but here goes. First, Merry Christmas and a good New Year to all.

Several items of interest to American fanciers have appeared recently in the Irish Wolfhound column conducted by Esther M. Croucher in the English publication, Dog World. She reports the Irish Wolfhound Club Yearbook 1955, 56 and 57 includes a "most interesting article on Irish Wolfhounds in America in 1957 by Dorothy Lennard Ellis." Mrs. Ellis is immediate past president of the I.W. Club of America. The yearbook also includes registrations, transfers, stud book entries, change of names, export pedigrees and importations.

Also mentioned was that Mrs. Ellis had traveled 1,833 miles between last February and May with her imported dog, Sulhamstead Matador of Killybracken that quickly gained his championship and then became a multiple BIS winner, as reported last month. To the English this seemed a great many miles.

Miss Croucher wrote that "it is good to know that the rumour that Ch. Sanctuary Rory of Kihone is no more is untrue." Rory went to England from Kennel Kihone of Miss F. Jeanette McGregor, Sherborn, Mass, present president of the Irish Wolfhound Club of America. Miss Croucher continued:
"However, a recent article has started a train of thought. (It) dealt with the collection of dogs in the Natural History Museum, South Kensington. I believe there are two Irish Wolfhounds there... Now I know it is a delicate and painful subject but things like this have to be arranged beforehand.... Such a hound as Rory is bound to be a starting point in discussions .... as he is in so many pedigrees. What more fitting honor could he have than to join these two old timers and become a subject for reference? ... the museum expects donors to pay for the mounting ... Do let us plan to do something about this before the chance has finally gone forever. Could we not start a fund? ..."

One final item from Miss Croucher, who reports that hotels in Britain charge anything up to 7 shillings a night for permitting a dog to stay with the owner. Let's hope this idea doesn't spread to the U.S.

Of importance to animal breeders generally is the announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has set up a pioneering research laboratory in basic animal genetics. The objectives will be to arrive at a clearer understanding of concepts of inheritance, gene behavior, why and how mutations occur, the effects of mating systems, effects of selection for mating and effects of environmental factors on traits of animal offspring.

Also in the field of science it is encouraging to read that another vaccination has been found to prevent cancer caused by viruses in animals. This, reported at the meeting of the American Public Health Assn., is the third such vaccine known and the first against lump cancer. There are 15 known types of virus which cause cancer in animals. The researchers now are trying to find viruses in human cancer.

In our household we are especially interested in such developments. On Oct. 26, rapidly growing bone cancer forced us to put down our Ch. Dearge of Killybracken, better known as Erin to her friends. Even in her last days, when she must have suffered discomfort, her tolerance and gentleness never faltered. In her five and one-half years I never saw her raise her lip in anger. Best expressing our feelings are the words of Sir Walter Scott: "The misery of keeping a dog is his dying so soon; but to be sure, if he lived for 50 years and then died, what would become of me? —

Gordon F. Graham, 263 Manhasset Ave., Manhasset, L.I., N.Y.
December, 1958

Walter H. Reeves of Clarkson, Ont., well-known veteran judge, will be the arbiter at the 33rd annual IWCA Specialty on May 25 at Amory L. Haskell's Woodland Farm, Red Bank, N.J. Mr. Reeves is no stranger to I.W.s or to the Specialty. If memory serves (references are not at hand) he judged the first Specialty and also the 25th. As always, a record turnout is the aim of the show committee which has been hard at work for quite some time.

The January column mentioned a newspaper picture of an adult I.W. arriving from England, but the owner was not identified. Mrs. Wayne L. Larrick, Princeton Junction, N.J., writes:
"We also had seen the picture ... and were curious about him. Our questions were answered when he was benched next to our dog at the Philadelphia show. His name is Timberlake Finntara Laggan of Arraghglen, bred by Mrs. Maureen Leith. His new owners are Mr. and Mrs. Christian Schulz, Massapequa Park, L.I., N.Y.
"I believe Laggan is a litter mate of Lovat of Arraghglen, owned by Mr. Weaver (Henry B. Weaver, IWCA treasurer) ... Our Sean is coming along nicely and we've enjoyed attending and learning about shows. We couldn't be more pleased with a dog. I.W.s are all we heard they are plus much more!"

There also was a further reaction to the dog cesspool discussion. The January column reported that a Bloodhound man said he had read the piece, noted the need for digging a hole and promptly went upstairs for a rest. Subsequently, my wife received a call from a young lady who said: "The man who went upstairs for a rest could only have been my husband or so-and-so. Was it my husband?" My wife didn't know, but the answer is yes.

There are indications that the Irish Wolfhound population of this country is increasing. This situation puts a larger burden on breeders to be sure that I.W.s are going to homes where all members of the family are fully aware of the responsibilities that I.W. ownership entails. In short, even more than in the past, an effort must be made to insure that people and I.W.s are suited to each other.

Fortunately, as an English writer recently pointed out, the I.W.'s size will prevent the breed from becoming overly numerous and "this can only benefit the breed as a whole, as it enables breeders to avoid those fads and exaggerations which go hand-in-hand with popularity...." —

Gordon F. Graham, 263 Manhasset Ave., Manhasset, L.I., N.Y.
March, 1962

Miss Esther M. Croucher of England will be the judge at the 34th IWCA Specialty show at Glengyle Farm (Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Weaver, Jr.), Aldie, Va. on Friday, Apr. 19. Just as a reminder, the closing date is Tuesday noon, Apr. 9, with Miss Lynne D. Evely, of Mr. Weaver's office, 1527 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington 6, D.C.

A well-known breeder and I.W. authority in England, this is Miss Croucher's second IWCA judging assignment. She officiated at the 1951 Specialty held in Long Beach, Calif., putting up as BB Thomas B. Wanamaker Jr.'s Ch. Finn MacCool of Edgecliff. Naturally the show committee is working for a record entry. As previously reported there are four all-breed events in the Virginia-Maryland area starting the day before the Specialty and ending the following Monday.

Another important event has just taken place, the publication of "The Complete Irish Wolfhound" by Alma J. Starbuck ($7.50, Howell Book House, Inc., 575 Lexington Ave., New York 22, N.Y.).

Mrs. Starbuck, whose Ambleside Kennels now at Beaumont, Calif., has registered more I.W.s than any other U.S. breeder, has written a book that fully merits its name. It would be difficult indeed to ask an I.W. question that isn't answered. There is an extremely broad range of subject matter, from the ancient history of the breed to tabulations of I.W. champions, all-breed show winners and advice on how to care for a puppy.

As Mrs. Starbuck writes, "The story of the Irish Wolfhound, 'like all Gaul,' may be divided into three parts: the data regarding the ancient wolfdog with his romantic historical background, the extraordinary feat of Captain George A. Graham in reviving the breed in the 19th century; and the dog among us today."

In keeping with the saying that "names make news", Mrs. Starbuck's book is replete with names of people active in the breed, historical and present day. The book has nearly 100 pictures and illustrations of I.W.s and includes a chapter on gait by McDowell Lyon.

The broad range of subject matter is illustrated by these brief quotations; which of course are fully documented:
"These dogs just naturally 'mind their own business' and do not look for trouble, but when called upon to do so, they can simply explode into action."
"The Irish Wolfhound develops into a 'knowing' dog and will seek to match your mood. He is not a trick dog and does not delight in foolish accomplishments."
"When people ask what Wolfhounds are good for, I always have to reply, 'The same things most dogs are.' In society as we find it today, the dog's function is mainly guarding the household and giving companionship."

"The Complete Irish Wolfhound" is an excellent book both for the newcomer to the breed and for the experienced owner and breeder as well. —

Gordon F. Graham, 263 Manhasset Ave., Manhasset, L.I., N.Y.
April, 1963

A funny thing happened — as the saying goes — at a recent all-breed show. An I.W. puppy bitch not yet seven months old was entered. She has good bone and, as is normal in I.W.s, her metacarpus, or front "ankle" joints are knobby. As puppies mature, the knobbiness disappears, but the condition is often considered as an indication a puppy will do a lot of growing. The judge touched and looked at the joints and forthwith declared that a veterinarian must be called. At this point the owners (my household) pointed out that the puppy was just six months plus, that knobby joints are normal and, indeed, their absence would be a cause for concern. The judge then pulled one of the puppy's front legs out at right angles and decided that a veterinarian would not be needed. Since the puppy did not limp and is not crippled in any way, it is not clear just what the veterinarian would have been asked to rule upon. It is to be doubted that there is a rule banning knobby joints.

To say the least, this was a peculiar episode. Doubtless the judge had never before encountered an I.W. puppy but, even so, knobby joints must be found in puppies of other large breeds.

Talking about judges, there seems to be a view among some of them that if two or more rather distinct types develop in a particular breed, it is up to the breeders to indicate which type should be considered as the proper one.

This, it seems to me, is not the right approach. There are written Standards and it is the duty of the judge to make his decision in accordance with the Standard as he sees it. If the breeders and fanciers develop and want a type not in accord with the Standard, then it is the task of the breed club to seek modification of the Standard as prescribed by the AKC rules.

While on the subject of judges I (and I am sure a great many others) was distressed to read that George M. Beckett has resigned. Whether they won or lost, a great many people liked to show under Mr. Beckett because they had confidence in his knowledge of dogs and their Standards.

All sorts of things happen when you are an I.W. owner. Recently a couple whose I.W. was pictured in a Washington paper after the IWCA specialty in April received a call from a woman who had seen the photo. She wanted to see the I.W. and said she was in the market for a puppy. The woman arrived in a car driven by someone else and among other things said that her husband lived on the moon. She offered to buy the couple's I.W. but was refused, of course, and departed in somewhat of a huff. —

Gordon F. Graham, 263 Manhasset Ave., Manhasset, L.I., N.Y.
November, 1963