The Irish Wolfhound Guide

A giant among dogs, the Irish Wolfhound is certainly not for everyone. Despite its imposing size and looks, however, this is a loving family companion. It’s a unique breed that requires special care.

Quick Stats

Group: Hound

Size: Extra Large            

Height: 32-35 inches (81.5-89 cm.)

Weight:  115-180 pounds (52-81.5 kg.)

Shedding: Moderate

Grooming: Moderate

Lifespan:  6- 8 years

Irish Wolfhound History

This breed has been in existence since ancient times. It was used by the ancient Celts to guard their homes, livestock, and hunt game such as wild boar, the Irish elk, and of course wolves. Later on, in the fifteenth century, the wolves had become a major problem in Ireland. And these sighthounds with their excellent vision, speed, stamina, size, and power specialized in wolf hunting.

In fact, Wolfhounds were used to try and rid the entire country of them. The wolf problem was so bad that for a time the government actually banned the export of Wolfhounds to make sure there were enough to continue the job. Unfortunately, they were too efficient at what they were bred to do. They killed all the wolves and were left without a purpose.

This along with the fact that only royals were allowed to own this special breed caused a decline in their numbers. In order to prevent them from becoming extinct themselves, in the nineteenth century the English Mastiff, Great Dane, Borzoi, and Scottish Deerhound were used to revive and preserve the breed.

Irish Wolfhound Characteristics

The Irish Wolfhound stands between thirty-two and thirty-five inches tall and usually weighs between one hundred fifteen and one hundred eighty pounds. It is a huge dog with a deep chest and muscular neck. The head is long with a pointed muzzle.

The ears are small and hang against the head, and the tail is curved slightly. The Irish Wolfhound coat is hard and wiry. It’s medium in length but longer around the eyes and under the jaw than on the rest of the body. The coat may be gray, black, white, brindle, wheaten, red, fawn, or brown.

Irish Wolfhound Health 

As with all dog types, this breed is known to be affected by certain health conditions. The most common Irish Wolfhound health problems include:

-bloat

-bone cancer

-Von Willebrand’s disease

-hip dysplasia

-cardiomyopathy

-progressive retinal atrophy

The average Irish Wolfhound lifespan is only from six to eight years, so they are a very short-lived breed.

Irish Wolfhound Temperament 

Today’s Wolfhound is much mellower than the one of the past. It is an intelligent and independent thinker that is at the same time well-mannered and reserved. This breed is also very patient and gentle with children and generally gets along well with other dogs. It’s easy to train and forms a very close bond with its owners and pets which are raised with it.

And although it may look very intimidating because of its size, it does not typically make a good guard dog. However, its giant size can be a deterrent by itself. While it may not be inclined to protect property, the Irish Wolfhound will not hesitate however to protect those it cares about.

And can make an extremely formidable adversary. This characteristic is accurately described in the famous saying about the breed: “Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked.”

Irish Wolfhound Care 

This is a dog that should be housed indoors since they love to be with their family. While they do typically enjoy the company of other dogs they may or may not be able to live with cats that it is raised with. It depends on the individual dog. Smaller pets are often seen as prey. Even though they are gentle with children like any big dog, they should be supervised at all times when around young kids.

While known they are known for being quick to learn, Irish Wolfhound training will need to start early and continue until adulthood. This will help to reinforce your role as the pack leader before the dog becomes much larger and stronger than you are. It will also help prevent and stop problem behaviors. Having a puppy that pulls on the leash pulling or jumps guests might not be a cause for concern.

Yet it can be a different story with a full-grown Irish Wolfhound that’s well over a hundred pounds. All training should be done using positive reinforcement only. This breed loves to run but because it was bred to chase down animals, it should always be on a leash when taken for both walks and runs to prevent any problems or accidents.

It should have access to a securely fenced-in yard where it can run and play off-leash as well. As far as grooming is concerned the Irish Wolfhound requires both brushing and combing one to two times per week to keep the coat in good condition.

Irish Wolfhound Facts

-This is the tallest dog breed in the world. Amazingly it can stand over seven feet tall when standing on its hind legs.

-Irish Wolfhound puppies mature to their full size slowly, typically reaching their maximum size at age two. It is very important for their growth that they are not exercised too much or taken for long walks until they are a year old or more.

-While a crate may be convenient for keeping a puppy overnight or when crate training, an Irish Wolfhound puppy shouldn’t be left in one for long hours. This can be harmful to growing ligaments and joints.

-Early socialization is very important with this extra-large breed. It will help to make sure that a puppy grows into a well-adjusted and confident adult.

-The breed suffers from bloat. To help prevent this condition you’ll want to make sure you don’t exercise your Irish Wolfhound one hour before eating, and for two hours afterward.

-A Wolfhound can be an expensive pet to own. They typically are fed twice per day and eat a lot more than smaller breeds so food can be costly. Medications can also often cost up to three times more for a dog this size.

-The Irish Wolfhound is still used for hunting today, namely for wild boar and coyotes.

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