Description

The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest and tallest of dogs in the world. By the age of six months Irish Wolfhound can weigh as much as ninety pounds and he does not reach maturity until twenty to twenty-four months. Dispute his great size Irish Wolfhound is most gentle in nature. Known as the gentle giant, he is a perfect gentleman who shows no signs of aggression. Willing to please his owners, they make a good family dog for those who have adequate space and a lifestyle to feed him as the Irish Wolfhound is rather expensive to look after.

Size of Male: Height: 32-35 inches Weight: 140-180 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 32-34 inches Weight: 105-140pounds

Temperament

Irish Wolfhounds are sweet-tempered, patient, generous, thoughtful and very intelligent. Irish Wolfhounds are excellent, and can be trusted with, children. Dignified and willing, Irish Wolfhounds are unconditionally loyal to their owner and family. Not a guard dog by nature, but may be a deterrent simply due to his size. They tend to greet everyone as a friend, so do not count on them being a watch dog. This giant breed can be clumsy. Slow to mature, it takes two whole years before they are full grown. However, they grow rapidly and high-quality food is essential. Let a puppy decide for itself how much exercise it wants. Forced exercise and long distance walks are too taxing for this dog’s body when it is young. The Irish Wolfhound is relatively easy to train. They respond well to firm, but gentle training. This approach with plenty of understanding will go a long way because this dog quickly grasps what you intend. Make sure the young dog is given as much self-confidence as possible and that you are always consistent with it, so that it grows into an equable, confident dog. Teach it not to pull on its leash before it gets too strong. This calm dog gets along well with other dogs. This is also true with other animals if the dog has gotten to know them when it was still young. However, it might “course” a smaller dog in an open yard.

Living Conditions

The Irish Wolfhound is not recommended for apartment life. Irish Wolfhounds are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. You must have a lot of room in your home, heart, yard and car to successfully own Irish Wolfhound. They need to be part of the family and would be very unhappy in a kennel. Being sighthounds, they will chase and so need a secure, fenced area for exercise.

Upkeep

The Irish Wolfhound enjoys a long walk and a chance to stretch its legs, so it needs daily exercise. At home Irish Wolfhound needs ample room to stretch out on a soft surface and should not be required to live in cramped quarters. Irish Wolfhound can develop callouses if allowed to lie on hard surfaces too often. Its coat needs to be brushed or combed once or twice weekly, plus occasional slight scissoring to neaten up straggly hairs. Dead hairs should be stripped twice a year.

Health

Major concerns: gastric torsion, Megaoesophagus

Minor concerns: cardiomyopathy, Osteochondritis dissecans, osteosarcoma, Hip dysplasia

Life expectancy: 6 – 9 years