IW- Ownership:

If you are interested in this breed and plan on adding a puppy to your family, please be aware that there are plenty of reasons NOT to move forward with your plan. Irish Wolfhounds are not for everyone, and while on paper “these fur babies are just perfect” (quote from a puppy inquiry), the reality looks quite different. One of the most important reasons to possibly abandon your “dream of owning a wolfhound” (quote from a puppy inquiry) is the fact that even a single puppy purchased as a companion will cost you more in its lifetime than you ever imagined. If you already think the purchase price is too high for you, seriously consider another breed. Buying the puppy is about the cheapest part of wolfhound ownership. Why’s that?

The new puppy is, during the first months of life, a very delicate individual. It will take up most of your time as you will need to care for it, train it, and entertain it. How do you plan on doing this when you have human children to raise, work to attend etc? In addition, you will need a safely fenced yard suitable for a wolfhound to run and play in as an adult. We are not talking about a “dog run” here, rather a good chunk of property. If you have this amount of land/space, are you willing to invest in fencing materials and have a company put the fence up if you are unable to do it yourself? Furthermore, the baby wolfhound is a living and breathing food machine and will require large amounts of quality food – given the significant rise of pet food prices in the last few years, this will cost you a pretty penny and does not even include treats and supplements. If you run into growth related challenges with your puppy, then you will need access to expert vet care – which will rapidly put a huge hole in your wallet if you are not financially sound and/or have purchased pet insurance. Last, but not least, your puppy will need XXL-supplies – collars, toys, beds – the list of its needs seems endless. Once mature, owning such a large hound comes with a significant lifestyle change. Your car may be too small, your boarding facility may not be equipped to house a dog of this size when you want to go in vacation, and your house for sure will not be as fancy as you may remember it. Think again: Are you really up for this?

For those wondering about the purchase price of a wolfhound puppy: Prices vary from region to region. Here in the Midwest, the average is about $ 3500 for a companion puppy; prices up to $ 4000, if not more, are possible in some areas, especially on the coasts. Show potentials may cost more, especially when purchased from a well-known kennel. If you buy from a reputable breeder, the purchase price will include all fees for liver shunt testing, age-appropriate vaccinations and wormers, microchip, registration application for the American Kennel Club (AKC), and an official health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. Since these puppies are vet checked, they are considered “free from pre-existing conditions” when purchasing pet insurance, providing peace of mind when needed. Once registered with the AKC, puppies receive an additional coverage of 30 days. Reputable breeders will also be there for you 24/7/365 – just a phone call away to answer your questions, provide recommendations, and be of general support throughout your hound’s life. This support is priceless. While you may think that waiting for a well-bred puppy takes too long and/or you could get a cheaper one elsewhere, be assured that many backyard breeders charge similar prices but disappear from your life rather quickly. Once your money is taken, you are forgotten – so is your new puppy. Another fact that needs to be taken into consideration is that breed specific rescue organizations charge significantly higher adoption fees for their adoptable dogs than ever before, regardless of age and condition. Trendy breeds and hybrids fetch enormous sums, and, once everything is taken into context, one could think that a well-bred wolfhound puppy with a life-time support from the breeder selling for $ 4000 is a “still a bargain” when it comes to the purchase price alone.

Alternatives to a baby puppy: Every now and then we have people reaching out to ask about an older wolfhound, either a yearling or a retired show dog. Such hounds can be a wonderful opportunity for individuals/families who do not have the time or energy to raise a baby puppy, and who prefer a „ready to use“ wolfhound. A retired show dog oftentimes comes with a champion title, full health clearances, and excellent socialization (going to shows includes travel, hotel stays, meeting people, dealing with stress etc.). A yearling has passed the intense growth stages but is not completely done growing so they will still change by filling out – they are still immature yet more solid and ready for adventure. We have successfully placed, albeit very rarely, yearlings and retired show dogs into homes where this type of wolfhound was appreciated and valued, making them a great fit.

For general inquiries and breed related questions, please use the ‚Contact us’ form on our website.