I have owned, bred and shown Irish Wolfhounds for over 25 years and usually have a small number of hounds, no more than 7 or 8, all living in the house and part of the family which we believe Wolfhounds should be.

For information and advice on finding puppies please click the link to the left.

Wolfhounds are a wonderful breed, I can't imagine living without them. The' Gentle Giants' adage is true and they are wonderful family companions. But at the heart of it they are still the sighthound they were intended to be. So as a first time owner, you need to be aware of the general characteristics.

They will chase anything that runs away from them. They may kill sheep and chickens; odd hounds might be OK in this respect but always work on the basis that they chase. They grow very big. I never cease to be amazed when people who have already bought a Wolfhound say they didn't realise the dog would ....grow this big ....be so boisterous....eat so much.... It really is a case of having to do your research first. However when their 'childhood' is over, they are the most easy going relaxed hounds to have around. Wolfhounds are a long boned breed and as such puppies need very careful rearing to prevent damage while growing.

At 6 months a Wolfhound puppy will weigh in the region of 100lb, but will still have the playfulness of a puppy like any other breed; imagine having a toddler around you - it's much the same. They need human companionship. DO NOT buy a wolfhound puppy and then leave it all day while you go out to work, it is nothing short of cruel. If you intend to have a kennel and run in the garden - not our ideal situation, but if you do then never kennel a Wolfhound alone. For a dog this size crating IS NOT AN OPTION - if you need to do this in order to go to work, then don't get a dog. Because they are big, it doesn't mean they need to live outside - quite the opposite, they seek the company of people and are best suited to a home environment.

If you are worried about muddy paws on your floors, then probably don't get a dog let alone a Wolfhound. Maybe get a cat instead - smaller feet. Feeding and vets fees can be expensive. Give a decent quality food and insure your hound with a policy that is not capped, for time or fees, unless there is a goodly amount per condition - at least £3k.

They need exercise. It is a fallacy to say they do not, although as puppies, exercise must be controlled and supervised, and not much exercise before 6 months of age beyond entertaining themselves in the garden under your watchful eye.

We, like most other breeds, have a tier of breeders whose interest is just to supply puppies on a commercial basis. It has probably ever been thus but such breeders come with a more presentable shop front these days and often an endorsement from the Kennel Club by way of the Accredited Breeder Scheme, which anyone breeding a litter can join. However, I would always advocate sourcing a puppy via the breed clubs.

It is true that showing your dogs isn't the be all and end all, but I find that those people who do partake in that, are usually those with a deeper commitment to safeguarding the future of the breed and are more likely to contribute to the development of the Wolfhound as a fit healthy breed, have an awareness of any health issues arising and be attempting to do something about them. Producing puppies is an aside to producing their next generation of hounds and in my view this is how it ought to be.

If you do decide to take on one of these special hounds do your research. Expect the breeder to quiz you about your lifestyle, expect a home visit to inspect where the hound will live. Ask if the breeder tests for Livershunt and will give you a diet sheet and a list of DO's and DON'TS to help you rear your puppy. Expect them to be on the end of the phone if you have a problem, and expect to be told that they will take the hound back, if you find yourself unable to keep it in the future; some may ask you to sign an agreement to that effect. Many careful breeders have a litter per year to keep a line going. If you go and see a litter and it turns out to be the dam's third or fourth - ask yourself why?? - £££££

You can contact either breed clubs .
Email:Irish Wolfhound Club
Email: Irish Wolfhound Society

Website revised 7 June 2010 2010