Irish Wolfhound Breed Profile: Essential Facts
Irish Wolfhounds are affectionate companions who love children.
Irish Wolfhound
- AKC Group: Hound
- Weight: 105–120 lbs.
- Height: 30–35 in.
- Life Span: 6–10 years
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Key Characteristics of Irish Wolfhounds
The Irish Wolfhound is a giant sight hound and the tallest of all dog breeds.
These dogs have long heads and small ears, similar to the ears of a Greyhound. The neck is long and arched, and the tail is long, hangs down and is slightly curved. The feet are large and round with arched toes.
The coat is rough and wiry and typically longer over the eyes and under the jaw.
There are 13 coat colors of Irish Wolfhounds, including gray, brindle, red, black, white and fawn.
Where Irish Wolfhounds Came From
Irish Wolfhounds may have been around since 273 B.C.
The dogs were treasured for their abilities in hunting wolves and huge Irish elk. Because wolf and elk numbers dwindled over the later centuries, the breed was in danger of going extinct at one point.
An Irish Wolfhound breeding program was started in 1862 by Captain George A. Graham, and a breed standard was written 23 years later.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1897, and the Irish Wolfhound Club of America was formed in 1926.
How Friendly Are Irish Wolfhounds?
The breed is sweet, eager to please, loyal and intelligent.
They are patient and caring with children and typically get along well with cats and dogs, although they may chase smaller, fleeing animals.
Irish Wolfhounds are easy to train and do best with positive reinforcement, but in their first year they can be clumsy and slow to mature.
They do not endure kenneling or confinement well if left for a long time.
The Irish Wolfhound is not a guarding breed. Although they look intimidating because of their size, they are not aggressive or protective by nature. Most often they are friendly with everyone they meet.
Is This the Right Dog for You?
Exercise Needs
MEDIUM: As a giant dog breed, Irish Wolfhounds grow quickly. Avoid strenuous or extended exercise for the first year to protect your Irish Wolfhound's physical development.
The breed is inactive indoors and does well with a large yard. They are not ideal for apartments because of their large size.
When outdoors with an Irish Wolfhound, remember that they are sight hounds and likely chase small animals that move quickly or appear to be fleeing. So exercise yours in fenced or secured areas.
Grooming Needs
MEDIUM: Grooming an Irish Wolfhound can be easy when you do it regularly. Brush yours a few times each week and bathe only occasionally. Shedding is average.
Wax and debris build up easily in the ears, so check the ears and clean them regularly.
The nails are prone to splitting and cracking if not maintained, so be sure to trim them every few weeks. Teeth brushing is also recommended, as it is with every breed.
Health Problems
MEDIUM: Some health issues are common to the Irish Wolfhound. Here are some common health issues: Elbow and hip dysplasia Cardiomyopathy Bone cancer Bloat Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand disease
Check out the sheer magnitude of the Irish Wolfhound:
Where to Adopt an Irish Wolfhound
You can sometimes find Irish Wolfhounds in shelters and rescues, so check there first.
If you contact a breeder, make sure the dogs and puppies are well cared for and show no signs of mistreatment.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Irish Wolfhounds can be good house dogs, but they need plenty of space due to their large size. They are gentle, affectionate, and calm indoors but require regular exercise.
An Irish Wolfhound puppy typically costs between $2,000 and $4,000, depending on the breeder, pedigree, and location.
Yes, Irish Wolfhounds are high maintenance due to their large food intake, short lifespan (6-8 years), susceptibility to health issues, and regular grooming needs.
Their short lifespan, high risk of heart disease and bloat, large size requiring ample space, and need for regular exercise and training make them a challenging breed for some owners.
Additional Resources
- AKC's Irish Wolfhound Page
- Irish Wolfhound Club of America
- Irish Wolfhound Rescue
- Irish Wolfhound Club (UK)
- Irish Wolfhound Club of Ireland
Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
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