Finding a Reputable Breeder

Finding a responsible breeder that you feel you can trust is the most critical step in beginning your new relationship with a new puppy.  The IWCC has all members sign our Code of Ethics, to endorse how a Breeder and our Members can help to preserve and protect this magnificent breed.

Think of a breeder as your personal resource.  They have often spent years acquiring all the experience, knowledge, and information needed to answer any of your questions, issues, or concerns, and will remain an invaluable source of support for the life of your wolfhound.

The breeder’s responsibility is to produce registered hounds that conform to the Standard of Excellence of our breed, and to ensure that puppies will be healthy, stable and well-adjusted members of society. The IWCC Breeders Code of Ethics requires that breeders promote responsible pet ownership and offer mentoring, education and support.  Its purpose is to provide standards and requirements related to proper maintenance, breeding, selling and overall protection of our beloved IW.  This understanding reflects our general priorities for hound welfare and responsible, researched breeding practices.

Avoid the temptation of buying a puppy advertised on social media platforms such as Instagram, Kijiji or even farm auctions.  Reputable breeders rarely advertise. They have vetted wait lists of homes that they will support for the life of the puppy. Your wait for a puppy may be upwards of 2 years, but your research and patience will be rewarded. 

The IWCC have created a list of Breeders in the various Areas of Canada for your information.  It identifies breeders who have puppies and adult IW’s available to good homes. Click on the Breeder's List page to start your research for your area. If they do not have puppies available, they often can refer you to someone that does.

Not all Breeders are created equal. Although the IWCC endorses and encourages Breeders and Members to follow the Code of Ethics, there is no system in place to monitor their practices. Any concerned member who can present proof of a breech to the COE, may notify the BOD and that Breeder may be subject to sanctions by the Club. It is the responsibility of the buyer to educate themselves as best they can regarding the information that is available on the breeding that they are considering purchasing a puppy.  It’s important to know what questions to ask the breeder and know where the resources are to source out the health history, screening tests, longevity of the lines and past breeding practices of the breeder.  If you are armed with the information, you are better informed to make the right decision regarding this important purchase.

Buyer Beware:

  • Start your research by contacting Breeders in your area that are included on the IWCC Breeders list.  
  • Read the IWCC Code of Ethics.
  • Know what questions to ask the Breeder and be prepared to answer questions they may ask of you. Download the Questions Document
  • Be informed.  It is important to research the breeding, and all health tests completed of the Sire and Dam of the potential puppy.
    • Ask to see the pedigree of the Sire and Dam 
    • With their registered names you can look up the health history, longevity and causes of death behind the parents on the Irish Wolfhound Data Base found at iwdb.org
    • Any health screening that has been completed and registered with the Canine Health Information Center can be found at OFA.org.