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Buying an Irish Wolfhound Puppy
Congratulations on finding this page, because it means you are taking the time to research the responsibilities of owning a young, fast-growing Irish Wolfhound puppy.
It's impossible not to fall in love with an Irish Wolfhound puppy.
If you are tempted, there are many things to think about before you start talking to an ethical breeder.
The Irish Wolfhound is a beautiful breed to own. But it is like introducing a miniature pony into your house so you need to understand the relationship and time commitment required to nurture this beautiful breed. You will become an unofficial ambassador for the breed because people want to stop and pat your dog, so you have a huge obligation to socialise your Irish Wolfhound and teach it good lead skills. You will come to understand that some people are scared of large dogs, or don't like your giant playing with their little dog, and responsible Irish Wolfhound owners respect that. We have some tips below if you want to raise an Irish Wolfhound with young children and a children's information page as well. Read this link about the reasons for buying a purebred puppy as a good starting point.
Then enjoy exploring the information on this site that is specific to buying an Irish Wolfhound puppy!
Buying an Irish Wolfhound pup
Are you prepared to:
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Invest in quality bedding and good quality food?
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Have you factored in potential vet fees and medication during your dog's life?
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Can you control an 80kg dog?
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Will you need a bigger car to take your new Irish Wolfhound on trips?
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Have you the time to care for a growing wolfhound's joints, and we mean a lot of care?
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Do you have good fencing and a spacious back yard for outside romps?
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Are you willing to have this giant live inside your house? They do not thrive without a lot of human interaction.
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Are you committed to socialising your pup heavily from the day it arrives in your house?
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Are you aware that the Irish Wolfhound is a sight hound, and has a different style of intelligence to a herding dog, for example?
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Will your other pets cope with a giant pup, especially if the pets are elderly?
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Are you committed to keeping your pup under control in public at all times?
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Are you aware that your giant can accidentally hurt a smaller dog when they are playing because it may not be aware of its large size?
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Did you know an Irish Wolfhound may take off if it sees something to chase and ignore your pleas to come back?
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Did you know that when a dog gets over-excited, its adrenalin gets stimulated and it can be harder to control? Helping your dog stay calm is a great gift for a giant dog.
Irish Wolfhound puppies come in all sorts of colours,
even within one litter, but always remember that health
and temperament are the most important factors when
you choose a puppy.
Every colour in an Irish Wolfhound is beautiful and you
will be amazed to see how your growing puppy's colour
changes as it grows. Start gently grooming your puppy
when it is young so that it sees brushing as a treat.
Irish Wolfhounds are relatively simple to groom if you
make it a regular part of your dog's routine.
What Kind of Pedigree Papers Will I Get?
When you buy from an ethical breeder, they will discuss your reasons for purchasing an Irish Wolfhound and help you choose a puppy that best suits your interests. A responsible breeder would never sell you your first Irish Wolfhound puppy if you intend to breed with it. They would expect you to have lived experience with the breed for a number of years before you start to contemplate breeding, so that you understand an Irish Wolfhound's specific needs and health issues.
If you are looking for a pet you should receive what is known as Limited Register (orange) Pedigree papers. This certifies that you have bought a pedigreed, pure bred Irish Wolfhound but it cannot be exhibited at a Conformation Show, used for breeding purposes or exported overseas.
If you have discussed showing an Irish Wolfhound and your breeder is agreeable, you will receive what is known as Main Register (blue) papers for your dog, This means your dog can be exhibited at a Conformation Show, used for breeding purposes or exported overseas.
However be aware that your breeder would want to be fully involved in any breeding you undertake and would not agree to your dog being transferred to another owner without them being involved.
In most cases, a breeder will co-own your show puppy with you. This is not because they can't let go, but because they are committed to breeding with only the most suitable registered dams and sires for excellent health and temperament outcomes and are keen to guide you through these processes. To understand more about pedigree papers, visit this page on Dogs Australia.
And to understand your responsibilities refer to your club's Code of Ethics page.
Buyer beware
If you are serious about buying an Irish Wolfhound, you should seek a reputable breeder who has bred for best health and best temperament. It might mean you have to wait a while for the next litter, but the wait is worth it as you will get lifelong support from reputable breeders.
Certain litters advertised as pure bred are potentially not pure bred. It may be that even the breeder does not realise they are breeding with crossbred hounds. Ask how many litters the pup's mother has had and how old she was when she had her first litter.
Generally, she should be over two and have had a maximum of three litters.
Irish Wolfhounds should also be screened for certain genetic problems, and breeders must show you proof that this has been done. Ask for a written copy of the liver shunt test, for example. Never buy a puppy unless you have written proof of this test from the breeder's vet. And beware of a breeder who wants you to take your puppy at too young an age. Around 10-12 weeks is a nice age to take on an Irish Wolfhound puppy.
Your puppy should have a complete pedigree without any blanks or unknowns. Please ask breeders to see a five generation pedigree for your puppy.
For a full list of registered Irish Wolfhound breeders who welcome enquiries for both show and companion dogs please go to Irish Wolfhound breeders listed on DogzOnline.
Your new Irish Wolfhound puppy may cost more from a reputable breeder. There is huge cost in raising a healthy litter and you are also investing in the ongoing interest of your breeder. You will need a lot of reassurance as your pup grows before your eyes. You are almost certain to worry about whether you are feeding and raising your pup correctly. Reputable breeders are normally happy to communicate with you whenever you have concerns. You can even check what your vet advised you, because breeders have first-hand knowledge of most ailments an Irish Wolfhound experiences.
Be prepared to wait! You own a dog for many years, so you deserve a puppy from a sire and dam where you have some history of their backgrounds. Plus, a breeder who has an ongoing interest in the development of their litters. Drop into some of our club events to chat with fellow Irish Wolfhound lovers. You are very welcome.
Good luck in your research!
Irish Wolfhounds
and children
An Irish Wolfhound can be a wonderful addition to family life but there are some things to think about if you raise them with young children. In your already busy life, do you have the time to take a pup out constantly for their important socialisation?
These gentle hounds can accidentally knock little children over so you need to supervise their play together, especially if everyone is running outside.
The Irish Wolfhound wants to be an indoor dog. If your plan is to have your dog outside in the yard all the time, an Irish Wolfhound may not be for you.
As puppies, Irish Wolfhound joints need a lot of care because of their fast growth. Teach your children never to climb on their backs or pull or drag them about or stand them on two legs.
These puppies need a lot of sleep, so ask your children not to disturb them when they are napping.
They are very good at discovering delicious food on high kitchen benches. Teach your children to put food away, especially if it's something yummy!
Though extremely intelligent, Irish Wolfhounds are sight hounds and are not particularly excited about performing tricks. So if your children want a dog that will sit, shake hands, roll, beg, fetch, hurdle, this may not be the breed for you!
Young dogs do enjoy romping about and playing with toys. But remember, they can't tell the difference between a piece of Lego and a dog Kong so be prepared for some innocent destruction! And keep dangerous objects away.
If you take the time to teach children how to live with an Irish Wolfhound, they will discover an amazing relationship. They will learn to be gentle around animals, speak quietly to them, read their dog's reactions and enjoy a loving companion who is loyal to your family.