Irish Wolfhound

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Irish Wolfhound

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Size: Extra-Large
Other Names: Cú Faoil (Irish), Gentle Giant
Country of Origin: Ireland
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Hound
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Hounds
United Kennel Club (UKC): Sighthound & Pariah
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Hounds
The Kennel Club (KC): Hound
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Hound
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Hound

Irish Wolfhounds are a Greyhound-like dog, and are among the tallest dog breeds. They are of great size, very muscular and strong, yet graceful in build, with easy and active movement. He has a long, level head that is carried high, with a longer, moderately-pointed muzzle. His eyes and nose are dark, and his small, rose ears are held like the Greyhound. His hair is especially wiry and long over his eyes and on his under jaw.

A giant sighthound who is quiet indoors and needs little coat drama beyond brushing; size alone rules out a small apartment, and he wants gentle daily miles.

The Irish Wolfhound’s name originates from his purpose of wolf hunting, rather than from his appearance. Their astonishing size, speed, and intelligence made them ideal animals for both boar and wolf hunting. Interestingly, both boar and wolf are now extinct in Ireland. The breed nearly vanished in the middle of the 19th century, and to save the breed, the Irish Wolfhound was re-bred with the Deerhound, Great Dane, Borzoi, and other breeds, having the inevitable effect of altering his appearance. Ancient Wolfhounds were primarily gray in color, and available in both a smooth and rough coat.

Height: Male: 33-36 inches; Female: 31-34 inches
Weight: 101-154 pounds
Color: Gray, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, and any other color found in the Deerhound
Coat: Rough and hard
Lifespan: 6–8 years
Litter size: 4–8 puppies

Temperament

Irish Wolfhounds are dignified, sweet-tempered, and patient, and can be trusted with children. They are unconditionally loyal to their owner and family. The Irish Wolfhound has a tendency to greet everyone as a friend, so he does not make a good watchdog or guard dog, however his size may be a deterrent to intruders. Irish wolfhounds are better suited living in a rural area with plenty of space.

Training

Be patient and consistent. They are giant sighthounds; recall and leash manners matter more than drill.

Care and grooming

As the Irish Wolfhound has the appearance of an adult by the age of 8 months, it is important to remember he is not yet an adult, and to not start stressing him too much, to avoid creating outstretched limbs and irreparable damage. Wolfhounds should be at least 18 months prior to staring them on lure coursing, running as a sport, and other strenuous activities. Most breeders recommend that the Irish Wolfhound not be fed additional supplements, in order to slow their rapid growth. They will eventually reach their same, adult height, but at a slower, and safer, rate.

Shedding

Moderate; the rough coat holds loose hair and debris.

Health

Irish Wolfhounds have a short life for a dog and a high rate of heart disease, osteosarcoma, and bloat. Heart screening and a slow, lean growth rate are important.

Crosses that include the Irish Wolfhound

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

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