Irish Wolfhound

Dog Breed Group

Hound Dogs 

Origin of Breed

Ireland, hunting dog and family pet. 

Life Expectancy

8 - 10 Years 

Color

Gray, steel gray, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn or wheaten. 

Coat

Rough and harsh. 

Exercise Needs

Does not require as much exercise as one would think for his great size, but he does need daily walks or runs or he will be incl 

Temperament

The Wolfhound is gentle, friendly and intelligent. 

Good with Children

Wonderful around children. Good with other pets. 

Grooming Needs

Regular grooming is required of his hard, wiry coat or it will become matted. Comb daily. Trim around the eye and ears with blun 

Average Size - Male (in)

32 - 34 

Average Size - Female (in)

32 - 34 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

> 120 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

> 105 

Health Issues

Heart problems, hip dysplasia, cancers such as lymphoma, bone and kidney disease.v

Living Conditions

Recommended that you have a large house and fenced big backyard. 

Breed Description

The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest and tallest of dogs in the world. By the age of six months he can weigh as much as ninety pound and he does not reach maturity until twenty to twenty-four months. Dispute his great size he is the 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 he makes a good family dog for those who have adequate space and a lifestyle to feed him as he is rather expensive to look after. Irish history has many references to the Wolfhound. It is said that the Celts took their hounds to Ireland around 1500 B.C. Known then as the "Cu" his name used to imply bravery and many warriors would prefixed their own names with the word.

Breed Infobits

The Irish Wolfhound is a truly noble animal.
The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed of dog and was originally used to hunt wolves.
Fortunately the Irish Wolfhound is very slow to anger and only becomes aggressive under extreme provocation.