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 Styler, 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. In addition to being among the early pioneers in the UK using 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.
As an enthusiastic supporter of the health initiatives in the breed, her hounds are heart tested under the IWHG regional screening scheme where Glenys hosts the day, ensuring it runs smoothly for local Irish Wolfhound owners who bring their dogs for testing.