The shaggy Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest dog breeds in the world, capable of reaching a shoulder height of over a meter. Despite its impressive size and wild appearance, it is an extremely affectionate and friendly four-legged companion. Here in the profile, you’ll learn all about the history, temperament, and care of the Irish Wolfhound.

History of the Irish Wolfhound

The exact origins of the Irish Wolfhound are not confirmed. Archaeological findings on the British Isles indicate the presence of large greyhound-like dogs there as early as 7000 BCE. It is believed that the Celts introduced Arabian greyhounds and bred them into powerful hunting dogs. Later, the ancient Romans also mentioned large Irish dogs used in gladiatorial combat. These large dogs were particularly popular as hunting companions in Ireland before the invention of firearms. The Irish used the Wolfhound for hunting wolves and other large game, which also explains its name.

During the Middle Ages, ownership of such a dog was reserved for the nobility. In the 15th century, each county in England was even required to keep a number of Wolfhounds to protect farmers’ livestock from wolves. After wolves were completely eradicated from Britain and Ireland by around 1800, the breed also declined significantly. It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that the Scot George Graham decided to “revive” the Irish Wolfhound.

Since there were hardly any representatives of the breed at the time, he crossed the Borzoi, the Great Dane, and the Deerhound. Therefore, today’s Irish Wolfhound is much larger and less agile than the original dog. Towards the end of the 19th century, the re-bred Wolfhound was officially recognized and classified into FCI Group 10.2 Rough-haired Sighthounds.

Traits and Characteristics

The Irish Wolfhound is an affectionate and even-tempered dog that is easy to train. Despite its size, it is a loyal family dog that is very friendly with children. It’s no wonder that enthusiasts also refer to the shaggy dog as a “gentle giant”. Is an Irish Wolfhound suitable for beginners? Many Irish Wolfhounds are particularly calm and gentle, making them ideal for beginners.

Especially when cuddling and snuggling, the large dog may forget that it’s not a small lap dog. It is very affectionate and always wants to be with you, which is why keeping it in a kennel is out of the question. But are Irish Wolfhounds dangerous? This question can be answered clearly with no, but the Wolfhound does not have a strongly pronounced protective instinct. However, he alone deters burglars with his appearance.

It can be somewhat challenging to control the dog’s hunting instinct, as it was originally bred as a sight hound. Once it spots potential prey, it doesn’t hesitate and takes off. You cannot demand blind obedience from the Irish Wolfhound, as it prefers to act independently. Nevertheless, it is important for these giant dogs to learn the most basic commands at a young age.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	Medium
Kid-Friendly	Medium
Pet-Friendly	High
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	Medium
Energy Level	Medium
Trainability	Medium
Intelligence	Medium
Tendency to Bark	Low
Amount of Shedding	Medium

Does the Irish Wolfhound Suit Me?

Before getting an Irish Wolfhound, you should ensure that the large quadruped has enough space. A small city apartment is not a suitable home. Ideally, a large house with a garden is best. Even though Irish Wolfhounds have a rather calm temperament, they still need space and time to run daily. A small park in the city is not sufficient.

The gentle giants are best suited in an active family that can take good care of them. So, if you want to buy a puppy, you carry a certain responsibility.

How Much Does an Irish Wolfhound Cost?

Once you have decided that the Irish Wolfdog is the right dog for you, you just need to find a reputable breeder. How much does an Irish Wolfhound cost? For a purebred and healthy puppy, you should budget between $1000 and $1500.

Unfortunately, representatives of the breed sometimes end up in shelters because they have become too much for their owners to handle. These dogs are especially happy to find a new home, but often need owners with enough experience.

How Do I Care for an Irish Wolfhound?

Development and Training of the Puppy:

With its enormous size, the Irish Wolfhound needs good basic training and should obey in every situation. Its strong hunting instinct must be controlled from a young age. So, it’s crucial that the large dog comes immediately when called. The breed learns best with lots of praise and rewards. Harshness and violence will quickly make the sensitive dog resistant and fearful.

Since young dogs initially have a short attention span, you should plan several short training sessions daily. The puppy responds particularly well to eye contact and needs the full attention of its owner. It should also be introduced to other dogs early on to avoid problems in dealing with fellow canines.

What Does an Irish Wolfhound Look Like?

The Irish Wolfhound is always an eye-catcher wherever it appears. However, not only its size makes the breed so special, but its coat color can also vary between yellow, grey, black, or even red. But how big can the Irish Wolfhound actually get? The withers height can reach up to 85 cm.

How Much Does an Irish Wolfhound Eat?

There is a significant difference between puppies and adult dogs here. While a puppy should receive about 4 meals, an adult Irish Wolfhound only needs between 2 and 3 meals a day. Also important to consider is the amount of food. Young animals, still considered very active, need about 2362.5 grams of food daily. Adult Wolfhounds, on the other hand, need only about 1181.25 grams, as they are generally less active and therefore consume less energy.

How Much Exercise Does an Irish Wolfhound Need?

As a sighthound, the Irish Wolfhound does not require much sustained exercise, but it should be able to sprint at least once a day. It loves to run and play, preferably with other dogs. Daily walks with ball games and short sprints are a must. They are also great companions for short bike rides. However, for your dog to run off-leash, it needs good training beforehand. These large dogs are also great for dog sports like tracking or coursing. However, agility sports are not suitable for these gentle giants as they put too much strain on their joints.

Health and Grooming

The rough-haired coat of the Irish Wolfhound is very easy to care for and only needs occasional brushing. They also do not shed much hair and do not require special grooming. Since Irish Wolfhounds grow particularly fast in the first months of their lives, an adjustable bowl is recommended. Generally, the dog needs a lot of food and can easily consume large quantities. However, overweight should be avoided. You also need to ensure that the puppy does not climb too many stairs at a young age. The joints of such large dogs are very susceptible and require special care.

Interesting and Noteworthy

The largest dog in Germany is an Irish Wolfhound. The male named Wölfi from Unna measures a proud shoulder height of 1.14 meters, holding the record for size in Germany in 2012. Traditionally, the Irish Guards have had an Irish Wolfhound as their mascot since 1902, making them the only one of the Guard regiments to have one. The first dog was a male named Brian Boru. The current mascot named Domhnall is cared for by a drummer of the regiment and his family. He is allowed to participate in military parades with the soldiers, dressed in a red coat.

Do you also have an Irish Wolfhound or are you planning to get one soon? Tell me in the comments what makes the Irish so special!