Irish Wolfhound Health
Like most large dog breeds, Irish wolfhounds have a relatively short lifespan. Published lifespan estimations vary between 6 and 10 years with 7 years being the average. Dilated cardiomyopathy and bone cancer are the leading cause of death and like all deep-chested dogs, gastric torsion (bloat) is common; the breed is affected by hereditary intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.
Irish wolfhounds should not receive additional supplements when a good dog food is used. It is generally accepted that they should be fed a low protein adult dog food (19 to 21% protein) from puppyhood onward. Most breeders today recommend that they not be supplemented to slow their rapid growth.
Irish wolfhounds are the tallest of all dog breeds. They are well suited to rural life, but their medium energy profile allows them to adjust fairly well to suburban and urban life as well, provided they receive appropriate exercise.
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the healthier giant breeds. In spite of its size, it remains totally unexaggerated in type and conformation, being bred with the ability to gallop as the priority, and has a temperament that is renowned for reliability.
For more health information, please visit "Irish Wolfhound Health Group", "Irish Wolfhound Club of America" and other sites which specifically address health issues concerning IW's.
Irish Wolfhounds take a lot of work- dedication, time and finances, as do any purebreed pet. While we do indeed love our IW's, please be sure and adopt from shelters and rescue groups as well.
Irish wolfhounds should not receive additional supplements when a good dog food is used. It is generally accepted that they should be fed a low protein adult dog food (19 to 21% protein) from puppyhood onward. Most breeders today recommend that they not be supplemented to slow their rapid growth.
Irish wolfhounds are the tallest of all dog breeds. They are well suited to rural life, but their medium energy profile allows them to adjust fairly well to suburban and urban life as well, provided they receive appropriate exercise.
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the healthier giant breeds. In spite of its size, it remains totally unexaggerated in type and conformation, being bred with the ability to gallop as the priority, and has a temperament that is renowned for reliability.
For more health information, please visit "Irish Wolfhound Health Group", "Irish Wolfhound Club of America" and other sites which specifically address health issues concerning IW's.
Irish Wolfhounds take a lot of work- dedication, time and finances, as do any purebreed pet. While we do indeed love our IW's, please be sure and adopt from shelters and rescue groups as well.