About Bereton Irish Wolfhounds

Elizabeth, Aethan, and Teagan with Lesa, December 2001.

After many years of showing Golden Retrievers, predominately in obedience, I was not really interested in showing IWs. I was actually looking for a good companion. We were already busy showing reining horses, and I felt I would not have time for showing both horses and dogs.

As my young puppy grew older, he was beginning to look quite promising as a show prospect. After a bit of encouragement from some IW friends, and his breeder, I changed my mind and decided to try showing him after all. There were the tiny embarrassments one can encounter when first starting to show these big beasts, and there was much learning along the way. However, we had so much FUN, we just kept going. The wonderful sense of humor these hounds express in the show ring makes nearly every dog show a unique experience.

While I do enjoy showing, I also like to give our hounds the opportunity to do other things I believe may be interesting and stimulating for them. I am a member of the North Texas Irish Wolfhound Club, and we generally attend the Irish & Celtic festivals, the annual club picnic (which the hounds also attend), and other club functions. I have also incorporated clicker obedience classes and training into our puppies' activities these past two years. Eventually, I am hoping to become involved in therapy work and lure coursing as well.

We keep only a small number of hounds. Our IWs are our pets and companions first, and show dogs second. All are reared as a special part of our family and live in the house with us. Since becoming involved in the breed in 1995 we have had two AKC champions, but have yet to breed a litter of puppies. I do not feel that a hound must be bred simply because it is a champion. My goal is to use only the best quality foundation hounds in establishing our breeding program. Breed standard, health, longevity, and temperament are of the utmost importance to us. I would say that my main interest in breeding is to do so mainly for myself, as most reputable breeders generally keep their best puppy show/breed prospects to establish their own lines.

Special Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the following Irish Wolfhound breed people for their contributions to this website. Some of them have generously given of their valuable time. Some have provided photographs of their hounds, and shared resources. Most important are those whom have shared their friendship, their guidance, and their integrity, all of which has greatly enriched my life. To all of you, my sincere thanks.

Louise Pinkney -- Hydebeck
Kathy Goodall -- Driftcot
Linda Gover -- Owenmore
Ika & Ulli Peiler -- Knocknarea
Pam & John Sumner -- Ballyphelan
Dagmar Pordham-Kenis -- Soldstrand
Marion & Tim Finney -- Gulliagh
Nicky & Chuck Warwick -- Cairnstorm
Cherry Rolle -- Ellor
Louann Ellis -- Trampas
Ian Sexton
Cie Harris, Irish Wolfhound International Magazine
Alex Bernett
Dalco
K.C. Montgomery

Rainbow Bridge artwork and image used by permission from:
Antonio Calzecchi Onesti
Sue Orr (Tobi-Tor Irish Wolfhounds)

A very special thank you to Ms. Elizabeth Murphy for her kind permission to use a number of photographs, from her book: "The Irish Wolfhound - A Collection of Photographs and Pedigrees" 1991 edition, on my pedigrees pages.

Peggy Adamson, "How to Evaluate a Breeder"

The Irish Wolfhound Club of America, The Irish Wolfhound Standard of Excellence © IWCA