Welcome to the home page of the Rocky Mountain Irish Wolfhound Association.

Check out the CALENDAR PAGE for dates, times and locations of RMIWA activities such as Lure Coursing Trials, Education and Rescue Booth Events and Meetings

The Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is a sighthound meaning it hunts by sight rather than scent. It is the largest and tallest member of the Greyhound family. The minimum height and weight  of dogs (males) should be 32 inches and 120 pounds. The minimum height and weight of bitches (females) should be 30 inches and 105 pounds. 

The Irish Wolfhound is a rough-coated Greyhound-like breed. The recognized colors are gray, brindle, red, black, white, fawn.

The Irish Wolfhound is an ancient breed. They have been companions of kings and nobility from the earliest Celtic times. In fact, there are historical documents from the 4th century noting Irish Wolfhounds being brought to Rome.

The ancient Irish nobility used the Irish Wolfhound for hunting wolves and Irish elk. When the Irish nobility was eliminated, the Irish Wolfhound almost became extinct. The breed was revived in the late 1800's. 

While the Irish Wolfhound should be a strong and swift hound, he must also be gentle, loving and patient with family members and friends. 

lifespan of an Irish Wolfhound averages between 6 & 7 years. The principal cause of death is cancer (osteosarcoma and lymphoma). The second most common cause of death is cardiac related complications (cardiomyopathy). 

Puppies grow from around one pound at birth to 100 lbs and around 30" tall in one year. 

For information on how to select a breeder, please contact one of the officers or committee members listed on the Contacts page. For tips on buying a puppy see the Helpful Hound Hints page.

Information

Founded in 1973, the RMIWA is dedicated to the promotion of responsible ownership of Irish Wolfhounds through education, rescue and competition. General membership meetings are held six times per year. Meetings are open to the public. Programs of interest to Irish Wolfhound owners are frequently presented.

The RMIWA sponsors several activities throughout the year including:

• Lure Coursing Trials
• Specialty Show and Obedience Trial
• Fun Day, Education Session, Cardiac Testing and Picnic
• St. Patrick's Day Parade - Denver
• Breed Education Booths

See the Activities page for more details.

See the Calendar for meeting and activities dates and locations.

Irish Wolfhounds in need of homes are placed through the Rescue committee of the RMIWA. See the Rescue page for more information on adopting an Irish Wolfhound.

If you are interested in receiving the "Hound's Pause", the newsletter of the RMIWA, you may subscribe as a non-member. See the Newsletter page for further information.

For information on membership of the RMIWA, see the Membership page.

The Specialty Show page contains information about the RMIWA Specialty Show, Sweepstakes, Obedience Trial and Lure Trial.

Go to the Contact Us page for a listing of contacts in the RMIWA including the current officers.

and general information: webmaster@rmiwa.org

design © 2008 Tracey Luty, RMIWA

images and photographs copyrighted. None may be used without written permission of the RMIWA.

--- August 17, 2008