Hi Norse and Welcome to the forum.
Im so excited to hear that your looking at getting an IW. They are great breeds.. a true gentle giant.
I can help you find locate reputable if you'd like.
Rohan Irish Wolfhounds is a very good breeder
http://www.rohan-irishwolfhounds.com/
As well as
http://www.sunstag.org/
You might try looking at
http://www.iwclubofamerica.org/
They have a list reputable breeders in each state.
I would advise you to
never purchase an IW from a local newspaper, Petfinder, or Next Day Pets.. they are
all backyard breeders. An reptuable IW breeder would
never advirtise on such sites. A good breeder gets word out by word of mouth. It's a good idea looker for a breeder who's been breeding for more than 10+ yrs.
Irish Wolfhounds grow extrememly fast.. be ready!! At birth they weigh only a few pounds and by the time they are 6 months they will weigh over 100 pounds. Here are some pics of Binn.
Birth
2-3 months
4-5 months
6-7 months
Binn is 7 months old.. very big.. and still growing.. but still a puppy.
Before, your able to purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder.. be prepared to be quizzed. They will quiz you on anything and everything.. on the most minute detail.. they will quiz you on.
Also, be prepared to hear "show pups will go to show homes first, then the pups who are left over will go to pet homes" and be prepared to be put on a waiting list. Waiting list for a pup can be up to 3yrs to a 1yr to 6months.
If you are approved for a pup, your pup will most likely be released at 12wks. Even though the pup is small.. you'll need to feed it
adult kibble. Puppy food has too high of protein thus causing the puppy's bones to grow to fast.
When looking for a vet for your IW pup.. please make sure the vet has worked with IW's before. Very important that you have the utmost vet care for your new puppy.
I wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect IW for you.