Wulf Sidhè

26/07/2024

The Ibizan Hound is a lithe and leggy visitor from the dawn of civilization, bred as a rabbit courser on the rocky shores of Spain’s Balearic Islands.

Why do you love the breed?

16/07/2024

Thanks Tricia for the photos!

06/07/2024

This is where we get our beautiful collars from :)

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083220552465&mibextid=LQQJ4d

25/06/2024

Totally in love!

21/06/2024

The calm, dignified, and kindly Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of all AKC breeds. Wolfhounds today are the most serene and agreeable of companions.

Why do you love the breed?

21/06/2024

Our beautiful little bundles have arrived!

7 girls and 5 boys.

So proud of our girl, she’s taken to motherhood like an absolute champ.

10/06/2024

10 days!!!!

Count down is on!

26/05/2024

Baby bump is showing!

22/05/2024

Sometimes secrets are too good to keep to yourself!

Baby hairy camels have been confirmed!

Now the wait really begins!

23/04/2024

Now the 28 day wait starts for confirmation….

Hazianne Partial Eclipse (UK) x Wulfsidhe Aideen

16/04/2024

***Please Share**

Calling all Irish Wolfhound owners!

We are looking for purebred Irish Wolfhounds that are over the age of 10 and have no history of osteosarcoma.

If you or someone you know has a dog that qualifies please email us at [email protected]

15/04/2024

Exciting times!!!

Nuri has come into season.
We are trying to now get the semen from NSW to QLD in time.

Will keep everyone updated!

For families who have already reached out, please let us know if this time frame will work for you and a new pup (if all goes to plan!)

27/03/2024

Happy 2nd birthday to our beautiful babies!

Winston, Cornac, Ulfie, Beanz (Tadgh), Bella, Lily and Nuri

04/03/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/j9YSiAkLH2YRarAz/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Our beautiful Angie and ViVi’s parents (middle and right) and their grand mother (left)

25/02/2024

30/01/2024

The Legend of the Wolfhound, Ailbé

In 1897, the first Irish Wolfhound registered by the AKC was “Ailbé,” an ancient name, and perhaps a grim reminder of a famous Wolfhound of mythic proportions.

As the legend goes, Ailbé lived two thousand years ago, a dog owned by Mesroda, the King of Leinster. Ailbé was famous for his ferocity, fidelity, and prowess as a protecting guard dog. Indeed, it was said that he defended the whole kingdom of Leinster against the King’s enemies more fiercely than any army could.

Two other rulers, the King of Connaught and the King of Ulster, wanted Ailbé for themselves, and made offers to buy the hound. The King of Connaught offered, “three score hundred milch cows at once and a chariot with two horses and as much again at the end of the year,” and a similar offer was made by the King of Ulster who threw in land, slaves and cattle for good measure.

Mesroda refused to sell because by gratifying one party, he made an enemy of the other. Some versions of the legend, however, say that Ulter’s offer was accepted. Either way, a war broke out between the two kings, Ailill and Medb, and this would be the undoing of the gallant Ailbé for he had deserted the King of Leinster and aligned himself with Ulster. In the course of battle, Ailbé attacked the chariot of the King of Connaught by seizing the axle and hanging on even as the kings hacked at each other – and perhaps the dog, as well, with swords.

Ailbé quite literally lost his head, but even in death, he refused to let go. The chariot rumbled off with Ailbé’s jaws still firmly clamped on the axle, the head still dripping blood as the chariot thundered off across the field of battle from Ballaghmoon in Kildare to Farbill in Westmeath. In Farbill the head dropped from the pole in a ford, known afterwards as Ath Cind Chon, or Hound’s Head Ford.

Ailbé lived on in the prose tale of MacDatho probably based on an earlier poem:

“Ailbé, his famous cunning splendid hound,
From whom is the renowned plain of Ailbé;”

We may never know if Ailbé existed, but there were actual Kings of Connaught from the fifth to fifteenth centuries who ruled over the cóiced of Connacht west of the River Shannon in Ireland. Records show that in 1224, one King of Connacht, Hugh O’Conor, appointed a steward to take care of his loyal Wolfhounds.

Photo by Chantal McKinney

05/01/2024

A wolfhound owner asked for advice about breeding her dog on another Irish wolfhound FB group. This is a response written by Tamara Dunn. It's one of the most compelling and respectful answers I've ever read and definitely something to ponder if you're looking at a puppy bred by someone who does not have the breed's best interest at heart.

Florence, since this is a health group I'm going to address those aspects of your request. One of the reasons you're getting some push back is the number of medical concerns we are facing in the breed. Often individuals will want to breed for relatively benign reasons. It isn't so much about the money as it is about the love they have for their hound and their desire to have an offspring. If they can attain the puppy without having to pay several thousand by trading a stud fee, they see that as a plus.
However, the breed faces some major genetic issues that present as expensive, life threatening medical conditions, and often in juveniles. The majority of these have complex transmission from sire and dam to offspring and there are no genetic tests. Minimizing the risks to the puppies and potential owners falls squarely on the shoulders of the owners of the sire and the dam. It is essential to have enough breed knowledge to know what you are getting into and how to avoid pitfalls.
The knee jerk reaction of long time IW breeders is to say, "Don't Breed". This response comes from a desire to protect the dogs and owners from potential life threatening disease, and to protect the puppies from ending up in risky situations.
I am a breeder, a companion owner, and president of what is arguably one of the busiest single breed IW rescues in the US. If someone is considering breeding I ask them to know their pedigree. We have taken in three juvenile hounds with orthopedic disease the owners could not afford to treat. Each hound costs between $5 and $7k to repair. They come out of what appears to be healthy parents, but who carry deleterious genes. The owners are naive and just wanted an IW to love. We have a medical grant to assist another owner with a hound with juvenile orthopedic disease. We are providing the grant because the owner already spent their entire savings on the puppy's sibling who was diagnosed with a genetic kidney disorder. This owner is trying to do everything right, they have just run out of funds. If the owner were in a state with a puppy purchase protection law I would be assisting them in putting together a lawsuit against the breeders. We are still going to attempt to recover their money, but in the US it is easier if the state protects puppy buyers.
If you scroll through this particular group you will come across a large number of puppies suffering from genetic and congenital diseases. Each of these puppies were produced by someone who didn't understand the genetics behind their dog. We have two puppies currently in the Southeast with diagnosed portosystemic shunts. The owners are overwhelmed, confused, and afraid for their puppies. In both cases the breeders stated they never had a shunt puppy before and have no idea how it happened. One breeder has had 4 litters and the other breeder only 2. There is always going to be a first time. One of the puppies had been tested at 9 weeks. The bile acids were high, but still within the normal range. An experienced breeder with an understanding of the overall health of the breed would have waited another week or two and retested. This puppy's breeder sold the puppy instead.
The list of concerns you need to know in your pedigree, both for adults and juveniles is long.
Genetic disorders seen in juveniles:
Osteochondritis
Retained Cartilagenous Cores
Luxating Patellas
HOD
Ununited Anconeal Process
Panosteitis
Portosystemic Shunt
Ectopic Ureters
Vesicoureteral reflux
Megaesophagus
PRA
Early onset heart disease
Juvenile seizures
Juvenile pneumonia
Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD)
Base Narrow jaw and dental malocclusions.
If you know your pedigree well enough to produce a relatively healthy litter you will need to be aware of the cancers prevalent in your pedigree and prepare the owners.
Disorders in adults:
Atrial Fibrillation
DCM
PRA
PCD
Seizures
Osteosarcoma
Lymphoma
Hemangiosarcoma
Soft tissue sarcoma
Mast Cell Tumors
Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Bloat/Torsion (these are both genetic and lifestyle related).
And all the puppy things.
cranial cruciate tears
Gingivital hyperplasia
Reoccuring Pneumonia
Silent Reflux
I believe most people want to breed responsibly. I think most people don't want to bring emotional and financial harm to others. I think when they sell a puppy that is sick and unlikely to get better they feel guilty and they are afraid. They have probably already spent the money for other things and if they return the purchase price it will financially drain them.
If you want to breed your male you will eventually find someone with a female willing to assist, no one can stop you.
I just ask that you act ethically toward the breed and the potential owners. Consider the health of the breed, understand the risks within your pedigree and that of the female. If you combine their genetics what will you get? I've seen litters where half the puppies had to be euthanized for Megaesophagus. Understand the potential outcome for the puppies. Strive to do no harm to others, both the offspring of adult hounds, and their owners.
Act responsibly.

29/12/2023

A very belated Merry Christmas and and early Happy New Year!

We are without power, reception, etc for the next possible 3 weeks. We had a massive storm on Christmas with a tornado leaving behind massive damage - we are fine thankfully!

I apologize now for not responding or replying. We’ve driven into town to touch base with family and friends before the next lot of storms start today:

Stay safe!

27/12/2023

📸 Look at this post on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/p/7hE6r9W9kgP8Xu6J/?mibextid=Zmo65R

28/11/2023

We call this one "The Three Way Hunter." Why?

To understand the unique Ibizan Hound and how the breed hunts, one must go back in time to the Sardes, early maritime traders often called, “peoples of the sea.” These merchants traded everything not nailed down: grain, finery, cloth, cattle – and dogs, and this is most likely how a beautiful, swift and intelligent hunter found its way onto the islands of Malta and Goza, and the Balearic Islands. The Sardes made these islands their outposts, and undoubtedly encouraged their dogs to hunt the rugged hills. Maybe they even forgot a few when they left for trips.

The Greeks, who along with their dogs settled on many of the same islands, named them: Meluss (Minorca), Kromyussa (Majorca), Pityussa (Ibiza) to mention just a few. After the Greeks came the Carthaginians of Africa, and Balearic legends say that the great Carthaginian general, Hannibal, took some of the island dogs with him as he crossed the Alps early in the second Punic War. Ancient Roman coins found on the Balearic Islands were stamped with the likeness of those dogs, and they bore striking resemblance to today’s Ibizan Hound. But the story isn’t done yet.

The dogs lived on the Balearic Islands for centuries, a stressed environment owing to war pressures and garrisons. Locals, most probably out of necessity, not only selectively bred these dogs by taking the sleekest runner to the keenest scent hound, but culled those that could not earn their keep by hunting successfully three ways: By sight, by scent, and by sound.

In modern times, tourists rediscovered the Balearic Islands and found them to be wonderfully secluded vacation spots; the dog lovers among them became captivated by the Balearic Ibizan Hound, now an exquisite three way hunter.

Ibizan Hound by annaav/adobe Stock

23/11/2023

The Ibizan Hound

It is believed that the Ibizan Hound is one of the oldest purebred dogs in existence today – dating back at least 5000 years. These prick-eared hounds have been depicted in the tombs of the Ancient Egyptians and were often the theme in Egyptian art.

As the Phoenicians travelled through the Mediterranean region dogs were deposited in different areas, which led to the breed being developed with selected traits that best suited the game being hunted, and their terrain. In the 8th and 9th centuries B.C. the Phoenicians brought the breed to the Balearic Islands, and there they remained, unspoiled for two thousand years. They were bred to hunt rabbits and small game, and are still actively used as rabbit dogs in Spain today.

Fast forward to the modern day, and you will find they were introduced into the UK in 1926 and first shown at Crufts in 1929. Although the breed was first brought into the US in 1956, it wasn’t until 1979 that the AKC recognised the breed, and they made their first appearance at Westminster in 1980. It wasn’t until some time later that the breed made their way ‘down under’ with Australia welcoming their first Ibizans in the mid 80’s, and New Zealand welcoming their first import in 1999.

In most English speaking countries they are known as the Ibizan Hound, and in most European countries, as well as their homeland, they are known as the Podenco Ibicenco. They are also known as Ca Eivissenc in the Spanish provinces and Balearic hound in France’s Provence.

FCI has the breed in Group 5 – Spitz & Primitive Types, whereas in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia and of course New Zealand, they are in the Hound Group.

Personality

The Ibizan, nicknamed the Beezer by his fans, is a playful and silly, yet affectionate and loyal breed. They are wickedly intelligent and somewhat mischievous, earning them the reputation of being the “Peter Pan” dog. Their sleek, sculptured bodies require the home comforts of a couch or raised bed for comfort. They are by no means an outside dog, particularly in the cooler climates. And, as they feel the cold so easily, any outings in cold weather will require them to wear a coat.

They are an active breed, and will enjoy a couple of 20-30 minute walks or jogs a day. They also relish the opportunity to run full out in a large, safely fenced area. Without regular exercise, the fun of owning an Ibizan will quickly become a nightmare when they become bored and destructive – digging holes, stealing, chewing etc. Due to their hunting methods, Ibizans are able to make 5ft leaps from a standstill, so 6ft fences are required to keep them contained. But of course, not all Ibizans are jumpers, and you won’t know if you have a jumper until they disappear over the fence one day. For this reason, it is important to start on ‘recall’ training from day one. As they are a hunter, they can have a strong prey drive, so introduction to the smaller/furry members of your family at an early stage is of utmost importance. Their long legs and long necks make them excellent counter surfers, so if you don’t have a tidy kitchen, you will soon learn to when you introduce an Ibizan to your home. Even if you think something is out of reach, if it is of enough interest to an Ibizan, they will make it their business to reach it. Owning an Ibizan isn’t all bad though. Although not overly touchy-feely dogs, they do enjoy snuggling with members of their family, and greet you with such enthusiasm when you come into a room (whether you have been gone for five minutes or eight hours). Their intelligence also makes for plenty of opportunity for bonding time, such as obedience, agility and Rally-O.

Characteristics

Although they are categorised as a Sighthound in the US, they use ALL their senses when hunting – sight, scent and hearing. Those big ears aren’t there for decoration! It’s also interesting to know that they will retrieve game live to hand, and are quite ‘soft-mouthed’, much like some gundogs. Hard to believe that despite such a sharp muzzle and tightly fitting lips over teeth, they can have such soft mouths.

Often the first thing you will notice about the Ibizan is the size of their ears, followed by either the pink nose, or amber eyes, which are very expressive. Their movement is also rather eye catching – the far-reaching stride with a slight “hover” before the front paws touch the ground – best described as a suspended trot.

The Ibizan can be quite vocal, and will alert you to visitors with a very deep bark. When out and about, if they come across something they are not sure about, they will “give tongue”. This is also done when they are out hunting and chasing down their prey.

What you may not be aware of, is the fact that the Ibizan comes in two coat types – smooth and wire. Wire is a texture, not a length. The Smooth coat should be hard and slick, and the Wire coat hard and rough, with a slight crimp. Soft and silky is incorrect for either. The degree of Wire coat is determined by the genetic inheritance. A full Wire will have a full beard and facial hair and possibly three inches of coat, whereas at the other end of the spectrum, one may only have rough patches on sternum and back of thighs with very little on the face. There is no preference to Smooth over Wire.

So all-in-all, if you keep a tidy house, have a great sense of humour, high fences and plenty of time to exercise your dog, you might just be suitable for a beezer.

23/11/2023

We’ve been keeping a little secret.

Back in August our beloved Angie - Senjabi Blessed Angel (Imp NZL) was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. This was a massive shock to us and heartbreaking news - this girl is the other half to my soul.

Angie’s amazing breeder Christine in New Zealand has followed our progress from the beginning. While Ang is showing very promising results to amputation and Chemo it has put a kink in our plans of introducing the rare and amazing breed the Ibizan Hound back into Australia. This breed of dog is amazingly versatile, beautiful and incredibly intelligent. They’re is no breed like them. They love sports, the love to think and most of all they love to put their long, cold, wet nose into every day and eye they can.

Knowing how in love with the breed I am, Christine has made the most incredible gift - we are blessed (they are the blessed litter after all) to introduce Violet!
Violet will be joining our pack very shortly. To say we are excited, thankful and most importantly grateful for having such an amazing breeder and friend, is well under what we feel.

Please meet our newest member - Violet - Senjabi Cupid’s Blessing (Imp NZL)

Senjabi Basenjis

15/11/2023

The new “puppy” in the house - Norbert.

Rather than hang in the paddocks with the goats he loves to be with the dogs.

26/10/2023

Beezers at work!

12/10/2023

Breeder Supply Number : 4100129336

Wulfsidhe has a lovely 18 month old Irish Wolfhound available to a new family.

Tadgh is desexed, ANKC mains register, well behaved and follows commands.

He’s a lovely red brindle lad, with a full coat, correct bite and shape.
He is a tall boy, and very active. He is loving his walks and enjoys playing with large/giant dogs.

Tadgh is respectful on walks, doesn’t pull, loves cuddles and brushes, is easy to work with and adores a good rough play.

He’s good with sheep, goats, cows and horses.

Tadgh is best suited to a home without small dogs or small children.

Due to his size interstate travel is not going to be an easy task! He is currently standing at 86.3 cm at the shoulder and 66kgs.

Located near Jimboomba. Please note we are very selective where our dogs go, and they will always come first.

30/09/2023

We’ve had some stressful days here with bushfires and evacuation alerts. We finally got some much needed rain and it was time to let the goofballs out into the horse paddock for a run!

23/08/2023

This is our beloved Ang. She means the world to us as anyone who has met her can share. She’s a special girl and the friendliest most outgoing Beezer ever.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10161006810110336&id=514685335&mibextid=0cALme

27/07/2023

Nuri and Aoife this morning. There was a wallaby in the side paddock

03/07/2023

There is absolutely no need to repeatedly titer your dog! Once you learn about the key immune system component called the memory cell, you will understand that repeated titering does nothing but waste your money and create confusion in the cases of many older dogs. Read about it here: https://healthydogworkshop.com/the-trouble-with-titers/

11/06/2023

The big kids out for a run :)