Irish Wolfhound Dog BreedingFind the Perfect Match

Irish Wolfhound breeding guide comprehensive information. World's tallest dog breed breeding. Gentle giant breeding programs. Ancient Celtic breed preservation. Sighthound breeding excellence. CRITICAL HEALTH WARNINGS: Extremely short lifespan 6-8 years average. Many die by age 5-7. Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) extremely common - leading cause of death. Heart disease (DCM and atrial fibrillation) prevalent. Bloat/GDV risk high - gastropexy recommended. Giant breed health issues severe. Size reality: Males 32-35 inches, 140-180 lbs. Females 30-32 inches, 115-140 lbs. World's tallest breed - everything must be giant-sized. Food costs $150-250/month. Space requirements massive. Not apartment suitable despite calm nature. Heart issues critical: Atrial fibrillation common - annual cardiac screening essential. Dilated cardiomyopathy causes sudden death. Many develop heart issues by age 5. Breeding dogs need echocardiogram and Holter monitoring. Bone cancer epidemic: Osteosarcoma affects 20% of Irish Wolfhounds. Usually fatal within months. Appears around 5-7 years. Leg amputation and chemo may buy months, not years. No genetic test available - family history critical. Pneumonia risk: Deep-chested breed prone to aspiration pneumonia. Can be rapidly fatal. Megaesophagus occasionally seen. Elevated feeding may help prevent issues. Liver shunt concerns: Portosystemic shunt more common than average. Bile acid testing recommended. Symptoms include poor growth, seizures. Surgery possible if caught early. Growth management critical: Rapid growth from 1 lb to 100+ lbs in first year. Improper nutrition causes HOD, panosteitis, OCD. Large breed puppy food essential. No supplements unless prescribed. Slow, steady growth prevents problems. Exercise restrictions: No forced exercise until 18 months - growth plates open. Free play only for puppies. Adult exercise moderate - not marathon runners. Despite size, moderate exercise needs. Couch potatoes when mature. Breeding challenges: Small litters typical 3-7 puppies. Natural breeding possible but challenging. AI sometimes needed due to size differences. C-sections occasionally required. Puppies large at birth - dystocia risk. Emergency vet essential. Health testing requirements: Hip dysplasia evaluation (OFA or PennHIP). Elbow dysplasia screening. Annual eye exams (CERF). Heart evaluation by cardiologist mandatory. Liver function testing. No genetic tests for cancer available. Breeding age critical: Wait until 2.5-3 years for full maturity. Females 2.5-6 years only. Males 2.5-7 years. Short lifespan means limited breeding years. Many die before second litter possible. Quality over quantity essential. Temperament: Gentle giants despite intimidating size. Excellent with children but size causes accidents. Not guard dogs - too friendly. Quiet indoors, minimal barking. Strong prey drive - will chase. Never reliable off-leash. Special considerations: Counter surfing inevitable - they reach everything. Tail injuries common - "happy tail syndrome". Everything at their height gets cleared. Need experienced giant breed homes. First-time owners often overwhelmed. Grooming: Rough coat needs weekly brushing. Hand-stripping for show dogs. Professional grooming every 8-12 weeks. Shedding moderate year-round. Irish Wolfhound preservation: Ancient breed nearly extinct multiple times. Modern breed recreated in 1800s. Limited gene pool creates health issues. Preservation breeding focuses on health and longevity over size. Cost reality: Purchase price $1500-3000. Annual costs $3000-5000 minimum. Emergency surgery fund essential - $5000-10000. Pet insurance recommended but expensive. Everything costs more - medications dosed by weight. Climate: Tolerates cold well. Heat sensitivity due to size. Air conditioning essential in summer. Cannot be outdoor-only dogs despite hardy appearance. Training: Sensitive giants - harsh corrections harmful. Positive reinforcement only. Early socialization critical due to size. Puppy classes mandatory. Leash training essential - adults can easily pull adults over. Breeding frequency: Females once yearly maximum. 2-3 litters lifetime due to short lifespan. Allow 18 months between litters. Retire by age 6. Monitor health closely. Whelping: Good mothers typically. Large puppies need monitoring. Supplementation sometimes needed for large litters. Early weaning stress on dam. International breeding: Popular in Ireland, UK, USA. Different size standards exist. European lines may be smaller, healthier. Import considerations for genetic diversity. Show vs companion: Show dogs require conditioning and coat care. Companion dogs happier with moderate exercise. Size extremes reduce lifespan further. Rescue reality: Many in rescue due to size and short lifespan heartbreak. Health issues expensive. Screen homes carefully to prevent abandonment. Quality of life: Despite health issues, Irish Wolfhounds have excellent temperaments. Short lives filled with love. Owners must prepare for early loss. Not for those who cannot handle repeated heartbreak. Petmeetly connects Irish Wolfhound breeders worldwide. Find health-tested Irish Wolfhound studs. Connect with preservation breeders focused on longevity. Ancient Celtic breed breeding network. Responsible Irish Wolfhound breeding partnerships in Ireland, UK, USA, Canada, Europe.