Dentition Study in Irish Wolfhound Puppies –
The Irish Wolfhound Health Group (IWHG) has been carrying out an observational study into the development of teeth and jaw alignment in Irish Wolfhound puppies. The study has been ongoing for six years and includes valuable historical information contributed by long-standing breeders.
Why the Study Was Initiated
The study was launched due to:
- A noticeable increase in canine orthodontic referrals, especially for young puppies.
- The Kennel Club’s listing of “misplaced lower canines” as the sole “Breed Watch” point for Irish Wolfhounds.
In recent years, canine dentistry has grown in popularity. The IWHG is concerned that some owners may be persuaded to have their puppies undergo unnecessary operations for conditions that might naturally resolve with time. Some veterinarians have advised surgery for puppies as young as 10 weeks, which is particularly concerning given the potential risks of general anaesthesia in young sighthound puppies.
Key Findings
This study has particularly focused on whether the position of the deciduous (baby) teeth influences the way adult teeth erupt. While some canine orthodontists advocate early surgery to prevent improper permanent tooth placement, our findings suggest caution.
Based on extensive information gathered from owners and breeders:
- Irish Wolfhound puppies do not follow the same dental development timeline as many other breeds.
- It is not unusual for their mouths to continue developing until 15 months of age or even later.
- Malocclusions (misalignments) in deciduous teeth are usually transient and often due to temporary differences in jaw growth.
- Misplaced lower canines in young puppies are not a reliable indicator that adult teeth will erupt incorrectly.
Advice for Owners
If you are advised that your puppy’s lower canine teeth need to be removed, exercise extreme caution. Puppies aged 3–5 months typically experience no more discomfort than any other breed during teething. Provide standard teething pain relief if necessary, and allow time for natural correction.
More Information
Please explore additional resources on this study, including photographs and the PowerPoint presentation from the 2019 IWHG Seminar:
For enquiries, contact:
Caroline Sheppard
📧 [email protected]