About Irish Wolfhounds

“Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked”

The Irish Wolfhound is a large and gentle giant breed that is known for being loyal, affectionate and good with children.  They require plenty of space and exercise to stay healthy and happy.  If you have the time and resources to provide for a large dog with specific exercise and grooming needs, the Irish Wolfhound could be the right dog for you.  However, if you live in a small space or have limited time for exercise, a smaller or less active breed may be a better fit.  It’s important to research the breed thoroughly and consider your own lifestyle and preferences before deciding if the Irish wolfhound is the right dog for you.

It is important to be aware of potential health issues and expenses associated with owning an Irish Wolfhound.  This breed is prone to certain health problems such as heart disease, hip dysplasia and bloat, which can require costly veterinary care.  Additionally, their large size means they require a significant amount of food and space, which can also add to the cost of ownership.  It’s important to carefully consider these factors before committing to bringing an Irish Wolfhound into your home.

Are you ready to be an Owner of an Irish Wolfhound?

This majestic breed’s motto perfectly describes the breed’s behavior and temperament. Irish Wolfhounds, classified as a giant breed, are the tallest and heaviest members of the hound group. They are large, rough-coated, long-limbed dogs that hunt by sight (aptly referred to as sighthounds, or, occasionally, gazehounds). Male Wolfhounds can grow to around 3 feet at the shoulder, and weigh up to 190 lbs.

Though giant in size, the Irish Wolfhound is among the gentlest of breeds. Their nature and temperament make them unsuitable as guard dogs, but their great size and deep bark may prove effective deterrents. As they say, “lambs at home, lions in the chase.” They are not aggressive, but they are courageous.

Wolfhounds are most definitely “people dogs,” and form a strong bond with their owners. They are very faithful indoor pets that need to be part of your family. They do best when human companionship is at the core of their daily lives.

Irish Wolfhounds are very good with children. However, young hounds can be very boisterous and do not realize how big they are. A small child is no match for an affectionate, playful puppy weighing anywhere from 50 to 100 pounds. Albeit unintentionally, a welcoming tail, a toss of the head, or a running sideswipe can have consequences.

Being sensitive by nature, training a wolfhound is easy. They like to please and hate to be chastised. A firm voice is all that is necessary if he makes a mistake and should never be punished physically.

When you welcome a Wolfhound into your life, everything will change. Your house, your car, your lifestyle will be rearranged around him. The amount of exercise essential to his well-being requires a fenced area of sufficient size and fencing of adequate height to keep him within the boundaries of your property. Many Wolfhounds can easily clear three feet, so you will need a fence that is at least four feet high to safely accommodate this athletic sighthound.

Although not always reciprocated because of their size, Wolfhounds are usually friendly towards other dogs and can be disarmingly gentle with the tiniest creatures. However, it is best to remember that Wolfhounds are hunting sighthounds, and some do have a strong prey drive, and, therefore, the instinct to chase.

Wolfhounds are considered among the healthier of the giant breeds, with a life expectancy of six to ten years. However, they do require some veterinary attention from time to time, and most treatments are expensive (because of their size), so a good insurance policy is highly recommended and well worth considering.

Helping you make your decision…

Every dog breed has its positives and negatives, and the Irish Wolfhound is no exception. Adding an Irish Wolfhound puppy to your family is a serious commitment. It is essential that you take your time and research the breed thoroughly before deciding. It is important to visit with other owners or a breeder in your area and get a feel for the breeds size, temperament, sensitivity and care needs in real time before you take the plunge You can find owners or breeders in your area by contacting the [email protected].   

Breeders have an obligation to produce puppies who will be stable, well-adjusted members of society. It is essential to seek out a Reputable Breeder who takes the IWCC Code of Ethics seriously therefore protecting and preserving this magnificent breed.  See: Finding a Reputable Breeder

Your breeder will help you understand the care needs of your puppy from the time you take your puppy home which should be no sooner than 10 to 12 weeks of age. Liver shunt testing should be done by 9 weeks and a clear result is imperative to determine the health of your puppy.   The breeder will help you understand the stages of your puppy’s development and the various aspects of care such as feeding, house training, lead and obedience training and safety at home.  All very important information to enrich your life with your new family member.

Like all puppies, Irish Wolfhound puppies can be quite destructive during their early months. They have a lot of energy and require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.  It’s important to provide them with appropriate chew toys, training and supervision to help redirect their energy in a positive way.

Additionally, Irish Wolfhound puppies grow rapidly and can unintentionally cause damage to furniture and other items in your home due to their size.  It’s important to puppy-proof your home and provide them with a safe and designated space to play and explore.

Consistent training and socialization from a young age can help prevent destructive behaviors in Irish Wolfhound puppies.  It’s important to be patient and consistent with training to help them grow into well-behaved adult dogs.