What is the normal minimal health tests that responsible breeders have undertaken on their irish wolfhounds? I am interested in the breed and, last year when looking at breeders, I could not find one that tested for hip dysplasia... All claimed that it was "not in their lines". Is this a legitimate answer? (I have to wonder how they know it is not in their lines without testing? But I know next to nothing about hip dysplasia.)
If you contact "Bribiba" on here you will get your answer as she has been breeding wolfhounds for a long time.
http://www.irishwolfhoundclub.org.uk/index1.htm Hi Tegan, don't know if you've seen that. The bit that stood out to me was the following:
I have PMed Bribiba - thanks Fudge. Gina, the breeders I spoke to test for livershunt. Don't recall about hearts, though. Hadn't been to that page before so thanks.
It is not a known problem in the Irish Wolfhound. I once had a dog tested years ago and he was 0/0 he was my first wolfhound and a 'breeder' told me he had HD. I realised later it was over exercising that caused his legs to turn out. Heart testing in the parents and liver-shunt testing is necessary. Wolfhounds are a protected breed and no decent breeder in the UK will advertise puppies for sale so beware, if you see an advert in a paper etc ignore it . To find a puppy contact your nearest Irish Wolfhound club you will be thoroughly vetted and most decent breeders endorse their puppies. You can email me I am always happy to help.
