Lovers of extra large dogs who are seeking a true companion need look no further than the Irish Wolfhound. Over the centuries, this imposingly-sized breed made its way into the houses and hearts of many a human. Unique, loveably shaggy, and relaxed, this super-sized canine can make a great family dog. If you’re equipped with a hearty budget, a sizable yard, and a genuine love for the biggest (and we mean big!) of breeds, this could be the dog for you.
Breed Characteristics
Key
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Origin: Ireland
- Size:
- Weight (Male): 140–180 pounds
- Weight (Female): 115–140 pounds
- Activity level:
- Barking/howling level:
- Good with dogs: yes
- Good with kids: yes
- Shedding:
- Hair type: Wiry
- Grooming level:
- Training level:
- Drooling level:
Ancestry
The Irish Wolfhound’s speed, smarts, and geniality have made it a favorite companion since ancient times. It has been speculated that the breed was introduced in Ireland sometime in the BC era. However, most historical accounts about the dog begin in the early AD centuries.
Irish Wolfhounds were originally bred as hunting dogs of wolves, and the massive (now extinct) Irish Elk. They were prized for their bravery. Over time, this protective dog, with its loyal nature, found its place at the hearth, and it became a docile companion for the nobility. The breed nearly went extinct after the Irish began giving them away to visitors from the noble classes. But a dedicated group brought the breed back from obscurity in the 1800s.
Appearance
Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest breed of dog recognized by the American Kennel Association (AKC). In 2022, an Irish Wolfhound named Murphy, at just over 38 inches at the shoulder, missed out on being titled the “World’s Tallest Dog” in the Guinness Book of World Records when the record was set by an unusually tall Great Dane who was 41 inches tall.
Irish Wolfhounds have such long legs that some humans are tempted to hop on their backs, though this is strongly discouraged. Because of their size, these dogs can be prone to muscle and bone development issues. For this reason (and because it could be harmful to people), experts also discourage allowing the dogs to jump up on their hind legs.
These Irish dogs are extremely strong and muscular, and are fast runners with a lot of heart and courage. The shaggy, wiry hair all over their bodies, including their faces, is often grey in color. It can also be red, black, fawn or white. Irish Wolfhounds have uncropped ears and long, undocked tails, floppy ears, and often a long, pointed nose.
Males are typically about 32 inches tall at the shoulder and at least 120 pounds. Their average weight is 140 to 180 pounds. Females are typically about 30 inches tall and at least 105 pounds, according to the Irish Wolfhound Club of America. They typically weigh an average of 115 to 140 pounds.
Life Span
Unfortunately, Irish Wolfhounds don’t live very long lives. The typical life span is 6-8 years, according to the Irish Wolfhound Club of America.
This is because the dogs grow rapidly as puppies, which makes them prone to injury, and they experience the often grave medical conditions and diseases common to most extra large dog breeds.
Personality
Bred as big game hunters and protectors of the estates of Irish nobility, they may look big and imposing when they’re galloping to and fro. But behind their giant exterior is a loving, sociable dog, with a gentle and kind nature.
An Irish Wolfhound is not the dog you should get if you’re looking to add an actual guard dog to your pack. Irish Wolfhounds are generally too kind to make good protectors in the modern era. “Though alert he is not suspicious; though courageous he is not aggressive,” the Irish Wolfhound Club of America states.
These dogs make great family pets, and they’re good with kids. Irish Wolfhounds will thrive if you have a large fenced yard with plenty of room for them to stretch their long legs, and a large enough space inside your home for them to relax in your company. “Inside with you is where they should be,” says the Irish Wolfhound Club of America.
Training
If you’re working with a young Wolfhound, the advice from vets is to use positive training techniques on this highly social dog. They want to please you, and punishment-style training techniques can lead to timidity in your Wolfhound.
When it comes to exercise, take it easy during your pup’s first year. With young, giant-breed dogs, there’s always a balance “between necessary and excessive exercise,” advised Mel Mercer, DVM, CCRT in an article published on the Irish Wolfhound Club of America website. Get too little exercise and your dog can impact the development of their musculoskeletal system. Too much exercise can lead to tissue damage, Mercer wrote.
Let your dog play freely outside to allow them to develop their ability to gallop and socialize. Don’t take them on extensive walks or on runs before they’re about 13 months old.
Grooming
Irish Wolfhounds have a double coat, a soft undercoat and that distinctive wire hair for their top coat. They don’t blow their coat annually like some other breeds, but they do shed pretty much year-round. That said, they won’t need much in the way of professional grooming.
Brush them weekly or twice weekly to keep the hairs from their outercoat of wiry hair and their soft undercoat from filling up your home. The Irish Wolfhound Society recommends a strong, non-tangle comb, a bristle brush, a slicker brush, and a pair of nail clippers for grooming. Brush first with the comb and then with a slicker brush to bring out loose hair. Then follow up with the bristle brush for shine, says the IWS.
Ideal Environment
A dog this big needs plenty of room to move around indoors and out, and a home with a fenced yard is the ideal environment. They are known as a sighthound—a dog that scans across the horizon to be able to see the boundaries of their world. With that, an invisible fence won’t be appropriate for this dog and could get it hurt, the Irish Wolfhound Club of America advises.
And even while they need room to stretch out, the Irish Wolfhound is quite adaptable. He will easily adapt to the lifestyle of its humans. It can be all too easy for this dog to lie by the fire and chillax, so keep that tendency in check, as out of shape dogs can be prone to injury.
Ideal Human
The ideal human for this dog is one who loves big dogs, of course. It’s someone who wants to be with their dog as much as possible. Irish Wolfhounds love to be with their people, and so you’ll keep yours content by engaging with her and allowing her to be “one of the family.” A human who enjoys the outdoors, appreciates the benefits of positive training methods, and stays relatively active will be in the best interest of the dog.
Cost of Owning an Irish Wolfhound
This is a rare breed, and as such, it can be relatively expensive to procure one—from a reputable breeder, of course. When searching for that reputable breeder, some questions to ask include whether the mother has been undergone a three-part heart test, has not been bred more than three times, and is between two and six years old.
In addition, that reputable breeder will abide by the society’s admirable code of conduct. If you are seriously considering an Irish Wolfhound puppy, be sure to familiarize yourself with the criteria set forth in the code—it will help you recognize an ethical breeder, and what questions you should be asking them. Expect to pay around $3,000 for your puppy from a breeder.
You may choose to look for an Irish Wolfhound from a rescue. Many regions in the U.S. as well as some countries have their own Irish Wolfhound clubs that also run rescues. The cost of adopting an adult from one of these operations can still be pricy, from $1,000 and up, though less expensive than adoption from a breeder.
Additionally, you’ll want to be prepared for the ongoing cost of care for these animals, because as giant breeds they are prone to some unique health conditions, some of which are treatable, though only with professional veterinary attention, and sometimes, surgery.
Food will be another area to budget for. If you find yourself with a full grown, 180-pound male Wolfhound, you’ll be going through A LOT of kibble. Your breeder will be able to advise you what type of food, how much, and how often, to feed your Irish Wolfhound.
Similar Breeds
With their large size, these dogs are often associated with Great Danes—another large but surprisingly docile breed. You’ll also find similarities between the Irish Wolfhound and the Scottish deerhound, Borzoi, and Tibetan Wolfdog—all of which were cross-bred with the Irish Wolfhound in the 1800s to help bring the Irish Wolfhound back from the brink of extinction.
Conclusion
The Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant who will find his way into your heart through this loyal, relaxed, and loving nature. While they live short lives, and they’ll cost you more in food and other supplies, this unique breed can be an ideal companion for the active family lifestyle.