The defining characteristic of the Irish Wolfhound dog is its imposing height; It is the tallest breed of dog. One of the largest pup species, the Irish Wolfhound, can reach the size of a small horse. But a good wolf isn’t just a tall dog. It is a strong yet fast dog, capable of hitting and killing large animals.
It has a typical Greyhound build, only bigger and stockier. The legs are long; the body is comparatively narrow, the waist is slightly arched, the chest is deep, and the waist is moderately small. Like most sighthounds, the tail is low and long.
Are Irish Wolfhounds dog Hypoallergenic?
Having a wiry coat, the Irish Wolfhound dog is an average shedder and not a good choice for anyone looking for a “non-shedding” or lightly shedding dog. And since they shed regularly, they’re not hypoallergenic.
Irish Wolfhound Top Speed
Better known for quick sprints than for long-distance running, the Irish Wolfhound can reach speeds of up to 40 mph.
Irish Wolfhound
Add a tough, sticky coat, and you have a dog that can withstand cold, damp weather and run through thick brush without scratching. Irish Wolfhound guardians will add that the best thing about the coat is the distinctive long eyebrows and beard that provide a great expression.
Irish wolfhound size
A male Irish Wolfhound dog stands at least 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs at least 120 pounds. Irish Wolfhound females are at least 30 inches long and 105 pounds. Many are big. Males typically average 34 to 35 inches and 140 to 180 pounds; Females are 32 to 34 inches and 115 to 140 pounds.
Despite being taller than most medium and large breed dogs, this giant weighs only 105 to 180 pounds. Full-grown males average about 160 pounds and females about 130 pounds.
The Irish Wolfhound is a giant breed that may be a contender for the title of tallest dog. In 20 20, Ferrell, an Irish Wolfhound from Tennessee, was recorded at 7 feet 9 inches from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail.
Coat colour and grooming
The Wolfhound coat is rough and tough. The hair on the eyes and under the jaw is dry and long. A pet-quality Irish Wolfhound dog may have a softer or longer coat, but this does not affect his ability to be a companion. Coat colours are grey, brindle, red, black, white or fawn.
Colour
The coat of the Irish Wolfhound varies in colour. The favourite colour is grey; However, their coat can be red, brindle, white, black or even fawn.
Personality
Gentle and intelligent, the Irish Wolfhound has a strong desire for human companionship. With his family, he is calm, dignified and responsive. He is sensitive and must be trained using positive reinforcement such as praise and food rewards. Harsh words or corporal punishment will tear him apart.
When it comes to the duties of a watchdog, he is cautious but not suspicious. He has no aggressive bones, so he is a poor choice as a guard dog.
How to groom an Irish Wolfhound?
Another essential part of maintaining a healthy Wolfhound is a regular grooming schedule. The rough hair of this breed can be troubling to new owners; However, you can easily groom them with a brush or comb.
Regular grooming includes a thorough brushing of the coat twice a week to prevent knots and matting. Veteran Irish Wolfhound owners suggest using a professional grooming or professional grooming kit at least twice a day to remove any dead hairs from the coat.
Mood
Despite being bred to track down and kill wild wolves, the Irish Wolfhound has a kind and sweet disposition toward humans. The Irish Wolfhound breed is one of the few giant breeds that appears to be aware of its size, is very gentle with children and can be a wonderful family dog. They can be overzealous and clumsy as puppies, and this puppyhood stage lasts about two years. So dog owners should be prepared to invest in obedience training upon adoption.
Irish are exceptionally loyal dogs and tend to be genuine people pleasers. Many dog lovers mistake this breed for an excellent watchdog because of its size, but while it may deter intruders, it will be more likely to welcome strangers than bark at them.
Health concerns
Irish Wolfhounds are generally healthy, but they are prone to certain conditions like all breeds. Not all Irish Wolfhounds dogs will get any or all of these diseases, but it is important to be aware of them if you consider this breed.
If you are buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you the health clearances for your puppy’s parents. Health clearance proves that a puppy has been tested and approved for a particular condition.
The Irish Wolfhound breed is prone to several health conditions that can limit its lifespan or cause concern:
cardiomyopathy
hip dysplasia
PRA (progressive retinal atrophy)
von Willebrand disease
Training
Anyone considering adding an Irish Wolfhound to their household should be prepared to invest time and Money in training. Because of the size of this dog, owners must exercise complete control at all times.
It is also essential to build a dog’s confidence to avoid the prospect of being nervous, playful, maladjusted and challenging to control. This lack of confidence can lead to nervousness, separation anxiety, and trouble socializing with people and other dogs.
How much exercise do they need?
The Irish Wolfhound is a large dog, and they need to be given consistent and regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Exercise gives all dogs an outlet for their natural need to roam and exposes them to various stimuli. Irish Wolfhounds experience rapid growth, so overworking can affect their bones.
Feed
Recommended Daily Amount: 4 to 9 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals.
Note: How much your adult pup eats depends on his age, size, build, metabolism and activity level. Puppies are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food. The quality of the puppy food you buy makes a difference, too – the finer the puppy food, the more it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less stirring you will need to make in your dog’s bowl.
Keep your Irish Wolfhound in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving him outside all the time. If you’re not sure whether she’s overweight, get her eyes checked and practical tests.
What is the best feed for an Irish Wolfhound?
Because of their incredible growth rate, Irish Wolfhounds must receive adequate nutrition to develop strong bones and healthy organs. High-quality dog ​​food eliminates the need for additional supplementation. Most breeders recommend avoiding supplementation with this breed altogether as it can exacerbate their already rapid growth and lead to more health concerns.
After puppyhood, the Irish Wolfhound requires a low-protein diet with a 19-21% protein level.Â
Popular Wolfhound mix breed
Designers are a popular trend with dog breeders and dog owners. Here are some popular mixes, which include the Irish Wolfhound.
Australian Cattle Dog Irish Wolfhound Mix (Australian Wolfhound)
Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd Mix
Great Dane Irish Wolfhound Mix (Wolfhound Dane)
Irish Wolfhound Lab Mix
Mastiff Irish Wolfhound Mix
Irish Wolfhound Poodle Mix (Irish Wolfdoodle)
Irish Wolfhound vs Scottish Deerhound vs Great Dane
Considering the Irish Wolfhound, you have probably thought of other large breeds, such as the Great Dane or the Scottish Deerhound. Our experts compare these breeds to help you make the right decision.
Irish Wolfhound vs Great Dane
These puppies are both large breeds that are energetic but mellow with age. They are giants and gentle and are great with families. However, Great Danes warm up to people quicker than Irish Wolfhounds, who can be standoffish. The Great Dane has a much softer coat than the wiry coat of the Irish Wolfhound. Many health concerns are common to both breeds, but Great Danes have a slightly longer lifespan.
Irish Wolfhound vs Scottish Deerhound
These 2 large breed dogs are very similar in appearance and size, with the Irish Wolfhound dog being slightly larger. Both are gentle, but the Scottish Deerhound will be more energetic. They are similar in temperament and health, but the Scottish Deerhound has a longer life expectancy than the Irish Wolfhound.
How much do they cost?
Depending on the breeder and their location, the average cost of an Irish Wolfhound is between $1,500 and $2,000. Finding a reputable breeder known to provide a healthy, safe environment for puppies is essential. You may also be able to find a rescue organization that you can follow. This option can reduce the cost significantly but may take longer to reach your puppy.
Recognized
GroupSouthern, AKC Hound recognition ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
AKC = American Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
FCI = Federation Cynologique Internationale
IWCA = Irish Wolfhound Club of America
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel Club
History
The Irish Wolfhound is of ancient origin, mentioned long ago in 391 AD in Rome, where it was famous as a gladiator and corsair.
The wolfhound’s strength and speed combination made the dog the subject of many stories.
The Irish wolf hound’s name for the breed is Cu Foil. Cu is a word meaning bravery and was once given to all big hounds.
Irish chieftains favoured dogs for hunting wolves and Irish elk. They also gave their groups as traditional gifts to foreign nobles.
The breed declined in numbers, so they were almost extinct in Ireland by 1800. The famine of 1845 almost brought an end to the breed.
In 1869, Captain GA Graham set out to reorganize the breed by crossing the few remaining Irish Wolfhounds with other breeds such as the Scottish Deerhound, Borzoi and Great Dane.
Graham founded the Irish Wolfhound Club in 1885, and the Kennel Club of England recognized the breed in 1925. The first Irish Wolfhound registered with the American Kennel Club was Ailbe in 1897, and the Irish Wolfhound Club of America was established in 1927. Today, the Irish Wolfhound ranks 77th among 155 breeds and varieties recognized by the AKC.
Rescue group
Irish Wolfhounds are often bought without a clear understanding of what it takes to own one. There are many Irish Wolfhounds in need of adoption and or fostering. There are many defences that we haven’t listed. If you don’t see a rescue list for your nearest area, contact a national breed club or local breed club, and they can point you to an Irish Wolfhound rescue.
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