Looking for Irish Wolfhound Breeder

We just went through the same process looking for our English Mastiff.

Some of the things that I learned during our 18 month search:

I would work with the national club for the breed to get a list of breeders and start your search from that list.

http://www.iwclubofamerica.org/

If at all possible, go to a few dog shows where they will be exhibited and talk with the handlers/owners. For the IW, it might mean a bit of travel since they won't show up at smaller shows.

Make sure that they health test. Just because the parents don't exhibit current signs of issues doesn't mean that they are healthy. Look at the breed website for tests that are common to the IW

Refer to the IW website for the best questions to ask breeders.

Get pet insurance. The giant breeds can have health issues that are unique and to treat them, it can be twice or three times the amount it would be for a regular dog. I got pet insurance for $600 a yr ($500 deductible) but all vaccinations, annual teeth cleaning and annual exams are fully covered.

Look for a group on Facebook for IW owners. I have learned quite a bit of general health information from this group which has several reputable breeders as members. You might get some references from them as well as some that you should stay away from at all costs.

Probably all things you are already doing but that is what we did to fond our puppy.

Here is our puppy that we welcomed at the end of May.







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Such a beautiful pup! Name? I've always wanted a Bull Mastiff named "Knuckles". 

 ETA: haha, now I see his name right there, plain as day! Thor- love it. 

Thanks for the info. Actually aware of all of that already, just taking stabs here and there to see if I can conjur up anyone with personal experience to share. Obviously, being a bit more rare of a breed it's a touch more difficult to actually encounter owners. Definitely will be doing multiple site visits and everything else that comes with responsibly researching and selecting a breeder.  

Edited by thebigb 2014-07-28 1:32 PM

My 11 yr old son named him, so I take no responsibility. :-) I wanted Hagrid. He has been so much fun and so easy to train.

I love the Irish Wolfhound and would definitely consider owning one. I love the big dogs. Good luck with your search and you can't beat BT for finding resources!

You might want to try your regional Irish Wolfhound club as well:

http://desertirishwolfhounds.com/

And an excellent article by Donna Brown:

http://www.iwclubofamerica.org/obedience

Best wishes!