Group 10 · Sighthounds
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest dog breeds: a gentle, calm giant with a rough coat and a friendly nature. It suits people with space, time and a budget for a very large dog.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Ierse wolfshond by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 3 examinations:
- 1 X-ray examination
- 1 eye examination
- 1 heart examination
The breeding programme also recommends 2 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (3)
-
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Heart examination Valid for 1 year from 3 years
Official description
- Method
- echocardiography (+ Holter monitoring strongly recommended)
Footnote in the breeding programme * PLEASE NOTE: without Holter monitoring there is no certainty that an animal is free of DCM.
Footnote in the breeding programme ** Younger dogs may be used for breeding, provided the other parent dog has already reached the minimum age, has already undergone the examination and is clear for it. As soon as the younger dog reaches the minimum age of 3 years, the examination must be carried out before it is bred from again.
-
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
Recommended examinations (2)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Hip dysplasia (HD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Ierse wolfshond, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), Elbow dysplasia (ED) and Eye disorders. The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Degenerative myelopathy (DM) and Hip dysplasia (HD). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. An Irish Wolfhound needs calm daily walks and regular chances to run freely in a securely fenced area. Its rough coat needs a weekly brush. Allow for a big crate, a big car and plenty of lying space.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Elbow dysplasia (ED) and Hip dysplasia (HD)?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Irish Wolfhound is gentle and patient, but as a sighthound it reacts to movement. Given its size, it must learn as a puppy to walk nicely on the lead. Bear in mind the space and costs of a very large dog.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
