Petition Against the Changes to the Irish Wolfhound Breed Standard

We, the undersigned breeders, owners, judges, and supporters of the Irish Wolfhound, strongly oppose the recent changes made to the Irish Wolfhound breed standard.

For more than 140 years, the standard established in 1885 has protected the Irish Wolfhound’s unique type, function, soundness, and historical identity. The newly introduced revisions go far beyond minor clarification. They fundamentally alter the breed’s outline, interpretation, and breeding direction.

The new illustration and wording move the breed away from the traditional sighthound type described by Captain George Augustus Graham and preserved by generations of dedicated breeders. Many experienced breeders are deeply concerned that these changes will gradually reshape the breed into a heavier, less functional dog lacking the correct outline, movement, and historical character of the Irish Wolfhound.

We are equally concerned about the removal of important historical descriptions from the standard. These passages provide essential context and help preserve the breed’s original purpose and identity. Removing them weakens the understanding of correct type for future breeders and judges.

Most importantly, these changes pose a serious threat to the genetic future of the breed.

The Irish Wolfhound is already a small and genetically vulnerable breed with known health challenges and limited genetic diversity. Restricting breeding options further by excluding otherwise healthy, sound, and historically correct dogs will reduce the effective population size and increase the risk of inbreeding depression, reduced longevity, fertility problems, and inherited disease.

At a time when many breeds are working to preserve and expand genetic diversity, these changes move the Irish Wolfhound in the opposite direction.

A breed standard should protect the future of the breed — not place it at greater risk for aesthetic reasons.

We therefore respectfully call for:

 • The immediate reconsideration of the revised standard

 • The reinstatement of the previous standard until broader consultation can take place

 • Greater involvement of experienced breeders, genetic experts, and breed historians in any future revisions

The Irish Wolfhound is part of living history. Once genetic diversity is lost, it cannot be recovered.

We ask all who care about the future of this breed to stand with us.

Sign and share this petition to help protect the Irish Wolfhound for future generations.