Veteran Study

The IWHG has been looking into the longevity of UK owned/bred Irish Wolfhounds for many years via our health and lifestyle Veteran Study.

The aim of the questionnaire is to gain more insight into the factors besides genetics, that may contribute towards a longer lifespan. 

Please help us by continuing to provide information about your hounds past and present, who have reached 7 years and over.

We believe that longevity in our hounds should be acknowledged and celebrated. Completing the Veteran Study Questionnaire gives participants the opportunity for their hounds to be included on our Longevity Recognition Register, celebrating those who’ve enjoyed above average lifespans.

The Irish Wolfhound Club currently offers partial subsidy for heart screening UK Veteran
hounds. Please see the Heart Screening page for more details.

LONGEVITY RECOGNITION REGISTER

The IWHG’s Longevity Recognition Registers were launched in 2017 and based on an idea from the Irish Wolfhound Club of America. These provide a platform where Irish Wolfhound veterans who are registered with the UK Royal Kennel Club, can be honoured and remembered.

The Longevity Recognition Register honours hounds who have reached veteran age and “super veterans” of eight years and over, are highlighted here. To be included on the register, owners should first complete the Veteran Study Questionnaire and tick the relevant box.

The owners of hounds included on this register will be contacted annually for an update just before their birthdays. If all is well, your hound will receive a birthday card from the IWHG.

To celebrate the lives of those “super veterans” who have passed away aged eight years and over, owners may apply for a certificate suitable for framing, commemorating the longevity of their hounds.

Photos of Super Veterans may be submitted for inclusion in our Roll of Honour.

The IWHG subsidises heart screening for Super Veterans, since these hounds are valuable contributors to research into Irish Wolfhound health in general.