One of the largest dog species, the Irish Wolfhound, can reach the size of a small horse. Irish Wolfhounds are one of those dogs that you need to see in person to believe their sheer size. For this reason, he doesn’t make the best apartment dog. Like many big dogs, he is a gentle giant who adores his family but needs a home with a lot of room and plenty of attention. This Irish Wolfhound guide is a must-read for those about to welcome one of these magnificent dogs into their lives. So, let’s dive into the world of the tallest dog on the planet.
Weight105-120 pounds- Height30+ inches
- Lifespan6-8 years
- ColorsBlack, Blue, Brindle, Cream, Gray, Red, Silver, Wheaten, and White
Irish Wolfhound Breed History
Irish Wolfhounds are an ancient dog breed. The breed’s early history isn’t clear-cut, but he was created due to breeding large British dogs and Middle Eastern coursing hounds. When the Romans conquered the British Isles, these giant hounds were already in existence. In 391 A.D., seven Irish Wolfhounds were gifted to the Roman consul. Their popularity boomed among the rich landowners and other nobility. At one point, the Irish Wolfhound was one of the most sought-after hunting dog breeds.
The breed’s purpose was to hunt big game and other large predators, including the now-extinct and massive Irish Elk, which stood six feet from paws to shoulders and had 12-foot antlers. These highly skilled hunting dogs became known as the Wolfhound in the 15th century. At that time, the wolf population was getting out of hand and needed control. The breed hunted them so well that wolves became extinct in the 18th century.
Unfortunately, their skill at clearing out the wolves put the breed out of a job, and he nearly became extinct himself. A British army captain, George Augustus Graham, made it his life mission to save the breed. In the 19th century, he began locating fine specimens and breeding them. Over time, he restored the breed to health, and the breed standard was established. The Irish Wolfhound Club was established in 1885. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1897. In 1925, it was recognized as a sporting breed.
The most famous Irish Wolfhound was named Gelert. He belonged to the Prince of North Wales. The Prince left his child with his dog for a short while. On returning, he found the child to be missing and the dog covered in blood. The Prince killed the Irish Wolfhound, but he heard his child’s cries as he lay dying. It turns out that the dog was covered in wolf blood, whom he killed to protect the child. The Prince was distraught and is said never to have smiled again.
Temperament
Irish Wolfhounds are caring companions that adore their families. From infants to grandparents, he loves them all equally. He’s also affectionate with other dogs and sometimes the family cat if he is a polite pup. He loves to cuddle on the sofa and climb onto your bed.
He doesn’t tolerate being left home alone for too long, so he needs a family to keep him company for most of the day. An anxious Wolfhound is destructive, so it’s best to keep this pup company. His craving for human company can make him an intense dog to have around the home.
He doesn’t make the best guard dog, although his large appearance should be enough to put intruders off the thought of breaking in. He is alert but very rarely suspicious. This means he’ll leave intruders to get on with whatever they want to do. However, if his family is in danger and being attacked, he sticks up for them. His motto is “gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked,” which describes him perfectly. His low suspicions mean he is friendly and accepting of visitors and strangers.
Like all dogs, he needs his daily exercise, but besides his constant need to be around you, he is an easy-going dog. He is sweet and lovable, and everyone who meets him is sure to fall in love.
As you can see from his history, this breed was bred for hunting. And although he excelled at this back in the day, he isn’t the most popular choice as a hunting dog nowadays. He still has a very high prey drive, which you should consider. A dog that can kill a wolf can easily whip you off your feet if he decides to chase the neighborhood cats. You’ll always need to be alert with this breed on the end of a leash.
Size & Appearance
Irish Wolfhounds are giants and the tallest dogs in the canine kingdom. Females measure, from paw to shoulder, a minimum of 30 inches. Males measure a minimum of 32 inches. When they stand on their rear legs, they are taller than many men. Females weigh a minimum of 105 pounds, and males weigh a minimum of 120 pounds. They have been known to weigh an impressive 180 pounds. This pup does not reach their full size until about three years old.
Irish Wolfhounds can be a contender for the title of the longest dog. In 2020, Ferrell, an Irish Wolfhound from Tennessee, was recorded at 7 feet 9 inches from the tip of the nose to the end of its tail.
His breed standard describes him as having a commanding size that combines power and swiftness. He is strong but gracefully built, looking like a rough-coated large Greyhound-like breed. Some people commonly mistake the Irish Wolfhound for a Scottish Deerhound when they are on the smaller side. They are also often compared to the English Mastiff but are quite different breeds.
Everything about this breed is slender and somewhat refined regarding bone structure. The body is slim with a broad chest, and the tail is long and tapered. This breed has exceptionally long legs with rounded feet and arched toes.
He is proportionate and symmetrical in shape, with a deep chest and thick neck. His head is relatively small compared to his long neck and body, and his ears are relatively small, too. His tail is long and slightly curved towards the end.
Coat & Colors
Most Wolfhounds have a short to medium-length double coat. The outer coat is rough and stiff to the touch, and his undercoat is short and soft. His fur is particularly wiry and long over his eyes and underjaw, giving him a shaggy appearance. Many say they have an “old man” appearance due to the longer fur on their faces. Many dogs born from non-conformation lines often have a softer coat. But if you want an Irish to show off in AKC competitions, he must have a wiry coat.
When it comes to colors, he has a variety to choose from. The most typical color is gray, but he can also enjoy black, brindle, reverse brindle, blue, red, cream, fawn, silver, wheaten, red wheaten, and pure white. Pure white and cream Irish Wolfhounds are rare, and they look like very large Labradoodles or Goldendoodles. White marks on the chest are pretty common in the breed.
Exercise Requirements
The Irish Wolfhound needs less activity than other breeds due to their size. They need about 30-40 minutes of exercise every day. He is best suited to long walks, adventures in the forest, and frolicking on the beach. If you are looking for a jogging partner, this isn’t your dog. Once he has had a leg stretch, sniff, and pee, he is more than happy to return home.
His high prey drive means you must keep him on the leash. Because if he sees something fast and furry, it’ll be game on, and you can rest assured he can run much faster than you can catch him. If you live near a gated or enclosed field, you can let him off-leash if the area is clear of small dogs and other animals he might chase. Short explosions of energetic running are a great way to keep his heart healthy and mind happy.
He is a relatively intelligent dog who likes his activities to be varied. A walk around the same block every day may eventually bore him. Playtime at home is also needed, so this pup needs a home with access to a private (and enclosed!) yard. As a hound, he loves to partake in lure coursing, tracking, and agility, so be sure to find your local doggy clubs for him to join in the fun.
Living Conditions
As a giant breed, it’s safe to say that he is not the best breed choice for small homes or apartments. He does much better in a large home with space to wag his tail without the threat of knocking things over. He is suited to families of all shapes and sizes, including those with small children. The breed is generally calm in the home and not boisterous, so he makes a great canine sibling for kids of all ages. Just be sure to supervise them at all times.
Most Irish Wolfhounds are pleasant and friendly dogs that get along well with others. As long as he is socialized well as a pup, he shouldn’t have any issues making friends at the local doggy park. He shouldn’t have any problems there if he was raised alongside a family feline. But anything other than canines outside the family unit is a game to chase.
Training
The Irish Wolfhound is an intelligent pup that takes training well. As a hound bred to serve alongside humans, he is a breed who is eager to please his master. Of course, you need to start early with his training to encourage him to be obedient. But with early direction, he’ll be an obedient adult. Positive reinforcement training is the best way to train this giant breed due to its gentle temperament. All dogs need a firm leader; however, breeds like the Wolfhound are particularly sensitive and do not respond to harsh training methods.
You may want to consider an online dog training course or read what our experts say about finding the right trainer.
It’s also essential to build up this dog’s self-confidence to avoid becoming nervous, skittish, maladjusted, and challenging to control. A lack of self-confidence can also lead to nervous biting, separation anxiety, and trouble socializing with people and other dogs.
The only thing that you may not be able to train out of him is his prey drive. This is an innate instinct, and he will always listen to instinct over your command if he can see something tasty on the menu. Because he must always be on the leash and because he is a powerful pup, leash training is advised at an early age. Otherwise, walking him might be a struggle when he is a fully grown adult. If you ever plan to let your Irish Wolfhound off the leash, you must instill some off-leash training first.
Because he is a potentially anxious dog, he should be crate-trained, too. Not only does this give him a safe space to calm his anxiety, but it also helps you out in the long run, knowing that he is safely contained when you have to leave him for a short amount of time. Just remember to get the right size for him – you’ll need an XXL-sized dog crate.
Irish Wolfhound Health Concerns
The Irish Wolfhound, on average, has a lifespan of six to eight years. This is one of the shortest in the doggy kingdom. So, unfortunately, if you are after a dog you can spend many years with, this breed isn’t the one for you.
You need to do everything in your power to keep him as healthy as possible, in the hope that you can keep him with you for longer. The easiest ways to keep him healthy are keeping up to date with regular vet checks, feeding him the best nutrition, and exercising regularly.
Like all purebred dogs, the Irish Wolfhound is prone to certain health conditions. Below, we have listed the most common health concerns to look out for in the Irish. Be aware of the health concerns and symptoms below and get your dog to the vet if you notice any.
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia is a common issue in giant dogs. Giant puppies grow rapidly, and because of this, their bones can develop unevenly. Uneven bone growth causes the joints to wear faster, eventually causing pain and arthritis. It’s important to breed Irish Wolfhounds with good hip scores to lower their puppies’ chances of inheriting joint disorders. Symptoms include stiff limbs, exercise intolerance, and the inability to stand up swiftly.
Eye Conditions
The Irish Wolfhound is prone to a variety of eye concerns. The most common are cataracts, corneal dystrophy, distichiasis, iris cysts, progressive retinal atrophy, and retinal dysplasia. If you notice any change in his eyes, including excessive tears or dryness, red or inflamed, or excessive itchiness, get him to the vet quickly. If any of these are left untreated, it can lead to total blindness.
Cardiac Conditions
Around one-third of Irish Wolfhounds go on to develop dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This is characterized by an enlarged and weakened heart chamber that cannot pump blood as it should. It can be detected by heart murmurs, but unfortunately, it can also result in sudden heart failure.
Pneumonia
This condition is relatively common in the breed. Pneumonia is usually brought on by other medical issues, such as kennel cough, after surgery, or other infections. Lethargy and loss of appetite are usually the first two symptoms to develop. If you suspect pneumonia, you must get him to the vet ASAP.
Portosystemic Shunt
This is also known as a liver shunt. It develops when an abnormal connection forms or appears in and around the liver, leaving him unable to filter the toxins from his blood. It is a life-threatening condition and is usually identified via blood samples. Symptoms include behavioral changes, vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, and weight loss.
Cancer
The breed is prone to several types of cancer. The most common is osteosarcoma, which is a type of bone cancer. Symptoms include limping and unwillingness to put any weight on the affected limb. By the time symptoms show, it has usually spread and often requires limb amputation. Good quality breeders never breed dogs with a history of cancer.
Prepare For The Cost Of Your Pup’s Healthcare
Every pet needs healthcare at some point in their lifetime. A larger breed like this is at risk for certain health conditions that can be expensive to treat. Our experts review the best pet insurance plans to help you prepare for unexpected costs.
Nutrition
Due to their incredible growth rate, Irish Wolfhounds must receive adequate nutrition to develop strong bones and healthy organs. High-quality dog foods eliminate the need for additional supplementation. Most breeders advise avoiding supplementation of this breed altogether since it can increase their already rapid growth and lead to more health concerns.
Feeding your Irish the best quality nutrition you can afford is one of the most important things you can do for his health. High-quality kibbles not only provide the best quality meats, but they also provide a well-balanced diet to cover all of his nutritional needs.
What’s The Best Dog Food For An Irish Wolfhound?
It is important that you feed this breed a kibble designed specifically for giant breed puppies as these cater to his unique developmental needs. This is particularly important during puppyhood, laying the foundations for a healthy body and lifestyle. It can also decrease the chances of joint dysplasia.
After puppyhood, Irish Wolfhounds require a low-protein diet with a protein level between 19–21%. However, some dogs have special dietary needs that may differ from this recommendation. It’s always important to check with your veterinarian to ensure your dog’s food suits his needs. Our experts review fresh dog food, raw food, and food delivery options to help simplify feeding your pup.
Like this breed, many large dogs with deep chests suffer from gastric torsion or bloat. This life-threatening condition occurs when a dog’s stomach twists, usually during mealtime. For this reason, it is important to spread his daily food allowance into at least two different feedings and never feed him immediately before or after exercise. You need to understand the symptoms to look out for and get him to the vet for immediate treatment.
Grooming
The Irish Wolfhound’s coat is harsh and wiry, and he needs brushing once or twice a week to ensure that his coat doesn’t tangle and matt. When brushing, pay particular attention to where he has the most hair. Matting is more common under his armpits and behind his ears.
Regular grooming includes brushing the coat thoroughly several times weekly to prevent knotting and matting. Veteran Irish Wolfhound owners suggest professional grooming or using a professional grooming kit at least twice yearly to remove dead hair from the coat.
The best brush to use is a slicker brush. Unlike many double-coated breeds, the Irish Wolfhound sheds moderately all year round and doesn’t blow his coat during shedding seasons.
To keep him looking his best, he’ll need bathing once every six to eight weeks. Use a gentle shampoo like oatmeal designed specifically for dogs. A conditioning shampoo is best for the Irish, as it can soften his harsh locks. A walk-in shower or tub is advised for this giant; otherwise, a hoist might be in order!
He needs his nails regularly trimmed, so as soon as you hear them tapping on your flooring, it’s time. You should also brush his teeth at least once a week to avoid periodontal diseases.
Breeders & Puppy Costs
The Irish Wolfhound is an uncommon dog breed in America. This means you probably need to travel to find a good quality dog breeder, depending on your area. You’ll also likely be placed on a waiting list, but this is a sign of a good-quality breeder, so this is a good thing!
The average price of an Irish pup is between $1,500- $3,000. If you are looking for a pup from a popular breeder or one from a show line, you can expect to pay much more than this. Remember, with this and any canine breed: good breeders aren’t cheap, and cheap breeders aren’t good!
Responsible breeders do everything in their power to breed healthy pups. They raise their pups with love, attention, and handling to ensure proper socialization. Be sure to ask for health certificates to ensure they have bred healthy dogs, too.
Rescues & Shelters
Not everyone wants or is ready to accept a pup into their life. And that’s okay! With so many dogs in shelters, it is essential to consider adopting one. Head out to your local rescue centers first. Speak to the staff there because they might be able to put you on an Irish waiting list.
Alternatively, some organizations dedicate their time and efforts only to rehoming dogs of this breed. A great place to start your adoption search is with the Irish Wolfhound Club of America. They list adoption centers state by state and contact details. This is a great resource for those open to rescuing rather than buying a puppy.
Five Things To Consider About An Irish Wolfhound
This three-minute video from Dogumentary TV talks about five things you should consider before making an Irish Wolfhound a part of your family.
This giant pup can make the perfect family pet with the right care and environment. Just bear in mind that he has a very short lifespan. But the time he does have with you is guaranteed to be some of the best years of your life. Most Irish Wolfhound owners state that once you’ve had an adorable Irish in your life, you’ll always need an Irish. You have been warned! If you are already in love with this breed, perhaps one of these Irish dog names is the perfect fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, I’ve answered some often-asked questions about the Irish Wolfhound. If I didn’t get to yours, let me know in the comments.
Are Irish Wolfhounds Hypoallergenic?
No, these pups are not hypoallergenic. Despite having a wiry coat, the Irish Wolfhound is an average shedder and is not a good choice for anyone looking for a “non-shedding” or lightly shedding dog.
What Is An Irish Wolfhound’s Top Speed?
Better known for a quick sprint than long-distance running, the Irish Wolfhound can reach up to 40 mph speeds.
What Are Some Popular Irish Wolfhound Mixes?
Designer dogs are a popular trend with breeders and dog owners alike. Here are some popular mixes that include the Irish Wolfhound.
- Irish Wolfhound Australian Cattle Dog mix (Australian Wolfhound)
- Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd mix
- Irish Wolfhound Great Dane mix (Wolfhound Dane)
- Irish Wolfhound Lab mix
- Irish Wolfhound Mastiff mix
- Irish Wolfhound Poodle mix (Irish Wolfadoodle)
If a giant pup isn’t quite right for you, check out our guide to miniature breeds for a closer look at some options on the opposite end of the spectrum. And, if you have had an Irish Wolfhound in your life, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
Caring For Giant Dog Breeds
Bringing a giant dog breed into your life means endless love and cuddles, but it also requires extra care and a huge financial commitment. Giant breeds like the Irish Wolfhound require extra-large supplies like beds, toys, leashes, collars, and crates. They also eat a massive amount of food. Traveling with giant breeds can be tricky, as they do not always fit in the car well, and many hotels have weight limits for dogs. Bigger breeds always attract attention, so you must spend time, effort, and money on training so your pup is well-behaved in social situations.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Danielle has shared a special bond with dogs since childhood and has a special connection to rescue pups. She has over 30 years of experience with dogs of all sizes and those with special needs. Danielle spends countless hours researching the latest pet care, health, nutrition, and training developments to help owners learn what’s behind the label. Her two pups, Daisy and Falkor, serve as her willing assistants. Danielle works with a professional and experienced team to bring our readers the best, most accurate, and most up-to-date information.
