Irish Wolfhound Association of the Carolinas
N. Carolina, S. Carolina, Virginia, and W. Virginia (Rescue support extends into Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi)
The Irish Wolfhound Association of the Carolinas (IWAC) was organized in1992 by a group of long-time Irish Wolfhound owners and breeders, and was incorporated as a not-for-profit 501(c)7 in 2009. Originally named, Irish Wolfhound Association of the Mid-South, we received accreditation by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in April, 2022 which required a change in name to more accurately reflect the region where the majority of our members reside.
The objectives of our organization are:
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Encourage and sponsor education in the health and welfare of the Irish Wolfhound.
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Promote responsible, quality breeding in unison with the standards of the Irish Wolfhound Club of America (IWCA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC).
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Support the efforts of Irish Wolfhound Rescue of the Mid South (IWRMS) in providing rescue and placement for Irish Wolfhounds in our region of North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and our neighboring southeastern states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Welcome to the
Irish Wolfhound Association of the Carolinas
Education
As responsible Irish Wolfhound owners, we continually educate ourselves and the public about the breed. Our largest public educational outreaches are regional St. Patrick's Day Parades, Celtic Heritage Festivals, sporting events, and the AKC's Flagship Responsible Dog Ownership Day held annually in Raleigh, NC. We provide opportunities to learn about the breed and visit with hounds and their owners, and we provide additional educational opportunities for owners at our club gatherings throughout the year. In the past, this has included keynote speakers specializing in behavior and health. Please see our Events page for more information.
Health
We support the Irish Wolfhound Foundation (IWF) and the Irish Wolfhound Club of America (IWCA) in health initiatives, studies, and testing. We recommend all breeders adhere to IWCA's Standard of Behavior for Breeders in all actions concerning breeding, selling, exhibiting, owning and protecting the breed. We work to stay current on medical concerns impacting the breed, and gold standard treatment and therapies affecting the breed. We are here to answer any questions you may have, and to make regional recommenda-tions for veterinarians experienced in treating Irish Wolfhounds.
IWAC attempts to offer two heart screening days annually - one with NC State College of Veterinary Medicine in North Carolina, and the other with Dr. Bill Tyrell in Virginia.
Welfare
Dr. John Webster defines animal welfare by advocating three positive conditions:
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Living a natural life
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Being fit and healthy
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Being happy
We are committed to these conditions, and to the overall welfare and well-being of the Irish Wolfhound, and to these Five Freedoms of animal welfare:
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Freedom from thirst and hunger
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Freedom from discomfort
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Freedom from pain, injury, and disease
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Freedom to express most normal behavior
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Freedom from fear and distress
Rescue
Irish Wolfhound Rescue of the Mid South is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides rehoming, rescue, and adoption in the southeastern states of NC, SC, VA, WV, GA, FL, AL, and MS.
The Irish Wolfhound is a giant breed of dog that requires special consideration when it comes to housing, transportation, health, geriatric needs, and finances. Circumstances change in life, and we understand this may mean having to make the often heartbreaking decision to give up a beloved pet.
As "Guardians of the Breed," IWRMS confidentially assists owners who may no longer be able to care for their Irish Wolfhound(s) as well as those who want to adopt a rescue. Please see our Rescue page for more information on how we can help.