Irish Wolfhound Dog Breed Information

Group

Hounds

Weight

54-82 kg

Height

81-89 cm

Lifespan

6-10 years

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About the Irish Wolfhound

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

This guide will give you all the information you need to decide whether an Irish Wolfhound is the perfect breed of dog for you.

With so many wonderful dog breeds to choose from, it can be hard to decide which will suit your home. Our guide will let you know all about the size, health, feeding habits, temperament, grooming, and history of Irish Wolfhounds.

What is the history & origin of the Irish Wolfhound?

Irish Wolfhounds are recognised as being one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. They were initially bred by monks to hunt and kill wolves and have been around for more than a thousand years.

As well as hunting wolves, Irish Wolfhounds were also used to hunt Irish elk and boar and were even used in battle by Irish Chieftains.

A combination of the 1845 Irish famine, the extinction of wolves in Ireland, and the practice of gifting the breed to visiting dignitaries almost saw the dog going extinct.

Modern Irish Wolfhounds are a combination of the remaining dogs that were bred with Great Dane, Scottish Deerhound, Tibetan Wolfdog, and Borzoi.

What is an Irish Wolfhound breed?

The Irish Wolfhound is a large breed. In fact, they are the tallest dog breed. They are sturdily built and quick. They tend to have a rough, hard coat that comes in a variety of colours, including grey, brindle, black, white, red, or fawn.

They have long heads and deep chests, with arched loins and a long curved tails.

Learn more about: Irish Wolfhound Colours

Who is an Irish Wolfhound best for?

Irish Wolfhounds are known for being gentle giants, but that doesn’t mean they are ideal for everyone. Because they are such a large dog breed, they can be difficult to control, so they are not advised for first-time dog owners.

They can be great family pets when socialised from a young age. This giant breed will also require around two hours of exercise every day, making it more suited to people that are active, and have the time to dedicate to their dog. They could also be a good choice for a guard dog!

Irish Wolfhound Grooming & Shedding

Irish Wolfhounds tend to shed all year round, so regular brushing will help to remove dead hair and leave the coat in good condition. The idea of bathing an Irish Greyhound might seem like a tall order because of their size, but you shouldn’t need to do this often. Bathing around every six months, or if it gets dirty, is usually fine.

The dogs’ teeth should be brushed regularly and their nails trimmed for comfort. Periodically checking the ears and cleaning them can help protect against infection and should be incorporated into your care routine.

Learn more about: Irish Wolfhound Grooming Tips & Styles

Do Irish Wolfhounds bark a lot?

Irish Wolfhounds are not particularly vocal dogs but may bark on occasion. Training can help limit and control your dog’s barking habits.

What is the average weight & height of an Irish Wolfhound dog?

Irish Wolfhounds are large dogs, and you can expect an adult male to measure as tall as between 81 to 89 cm to the shoulder, with females measuring around 76 to 86 cm.

Male Irish wolfhounds can weigh between 54 and 82 kilos, with females weighing from 48 to 64 kilos.

Learn more about: Irish Wolfhound Size & Weight Chart

Are Irish Wolfhounds easy to train?

Irish Wolfhounds are intelligent dogs that are generally easy to train. Positive reinforcement is advised, and obedience training and socialising with other dogs from a young age is highly recommended.

Learn more about: Irish Wolfhound Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

How do Irish Wolfhounds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Despite their impressive stature, the breed is known as being a calm, gentle giant. They are an easy-going breed that gets on well with other dogs. They will require training because their prey drive might make them want to chase smaller animals like cats or rabbits.

Learn more about: Irish Wolfhound Temperament & Personality Traits

Does the Irish Wolfhound have any common health issues?

While Irish Wolfhounds are known for being generally healthy dogs, like all other breeds, there are certain conditions they are more prone to suffering from.

Some of the most common Irish Wolfhound health problems include;

Hip Dysplasia – Hip Dysplasia is a common condition for all dogs, especially large breeds like the Irish Wolfhound. The issue stems from malformed bones or the bones and hip joint growing at different rates, resulting in a poor fit. Corrective surgery can resolve this issue.

Elbow Dysplasia – Elbow Dysplasia is similar to Hip Dysplasia but less common.

Anesthesia Sensitivity – Putting any dog under anesthesia for a procedure carries its risks, but these risks are enhanced with the Irish Wolfhound. Experienced veterinarians should be able to work with the correct dosage for this breed.

Heart Disease – Because the breed is so large, it can put extra pressure on the heart. Conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscles weaken, are more common in dogs like the Irish Wolfhound.
Liver Shunt – A Liver Shunt is when the body’s blood flow isn’t flowing through the liver as it should. Because the liver removes toxins in the bloodstream, this can go on to cause further issues.
Fibrocartilaginous Embolic Myelopathy – This serious condition can result in the paralysis of the dog’s hind legs. It is caused by blockages of the spinal cord’s blood vessels by cartilaginous material.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans – Osteochondrosis Dissecans or OCD is a condition in dogs that affects the growth of cartilage. This can cause joints to stiffen and become painful. It can sometimes be caused by the dog’s diet if it contains too much high-protein food.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy – Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a degenerative disorder that affects the dog’s retina and can cause blindness.
Osteosarcoma – This form of bone cancer is more common in giant breeds like the Irish Wolfhound. Because this kind of cancer is so aggressive, amputation and chemotherapy are used to treat dogs that suffer from it.
Bloat – Bloat can be caused by dogs rapidly eating one large meal and drinking a lot after it. The stomach fills with gas and becomes distended. The stomach can then twist, trapping the gas, causing extreme pain and impeding the flow of blood. This condition has to be dealt with quickly, or it can be fatal.

Learn more about: Common Irish Wolfhound Health Issues

What is the lifespan of an Irish Wolfhound?

The life expectancy of an Irish Wolfhound can be pretty low, averaging between 6 and 10 years. A good healthy diet and lifestyle can extend this.

How much does an Irish Wolfhound need to be fed?

While an Irish Wolfhound will need a lot of food, usually between four and eight cups of high-quality dry dog food, it is important that the dog shouldn’t have it all at once. Spreading it over two meals should minimise the risk of bloat.

Regular checkups with your vet will help with monitoring the dog’s development, and they can advise of a good diet plan and necessary changes as the dog grows.

Learn more about: What to Feed a Irish Wolfhound? Diet & Feeding Chart

How much can you expect to pay for an Irish Wolfhound in Australia?

When buying an Irish Wolfhound puppy, it is important that you find a reputable dealer. If you are struggling, speaking with the National Breed Club or Irish Wolfhound Club can be beneficial.

You should expect to pay between $1,400 and $2,500 for a puppy, but prices can vary between breeders for purebred dogs like this.

Learn more about: Irish Wolfhound Prices In Australia

Irish Wolfhound FAQs

Is an Irish Wolfhound ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Despite training well and being gentle dogs, they aren’t recommended as first-time pets because of their size.

Experienced handlers are better with large breeds like the Irish Wolfhound. Training from a young age is vital, and even a friendly dog can cause severe damage by jumping up, especially when it is the tallest breed.

Do Irish Wolfhounds suffer from separation anxiety?

All dogs can suffer from separation anxiety, so it is important that you consider your lifestyle before deciding to buy a dog.

Training can help a dog deal with being separated, but leaving them alone for too long is still not recommended.

If you do need to leave for a while, ensuring your dog is exercised and doesn’t have pent-up energy is advised. A long walk and playing with your dog will help to tire them out and make them more relaxed while you are away.

If you find the dog is being destructive when left alone, getting toys for the dog and leaving it in an area where it can’t cause much damage is recommended.

Are Irish Wolfhound hypoallergenic dogs?

Irish Wolfhounds are not hypoallergenic dogs. They do shed quite often because of their thick coat, so taking the time to regularly brush it will help minimise the hair that gets on furniture and clothing.

If you suffer from allergies but still want a dog, other breeds might be better options.

Will an Irish Wolfhound need professional grooming?

Despite being huge dogs with thick coats, they are relatively easy to care for. Regular brushing to remove dead hair and tangles, trimming nails, brushing teeth, and cleaning ears are all pretty straightforward jobs that dog owners can carry out.

Bathing your dog can be difficult because of its size, but this only needs to be done a couple of times a year. Professional groomers are not necessary for this breed, but occasional visits don’t do any harm and can make your life easier.