Breed Education

Whether you are new to the Irish Wolfhound, or just looking for the most updated information on the breed, the Irish Wolfhound Association of the Carolinas can help. We support the Irish Wolfhound Club of America's (IWCA) Standard of Behavior for Breeders, and our Breeder Liaison is available to assist prospective owners with starting their journey towards bringing home their Irish Wolfhound puppy. IWAC also supports our current owners with ongoing research and information related to the breed.

General Breed Information:

Irish Wolfhound Club of America (IWCA) - The AKC parent club for the breed.

American Kennel Club (AKC) - Not-for-profit organization advocating for the purebred dog as a family companion, advancing canine health and well-being, working to protect the rights of all dog owners, and promoting responsible dog ownership.

The Irish Wolfhound Foundation

Early History of the Irish Wolfhound

Photo: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/irish-wolfhound/

Irish Wolfhound Puppies Information

Irish Wolfhound Club of America ~ If an Irish Wolfhound puppy is in your future, the IWCA website is a great place to start learning all you need to know in order to provide the best of care for the new love of your life! Information can be found on how to find a responsible breeder, what important health testing is recommended, and a great deal of important information on growth, socialization, exercise, feeding and more.

IWHG Liver Shunt ~ Includes a detailed description of testing methods.

Liver Shunt: What You Should Know Before You Buy ~ Written by Tamara Dunn of Ierne Irish Wolfhounds

IWCA Breeder Directory ~ List of breeders who have agreed to follow the Standard of Behavior

IWCA Standard of Behavior for Breeders ~ (a downloadable PDF of the Standards is available on this page)

Irish Wolfhound Database ~ Comprehensive database with pedigrees of over 170,000 Irish Wolfhounds. This is a great tool to learn about the sire and dam and their lineage. This database includes information relating to lineage, number of litters, health testing, causes of death, and names of breeders.

Orthopedic Health Foundation (OFA) ~ This database is a good place to look up health testing results for heart, hips/elbows and eye (CERF) testing on AKC registered dogs.

Irish Wolfhound Health Information

Irish Wolfhound Health Group (IWHG) - IWHG is a UK body that originally comprised representatives from each of the four breed clubs: Irish Wolfhound Club of America, Irish Wolfhound Society, Irish Wolfhound Club of Northern Ireland, and Irish Wolfhound Club of Scotland. The Health Group was established in 2004 specifically to look at health issues in a unified way across the breed.

Pneumonia - Pneumonia is an extremely life-threatening event for the deep chested Irish Wolfhound. Knowing and understanding the beginning signs and the wolfhound-specific treatment is vital for recovery. This page includes downloadable PDF documents outlining the latest Pneumonia Protocol and important information for your vet. Print this out, keep a copy for yourself, and take a copy to your vet(s). Discuss this protocol with your veterinarian and make sure he/she understands the importance of adhering to the recommendations for treatment.

Universities Federation for Animal Welfare - Genetic Welfare Problems of Companion animals, Liver Shunt

To interact with Irish Wolfhounds, Owners, and Breeders,

consider the following:

Visit with one of our members and meet an Irish Wolfhound in person.
Attend an IWAC meeting, gathering, or meet-the-breed event.
Attend an AKC dog show and visit with Irish Wolfhound exhibitors and breeders. Click here to search for American Kennel Club events.
Join the Irish Wolfhound Association of the Carolinas (IWAC) or another regional club.
Interact with Irish Wolfhound owners on moderated forums. We suggest the following moderated Facebook forums to visit and join:

Irish Wolfhound Association of the Carolinas (IWAC)
Irish Wolfhound Foundation
The Original Irish Wolfhound Community (Based out of the United Kingdom)
Irish Wolfhound Club of America