Irish Wolfhound health: what owners should know
Conditions the Irish Wolfhound is known to be prone to, breeder screening and everyday habits that help.
The Irish Wolfhound's short lifespan reflects several health risks. The breed is predisposed to dilated cardiomyopathy (a heart muscle disease), bone cancer, bloat, pneumonia, and liver shunts in puppies. Hip and elbow dysplasia also occur.
Responsible breeders use heart screening, often yearly with ultrasound or ECG, liver shunt testing of puppies, and hip and elbow scoring. Keep your dog lean and arrange regular heart checks. See a vet urgently for a swollen belly, retching without result, labored breathing, fainting, or sudden severe lameness, and book a visit for a cough, reduced stamina or limping that does not settle.
Numbers worth knowing
Life expectancy
6 to 8 yrs
Senior care
Individual assessment
age alone does not define care needs
Typical breed weight
45 to 70 kg