Preface
Writing
a breed study is a far from easy task, unless one sticks to a
pattern which has been used for breeds already established. Such
a standard form consists of a historical background and the breed's
standard with or without elaborate explanations and illustrations.
Breeding is also explained, often including a design for the whelping
quarters and lines of champions are examined and so forth.
The
authors have tried to direct the attention of the novice enthusiast
as well as that of the more advanced dog-fancier in the direction
of the youngest of recognised Irish terrier breeds. Until a few
decades ago this breed had only caught the eye of the people in
its region of origin, as a result of its formidable working abilities.
Along
with many other breeds the Glen of Imaal shares the reputation
that its origin is difficult, if not impossible, to trace. The
author deserves credit for being able to discriminate fact from
fiction from the scarcity of information that is available.
It
is virtually impossible to pinpoint how and when chondrodystrophia,
causing short-leggedness, a heavy bone-structure, a wide, short,
firm skull and bend front legs, appeared in the breed.
Is this genetic defect due to the short, bent-legged dogs brought
over by Hessian mercenaries, or to the heavy short-legged dogs
from neighbouring Wales that were later used when the Sealyham
was bred?
It is a historian's treat to solve these mysteries.
In
their enthusiastic as well as professional approach, the authors
have been able to present a unique monograph which will put every
enthusiast on the right path to preserve the Glen of Imaal Terrier's
amazing capabilities for the future.
Along with all terrier enthusiasts I expect this to happen,
Martin
van de Weijer.
