Founded in 2004, the Irish Wolfhound Health Group (IWHG) primary purpose is to monitor and promote the health and welfare of the breed, to educate and inform, and to serve as a united voice for the breed on health issues. As well as lobbying on Kennel Club or legislative issues affecting the reputation and integrity of the breed, the group can also work with the breed bodies. Each member of the IWHG is also a member of one of the breed clubs, and the Group communicates with the clubs to inform members about developments and issues affecting the breed.
One of the main activities of the Group is to manage and promote the breed Heart Screening Programme. Any owner of an Irish Wolfhound can use the scheme to annually test and monitor the heart health of their hound.
In addition, the IWHG is a main point of contact for any research projects focusing on the Irish Wolfhound and liaises with researchers in various countries to keep informed of any developments.
IWHG Patron: Trudie Sumner (aka Trudie Styler)
Trudie Sumner, our patron, as well as being an actress and film producer, is well known for her Dukesarum kennel of Wolfhounds. Her involvement in the breed goes back to the mid 1990s and her first pair of Wolfhounds, Gideon and Finbar.
Since then, Trudie’s interest in the breed has continued to grow, and the Dukesarum hounds are regularly in the prizes on the show circuit. They enjoy the lovely surroundings of Trudie’s home and holiday breaks in Italy with husband Sting and their family.
Day to day, the dogs share their life with Glenys Gwilliam, who plays an essential role in the kennel — managing their care, overseeing the breeding and showing programs, and offering invaluable guidance. With Glenys’ support, Trudie has expanded and developed her line, becoming one of the early pioneers in the UK to use frozen semen (from one of the early hounds who lived to over ten years). Trudie’s interest in the breed is very much focused on health and longevity, as well as producing good Wolfhounds, and to this end she has imported dogs from Ireland, Europe, America, and Australia.
As an enthusiastic supporter of health initiatives in the breed the Dukesarum kennel are among the hosts for IWHG regional screening days, ensuring they run smoothly for local Irish Wolfhound owners who bring their dogs for heart testing by one of the IWHG cardiologists.