Statistics:
Height:
Males: 32 inches (minimum) Females: 30 inches (minimum)
Weight:
Males: 120 pounds (minimum) Females: 105 pounds (minimum)
Life Span:
6-8 years
Diet:
Carnivore
Irish Wolfhound Overview:
The Irish Wolfhound, also known as Cú Faoil, is a historic sighthound breed from Ireland. Known for its giant size and equally gigantic heart, this breed holds the title of the tallest dog breed in the world. Despite their impressive size and formidable appearance, they are known for their gentle and friendly nature. They’re often referred to as “gentle giants” or “big-hearted hounds.”
Historically, Irish Wolfhounds were used for hunting wolves and elk, as well as being war dogs. These hounds’ towering height and muscular build were perfect for such jobs. However, in the modern day, these gentle giants are better known as loving and loyal companions, showing devotion to their families. Their quiet and patient demeanour, paired with their intelligence, makes them suitable for families and individual owners alike.
Irish Wolfhound Highlights:
One of the key highlights of the Irish Wolfhound is its remarkable size, making it a breed that stands out in any crowd. Despite their large size, they are known for their gentle disposition and friendly temperament. They are also renowned for their loyalty, making them wonderful family pets.
Another key highlight of the Irish Wolfhound is its adaptability. They are generally comfortable in most environments, be it urban or rural, given they have enough space to move around. They are also known for their bravery and were used as military mascots and therapy dogs, a testament to their adaptability and calm nature.
Irish Wolfhound Evolution and History:
The Irish Wolfhound’s history goes back many centuries and it is often considered one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. The breed is mentioned in Irish laws and literature dating back to 391 AD. Originally, these hounds were bred for war, with their role being to drag enemy soldiers off chariots or horses.
As time went on, their roles shifted from war dogs to hunting hounds, specifically for hunting wolves, hence the name “Wolfhound”. When the wolf populations in Ireland dwindled, so did the population of the Irish Wolfhound. By the late 1700s, they were almost extinct.
In the 1800s, Captain George Augustus Graham made it his mission to revive the breed. He mixed the remaining Irish Wolfhounds with other large breeds, such as the Great Dane and Deerhound, to recreate what we know today as the Irish Wolfhound.
Irish Wolfhound Size and Weight:
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. The males stand at a minimum of 32 inches, though many can be taller, and females stand at a minimum of 30 inches. Despite these being minimums, it’s not uncommon for an Irish Wolfhound to reach up to 34 inches or more at the shoulder.
In terms of weight, males usually weigh a minimum of 120 pounds and females a minimum of 105 pounds. However, it is not uncommon for a healthy, adult male Irish Wolfhound to weigh between 140-180 pounds, and females between 115-140 pounds. Their immense size means they require plenty of space to move around comfortably.
Irish Wolfhound Personality:
Despite their imposing size, Irish Wolfhounds are known for their gentle and friendly personalities. They are calm, intelligent, and thoughtful creatures who are usually very patient and get along well with both adults and children.
Irish Wolfhounds also tend to be relatively quiet and are not known for excessive barking. However, they have a natural instinct to chase due to their sighthound lineage. Despite this, they are generally not aggressive and are known for their loyalty and affection towards their families.
The Adaptability of the the Irish Wolfhound:
Irish Wolfhounds are highly adaptable dogs. While they are giant dogs and need a lot of space to move around comfortably, they can adapt well to various living conditions, provided they have enough space. They do well in homes with yards, but they can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough exercise.
Although they can adapt to a variety of environments, Irish Wolfhounds are not well-suited for extreme weather conditions. Their thick coats protect them from the cold, but they can be prone to overheating in hot weather. Therefore, it’s crucial to provide them with a cool, shaded area during hot seasons.
Irish Wolfhound Temperament:
Irish Wolfhounds are often described as gentle, friendly, and noble. They are calm and relaxed dogs who generally get along well with everyone they meet. They are known for being very patient, which makes them excellent companions for families with children.
Despite their hunting background, Irish Wolfhounds are not typically aggressive dogs. They are usually reserved with strangers, but they are not known to be guard dogs. They tend to greet everyone, even strangers, with a wagging tail, demonstrating their gentle and friendly nature.
Irish Wolfhound Maintenance and Grooming:
The Irish Wolfhound has a rough, wiry coat that requires regular brushing to keep it healthy and to prevent matting. It’s recommended to brush them at least once a week, but more frequent brushing would be beneficial.
They are moderate shedders, and their shedding can increase during the shedding season. Regular brushing can help manage this. Bathing should be done as needed, but not too frequently, as it can strip the natural oils from their coat. Their nails should be trimmed regularly, and their ears checked and cleaned to prevent infection.
Trainability of the Irish Wolfhound:
Irish Wolfhounds are intelligent dogs and generally respond well to training. They are eager to please their owners, which can make training a relatively straightforward process. However, due to their size, it’s essential to start training and socialization at a young age.
Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work best with this breed. They are sensitive dogs, and harsh training methods can be counterproductive. They are capable of learning a variety of commands and tasks, and mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for this breed.
Exercise Needs of the Irish Wolfhound:
Despite their large size, Irish Wolfhounds do not have very high energy levels. They are relatively low-energy dogs, but they still require regular exercise to keep them healthy and prevent obesity. A few walks a day, coupled with some playtime, is usually enough for this breed.
However, due to their hunting background, they enjoy a good chase. Having a secure area where they can run freely would be beneficial. They also enjoy participating in canine sports like tracking, obedience, and lure coursing.
Irish Wolfhound Health:
Irish Wolfhounds, like any other breed, are prone to specific health conditions. However, not all Irish Wolfhounds will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them.
- Cardiomyopathy: This is a disease where the heart muscle becomes thin and weak, leading to heart failure. It’s the leading cause of death in Irish Wolfhounds and can occur at any age. Regular heart screening is crucial to detect this condition early.
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition where the thigh bone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but others don’t show outward signs of discomfort.
- Osteosarcoma: This is a type of bone cancer that is common in large breed dogs like the Irish Wolfhound. The first sign is usually lameness, but the dog will need X-rays to diagnose osteosarcoma.
Irish Wolfhound Care:
Caring for an Irish Wolfhound involves meeting their physical and mental needs. Regular exercise is necessary, but due to their size, care should be taken to not over-exercise them, especially as puppies when their bones are still growing.
Mental stimulation is also vital to keep their intelligent minds occupied. Puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive games can help with this. Regular vet check-ups and screenings for common health issues are essential for their overall health.
Irish Wolfhound Feeding:
Irish Wolfhounds, due to their size, require a substantial amount of food. However, it’s important to monitor their intake to prevent obesity, which can lead to health problems. They should be fed high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their size, age, and activity level.
As puppies, they have specific dietary requirements to support their rapid growth. It’s recommended to divide their meals into multiple smaller meals throughout the day to prevent bloating, a condition large breeds are prone to.
Irish Wolfhound Coat Color and Grooming:
Irish Wolfhounds come in several colors, including gray, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, or any other color that appears in the Deerhound. Their coat is rough and wiry, and it needs regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling.
Despite their thick coats, Irish Wolfhounds are not heavy shedders. However, they do go through a shedding season, during which daily brushing might be necessary to keep loose hair under control. Regular grooming sessions are a great opportunity to check for any skin problems or parasites like ticks and fleas.
Irish Wolfhound and Children:
Irish Wolfhounds are known to be excellent with children. Their patient and gentle nature makes them great companions for children of all ages. They are usually quite tolerant and can handle the noise and commotion that comes with children.
However, due to their size, interactions between the dog and young children should always be supervised to ensure the safety of both parties. It’s also important to teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent biting or ear pulling from either party.
Irish Wolfhound and Other Pets:
Irish Wolfhounds usually get along well with other pets. They are not aggressive and can live peacefully with other dogs and even cats. However, due to their sighthound instinct, they might be inclined to chase smaller animals.
Early socialization can help ensure that they get along well with other pets. Introduce them to a variety of animals from a young age to help them learn to behave around them.
Similar Dogs:
- Scottish Deerhound: The Scottish Deerhound shares many similarities with the Irish Wolfhound. Both are sighthounds and have similar body structures and coat types. They are both large, gentle, and friendly dogs.
- Borzoi: The Borzoi, or Russian Wolfhound, is another similar breed. They share the sighthound category and have a similar temperament. They are both large, intelligent, and relatively calm and quiet dogs.
- Great Dane: The Great Dane shares its massive size with the Irish Wolfhound. Both breeds are known for their gentle nature despite their intimidating size. They are both friendly, loyal, and make excellent family pets.
