PVIWC Education and Programs

The Potomac Valley Irish Wolfhound Club is actively involved in educating new and prospective members on the myriad aspects of living with an Irish Wolfhound. We participate in cultural, ethnic, neighborhood, and dog-oriented festivals, fairs, fun days and events with our dogs. We also offer educational programs for schools and other organizations.

One of our members’ favorite activities is attending festivals and fairs with hounds in tow. Whether it be a local “fun show” or a large cultural festival, members of PVIWC can be found with their dogs, spreading knowledge and dog hair in Maryland, Virginia, DC and surrounding areas! We have participated in the Washington Irish Folk Festival, the Anne Arundel County Scottish Festival as part of their “dogs of the islands” exhibit (where we were the only non-Scottish breed), the Adams County Pennsylvania Irish Festival, the Highland Games, Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue’s Parade of Paws, the Maryland Irish Festival, and the Pet Expo at the Maryland state fairgrounds, among other events.

As custodians of a historical treasure in living form, members are often asked to attend meetings of other organizations, such as the Ancient Order of Hibernians, The Historic Annapolis Foundation and the Boy Scouts of America. At these events, we teach about the history and purpose of the Irish wolfhound, as well as giving people a rare opportunity for up-close and personal encounters with one of the oldest, and the tallest, breeds of dogs in the world!

PVIWC also offers educational programs, usually wolfhound-specific, at many of our club meetings. The public is always welcome at these meetings, and they can be a good start to becoming an educated IW owner. Such programs have included an in-depth examination of the IW standard of excellence, a look at AKC’s newest dog sport, Rally, and a video of a European dog show.

If you are interested in learning more about IWs, or having club members speak at your club, please contact our Education Chair at to arrange it.

Annual Event Calendar (for PVIWC meeting events see the Meetings page)

Events in boldface are official PVIWC events. Members are encouraged to attend all events. Anyone who would like cards, handouts, flyers or other information to take to festivals please let our know!

*Please remember that whether you are attending an official PVIWC event or not, you are representing our breed. Keep your hound’s safety foremost, and clean up after your dog. Many events do not have running water- please bring sufficient water for your dog.

Educational Programs for Club Members

PVIWC sponsors educational presentations for club members, often in conjunction with meetings. The meeting notice sent out prior to each meeting will note if we are having an educational presentation.

In January of 2008 PVIWC was lucky enough to host a presentation from Dr. Silvan Urfer, who wrote his Ph.D. dissertation on longevity in Irish Wolfhounds. For those who missed it: