
Irish Wolfhound
The tallest of all dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is also graceful and athletic. These dogs are true sweethearts and will get along with the entire family, provided there is enough space for their large stature.








The Irish Wolfhound is predisposed to:
- Gastric dilatation volvulus
- Osteosarcoma which is a serious type of bone cancer
- Dilated cardiomyopathy¹ which is a condition where the heart muscle becomes progressively weak and cannot beat properly
- Glaucoma which is a painful condition where the pressure in the eye builds up
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy which is an inherited disorder where part of the eye degenerates and wastes away which can result in blindness
- Portosystemic shunts²
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- Eye testing for pectinate ligament abnormality testing to look for signs that a dog is affected by glaucoma.
- Eye screening scheme
¹J. Dukes-McEwan, 'Proposed Guidelines for the Diagnosis of Canine Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy', Nov 2003, Journal of Veterinary Cardiology
²K. M. Tobias, 'Association of breed with the diagnosis SMALL ANIMALS of congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs: 2,400 cases (1980–2002)', Dec 2003, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Friendly and kind, the Irish Wolfhound dog is the gentle giant of the dog world. However, pups and young adults are energetic and boisterous so they may not be ideal for a family with young children. Irish Wolfhounds usually get on well with other dogs but some can be intimidated by his size. The sheer enormity of his eventual size makes him unsuitable for many families, but for those who can accommodate his needs, he is a devoted companion.