Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a very large dog and was used in wars to drag men off horses. They were also bred for hunting deer, boars and even wolves.
They are noble, sweet and playful dogs. They are giant dogs, so you need a lot of room. If you are looking for a quiet and sweet-natured companion, this could be the perfect breed for you.
They stay puppy-like until at least three years old and have a reputation for being destructive. Remember, a bored dog will usually become a naughty dog, whether it be nuisance barking, chewing or digging. Try to ensure they are occupied with jobs, playtime or plenty of exercise to keep them out of trouble.
They need plenty of exercise so as long as you are active and have time to play outdoors and take them on a good long daily walk, these are a fantastic addition to your family. They are quiet dogs but too big for an apartment; they need a garden to romp around in.
Despite being a war dogs, they have sweet natures and gentle giants with the family and children of all ages. They will run around with older children, but they like nothing more than being curled up by your feet.
They are not the best watchdogs and will sound the alarm to people at the door. Their size will likely put any intruder off; they usually are very quiet dogs and rarely bark. They can be a little wary of strangers, so good socialisation is essential.
The Irish Wolfhound is not the ideal watchdog. He doesn’t bark an alarm, and although he has the size to deter many would-be intruders, he doesn’t have the nature of a guard dog. He’s brave but not aggressive.
They are peaceful living and generally run around and play with other dogs. Cats and other small animals brought up in the house should be OK. Small animals and neighbourhood cats, however, will likely still be chased.
They are intelligent and relatively easy to train. You will need to discover their reward motivation early on to get the best results. They are sensitive and independent thinkers, so think of ways to keep the training as varied and exciting as possible and never be forceful or harsh with them.
They have short, wiry hair and are moderate shedders all year round, more so in spring and autumn. You will need to brush them at least weekly, and you might consider taking them to a professional who will trim and strip the coat, or you could learn to do it yourself.
Irish Wolfhound Stats
The origin of the Irish Wolfhound has been lost in antiquity. However, from illustrations dating back to 1400 BC, we know that the Celts had huge hounds. Irish mythology, legends and sagas abound with the exploits of this ancient breed. This dog was the companion of kings – whether at war, on the hunt or just by the hearth.
- Weight -50kg –72kg
- Size – 76cm – 87cm
- They live for 6-8 years
