Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of all dog breeds and is known for its placidity, gentle nature, and deep loyalty.

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Irish Wolfhound Breed overview

Irish Wolfhounds are a large and affectionate breed that makes a great family companion. They are highly tolerant of children and other pets, but adult supervision is recommended during playtime due to their size. They are not highly energetic, but regular exercise is still important to prevent obesity and maintain their health. Their long and thick coat requires regular grooming to keep it clean and healthy. Early socialization and consistent training are important to prevent fearfulness or shyness towards new people or situations. While they have a history as working dogs, they are best suited for relaxed and leisurely lifestyles with plenty of love and attention from their human family members.

Height:
32-35 inches
Weight:
115-180 lbs
Life expectancy:
6-8 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Irish Wolfhound

Health

Irish Wolfhounds are generally healthy breeds, but they are more susceptible to certain health conditions such as bloat, hip dysplasia, and heart problems. It is important to be aware of these potential health issues and have them treated promptly by a veterinarian.

They have a shorter lifespan than most dog breeds and typically live between 6 and 8 years. It is important to provide them with proper exercise, nutrition, and veterinary care to ensure they live a happy and healthy life.

Nutrition

Irish Wolfhounds are large dogs and require a well-balanced diet that is high in protein and nutrients. It is important to avoid overfeeding them to prevent obesity and potential health issues such as bloat. It is recommended to feed them a diet that is specially formulated for large breeds and to stick to a regular feeding schedule.

Training

Irish Wolfhounds are intelligent and easy to train, but they can also be stubborn at times. It is important to start training them at an early age and use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise to motivate them. They respond best to training that is consistent and gentle.

It is important to socialize them with other dogs and people at an early age to prevent any aggressiveness or fearfulness. As with any breed, early and extensive training is key to achieving a well-behaved and obedient adult.

Exercise

Irish Wolfhounds are not high-energy dogs but still require daily exercise to maintain their health and wellbeing. They enjoy going on leisurely walks or runs and playing in open spaces. It is important to monitor their exercise routine and not overdo it, as they are susceptible to certain health issues such as joint problems.

Grooming

Irish Wolfhounds have a rough and wiry coat that requires regular brushing and grooming to remove any tangles and mats. It is also important to regularly trim their nails and clean their teeth to maintain their overall health and hygiene.

This breed is known to shed moderately, so it is important to vacuum your home regularly and use a lint roller to keep your clothes clean and free of hair.

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Irish Wolfhound Traits & Characteristics

Irish Wolfhounds have a rough and wiry coat that comes in a variety of colors including black, gray, brindle, red, and white. They have a distinctive long head and their ears are small and folded back against their head. They have a deep chest and long legs, which make them look very tall and lean.

Irish Wolfhounds are known for their gentle nature and are one of the most laid-back breeds. They are very patient with children and are excellent family dogs. They are also highly adaptable and live well in both urban and rural environments.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

Irish Wolfhounds are highly affectionate and loyal to their owners. They love spending time with their human family members and enjoy snuggling up to them. However, they may be less interested in affection from strangers and may take some time to warm up to new people.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

Irish Wolfhounds are excellent with children. They are gentle giants and are highly tolerant of noisy and active kids. However, due to their size, they may accidentally knock over small children, so adult supervision is recommended during playtime.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

Irish Wolfhounds are generally very friendly towards other dogs. They are not prone to aggression or territorial behavior, making them perfect companions for households with multiple dogs or pets. However, due to their large size, they may unintentionally intimidate smaller dogs, so proper socialization is recommended.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Irish Wolfhounds are generally friendly towards strangers, but they may be reserved or aloof with new people. Proper socialization and training from a young age are important to prevent shyness or fearfulness towards strangers.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

While Irish Wolfhounds are known for their activity level, they may not be as playful as other breeds. They are more inclined to lounging and relaxing with their family members. However, they still need regular exercise to maintain their health and prevent obesity.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

Irish Wolfhounds are moderately alert and vigilant. They are naturally independent and may not be as responsive to commands or cues as other breeds. However, they are still capable of performing certain tasks or jobs, such as hunting or guarding.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Irish Wolfhounds are generally adaptable to new environments and situations, but they may become stressed or anxious if they are not properly socialized or exposed to new experiences from a young age. They also need plenty of space to move around due to their large size.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Irish Wolfhounds shed moderately year-round, but their thick and long coat sheds more heavily twice a year during seasonal shedding. Regular grooming, including brushing and bathing, is important to keep their coat healthy and minimize shedding.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

Irish Wolfhounds have a long and thick coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and clean. They are also prone to matting, especially in their legs and underbelly, so weekly brushing is recommended. They also require monthly nail trimming and regular dental care.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Irish Wolfhounds are known to drool moderately, especially after drinking water or eating. Some individuals may drool more than others, so it's important to have towels and wipes on hand to clean their face after meals or drinking.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Irish Wolfhounds are one of the largest dog breeds, with males growing up to 32 inches tall and weighing up to 180 pounds, and females growing up to 30 inches tall and weighing up to 140 pounds. Their large size can make them intimidating to some people, but they are gentle giants with a calm and affectionate personality.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Irish Wolfhounds have a laid-back and calm energy level. While they do need regular exercise to maintain their health, they are not as high-energy as other breeds. They enjoy leisurely walks or short bursts of activity, but are prone to lounging and relaxing indoors with their family.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Irish Wolfhounds need regular exercise to maintain their health and prevent obesity. Their energy level is moderate, so leisurely walks or short bursts of activity are recommended. They may also enjoy chasing after a ball or playing with their owners in a fenced yard.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Irish Wolfhounds have a long history as working dogs, including hunting and guarding. While they may not be as suited for certain tasks or jobs as other breeds, they can still be trained to perform certain tasks or jobs, such as tracking or therapy.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Irish Wolfhounds are sighthounds and have a natural instinct to hunt small animals, such as rabbits or squirrels. While they may not be as highly skilled at hunting as other breeds, they can still excel in sports such as lure coursing or agility.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Irish Wolfhounds have a moderate level of physical stamina and endurance. They are capable of short bursts of activity, such as running or playing, but are not highly energetic dogs. Their general laid-back nature makes them well-suited for relaxed and leisurely lifestyles.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Irish Wolfhounds are generally healthy dogs, but they may be prone to certain health issues. Some of the health problems that affect the breed include hip dysplasia, bloat, heart disease, and bone cancer. Regular vet checkups and proper care can help prevent or manage these health issues.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Irish Wolfhounds are prone to obesity if they are not provided with enough exercise and a well-balanced diet. Due to their large size, they may require a special diet that supports joint health and prevents excessive weight gain. Regular exercise, such as leisurely walks or short bursts of activity, can also help prevent obesity.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Irish Wolfhounds have a thick and long coat that provides excellent insulation against cold weather conditions. They are, in fact, more tolerant of cold weather than hot weather. However, they should still be provided with shelter and warm bedding in extreme cold temperatures.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Irish Wolfhounds are not as tolerant of hot weather conditions as they are of cold weather. They may become overheated or dehydrated if they don't have access to water and shade. It's important to limit their outdoor activity during hot or humid weather and provide them with a cool place to rest indoors.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Irish Wolfhounds are not suitable for apartment living due to their large size and moderate energy levels. They need plenty of space to move around, so a house with a big yard is ideal. However, they are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations if they have enough exercise and mental stimulation.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Irish Wolfhounds may have a tendency to wander or roam if they are not properly trained or supervised. They are sighthounds and may give in to their natural instinct to chase after small animals. Proper fencing and leash training are important to prevent accidents or escapes.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Irish Wolfhounds are moderately sensitive dogs that may become stressed or anxious if they are not properly socialized or exposed to new experiences from a young age. Positive reinforcement and consistency are important during training to prevent fearfulness or shyness towards new people or situations.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Irish Wolfhounds do not tolerate being left alone for long periods of time and may become anxious or destructive. They thrive on human companionship and need plenty of attention and affection. If left alone for extended periods, they may resort to destructive or noisy behavior to alleviate their anxiety.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Irish Wolfhounds are generally quiet and not prone to excessive barking. However, they may bark when they feel threatened or to alert their owners of strangers. Their deep and booming bark may also be intimidating to some people.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Irish Wolfhounds are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and behavioral issues. They enjoy activities that challenge their minds, such as puzzle toys, obedience training, and nose work. However, they may be less responsive to training than other breeds due to their independent nature.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Irish Wolfhounds may not be the best choice for novice dog owners because of their large size, stubbornness, and independent nature. They require early socialization and consistent training to prevent behavioral issues. However, with proper guidance and training, they can make loving and loyal companions.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Irish Wolfhounds may be more difficult to train than other breeds due to their independent and stubborn nature. They are also less motivated by food or treats than other breeds, so training should focus on positive reinforcement and consistency. Early socialization and training are important to prevent behavioral issues.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

Irish Wolfhounds are highly affectionate and loyal to their owners. They love spending time with their human family members and enjoy snuggling up to them. However, they may be less interested in affection from strangers and may take some time to warm up to new people.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

Irish Wolfhounds are excellent with children. They are gentle giants and are highly tolerant of noisy and active kids. However, due to their size, they may accidentally knock over small children, so adult supervision is recommended during playtime.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

Irish Wolfhounds are generally very friendly towards other dogs. They are not prone to aggression or territorial behavior, making them perfect companions for households with multiple dogs or pets. However, due to their large size, they may unintentionally intimidate smaller dogs, so proper socialization is recommended.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Irish Wolfhounds are generally friendly towards strangers, but they may be reserved or aloof with new people. Proper socialization and training from a young age are important to prevent shyness or fearfulness towards strangers.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

While Irish Wolfhounds are known for their activity level, they may not be as playful as other breeds. They are more inclined to lounging and relaxing with their family members. However, they still need regular exercise to maintain their health and prevent obesity.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

Irish Wolfhounds are moderately alert and vigilant. They are naturally independent and may not be as responsive to commands or cues as other breeds. However, they are still capable of performing certain tasks or jobs, such as hunting or guarding.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Irish Wolfhounds are generally adaptable to new environments and situations, but they may become stressed or anxious if they are not properly socialized or exposed to new experiences from a young age. They also need plenty of space to move around due to their large size.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Irish Wolfhounds shed moderately year-round, but their thick and long coat sheds more heavily twice a year during seasonal shedding. Regular grooming, including brushing and bathing, is important to keep their coat healthy and minimize shedding.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

Irish Wolfhounds have a long and thick coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and clean. They are also prone to matting, especially in their legs and underbelly, so weekly brushing is recommended. They also require monthly nail trimming and regular dental care.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Irish Wolfhounds are known to drool moderately, especially after drinking water or eating. Some individuals may drool more than others, so it's important to have towels and wipes on hand to clean their face after meals or drinking.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Irish Wolfhounds are one of the largest dog breeds, with males growing up to 32 inches tall and weighing up to 180 pounds, and females growing up to 30 inches tall and weighing up to 140 pounds. Their large size can make them intimidating to some people, but they are gentle giants with a calm and affectionate personality.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Irish Wolfhounds have a laid-back and calm energy level. While they do need regular exercise to maintain their health, they are not as high-energy as other breeds. They enjoy leisurely walks or short bursts of activity, but are prone to lounging and relaxing indoors with their family.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Irish Wolfhounds need regular exercise to maintain their health and prevent obesity. Their energy level is moderate, so leisurely walks or short bursts of activity are recommended. They may also enjoy chasing after a ball or playing with their owners in a fenced yard.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Irish Wolfhounds have a long history as working dogs, including hunting and guarding. While they may not be as suited for certain tasks or jobs as other breeds, they can still be trained to perform certain tasks or jobs, such as tracking or therapy.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Irish Wolfhounds are sighthounds and have a natural instinct to hunt small animals, such as rabbits or squirrels. While they may not be as highly skilled at hunting as other breeds, they can still excel in sports such as lure coursing or agility.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Irish Wolfhounds have a moderate level of physical stamina and endurance. They are capable of short bursts of activity, such as running or playing, but are not highly energetic dogs. Their general laid-back nature makes them well-suited for relaxed and leisurely lifestyles.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Irish Wolfhounds are generally healthy dogs, but they may be prone to certain health issues. Some of the health problems that affect the breed include hip dysplasia, bloat, heart disease, and bone cancer. Regular vet checkups and proper care can help prevent or manage these health issues.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Irish Wolfhounds are prone to obesity if they are not provided with enough exercise and a well-balanced diet. Due to their large size, they may require a special diet that supports joint health and prevents excessive weight gain. Regular exercise, such as leisurely walks or short bursts of activity, can also help prevent obesity.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Irish Wolfhounds have a thick and long coat that provides excellent insulation against cold weather conditions. They are, in fact, more tolerant of cold weather than hot weather. However, they should still be provided with shelter and warm bedding in extreme cold temperatures.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Irish Wolfhounds are not as tolerant of hot weather conditions as they are of cold weather. They may become overheated or dehydrated if they don't have access to water and shade. It's important to limit their outdoor activity during hot or humid weather and provide them with a cool place to rest indoors.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Irish Wolfhounds are not suitable for apartment living due to their large size and moderate energy levels. They need plenty of space to move around, so a house with a big yard is ideal. However, they are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations if they have enough exercise and mental stimulation.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Irish Wolfhounds may have a tendency to wander or roam if they are not properly trained or supervised. They are sighthounds and may give in to their natural instinct to chase after small animals. Proper fencing and leash training are important to prevent accidents or escapes.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Irish Wolfhounds are moderately sensitive dogs that may become stressed or anxious if they are not properly socialized or exposed to new experiences from a young age. Positive reinforcement and consistency are important during training to prevent fearfulness or shyness towards new people or situations.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Irish Wolfhounds do not tolerate being left alone for long periods of time and may become anxious or destructive. They thrive on human companionship and need plenty of attention and affection. If left alone for extended periods, they may resort to destructive or noisy behavior to alleviate their anxiety.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Irish Wolfhounds are generally quiet and not prone to excessive barking. However, they may bark when they feel threatened or to alert their owners of strangers. Their deep and booming bark may also be intimidating to some people.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Irish Wolfhounds are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and behavioral issues. They enjoy activities that challenge their minds, such as puzzle toys, obedience training, and nose work. However, they may be less responsive to training than other breeds due to their independent nature.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Irish Wolfhounds may not be the best choice for novice dog owners because of their large size, stubbornness, and independent nature. They require early socialization and consistent training to prevent behavioral issues. However, with proper guidance and training, they can make loving and loyal companions.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Irish Wolfhounds may be more difficult to train than other breeds due to their independent and stubborn nature. They are also less motivated by food or treats than other breeds, so training should focus on positive reinforcement and consistency. Early socialization and training are important to prevent behavioral issues.

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History of the Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is a very ancient breed that has been around for more than 2,000 years. They were originally bred in ancient Ireland to hunt wolves and other large game. These dogs were often given as gifts to foreign dignitaries and were also used as symbols of power and wealth.

In the 1800s, it was feared that the breed was on the verge of going extinct. However, Captain George Graham took on the task of bringing the breed back from near extinction, and today, the breed is thriving and has gained worldwide popularity.

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Irish Wolfhound Puppies

Irish Wolfhound puppies are born with a soft, silky coat that later becomes rough and wiry. They are known for their large size even as puppies and grow rapidly during their first few months. It is important to start training and socializing them at an early age to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved and obedient adults.

Due to their large size, it is important to provide them with a lot of space and exercise regularly. They are also prone to certain health issues such as bloat, which is a life-threatening condition. It is important to be aware of the puppy’s feeding schedule and diet to avoid such health issues.