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The Irish Wolfhound is an impressive and ancient dog breed that originates from Ireland, where it was bred to hunt wolves and large game. This breed is known for its strength, speed, and noble appearance, but also for its friendly and gentle nature. With its large, muscular body and rough, wiry coat, it makes an imposing impression — yet despite its size, it is a devoted and calm family dog. The Irish Wolfhound needs plenty of space and exercise and forms a strong bond with its owner, making it a loyal companion.
The Irish Wolfhound originates from Ireland and is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. It descends from ancient Celtic sighthounds that were already being bred around 7000 BC for hunting large game such as deer and wolves. In the Middle Ages, the Irish Wolfhound was also used as a war dog and guard dog by Irish nobility, where it symbolised strength and courage. As the wolf population in Ireland declined, the breed became rare, but in the 19th century it was successfully revived and preserved as a companion dog.
The Irish Wolfhound is known for its gentle, loyal, and friendly nature. Despite its impressive size, it is kind-hearted and patient, which makes it an excellent family dog. It is devoted to its owner, intelligent, and generally social towards people and other animals. Although naturally calm and balanced, it does require plenty of space and exercise. Due to its hunting instincts, it can sometimes act independently, but it is rarely aggressive. Its affectionate and noble character makes it a reliable dog.
The Irish Wolfhound is a very large, imposing, and muscular sighthound with a rough, wiry coat. He has a long, slender yet powerful build, long legs, and a deep chest, making him both strong and fast. His head is long and narrow with a gentle expression, and he has dark eyes and small folded ears. The tail is long and slightly curved. The coat can be grey, black, red, white, fawn, or brindle. Despite his impressive size, he radiates gentleness and nobility.
The Irish Wolfhound needs moderate but regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Ideally, he should get 1 to 2 hours of exercise daily, spread across multiple walks. Long, calm walks are suitable, but he also needs space to run freely in a safe, enclosed area. Being a sighthound, he is capable of sudden sprints, but he is not a dog that requires intense endurance sports.
In addition to physical activity, mental stimulation is important, such as scent work or obedience training. For puppies and young dogs, exercise should be introduced gradually, as their joints and bones are still developing. Excessive or intense activity can cause harm, so running long distances or jumping on hard surfaces should be avoided. An adult Irish Wolfhound is calm indoors but enjoys active moments outside with his owner.
Caring for an Irish Wolfhound requires regular attention, especially due to his size and sensitive health. His rough, wiry coat should be brushed weekly to remove tangles and loose hairs. A few times a year, hand-stripping is needed to remove dead hairs. Since the Irish Wolfhound is prone to ear problems, it’s important to check and clean his ears regularly. His nails should be kept short, particularly because his weight can lead to issues if the nails grow too long. His teeth also need attention, as large breeds can be prone to tartar. Additionally, it is important to monitor his weight closely due to the risk of hip dysplasia and other growth-related issues. With a consistent care routine, the Irish Wolfhound will remain healthy and comfortable.
The Irish Wolfhound is a loving breed, but due to its large size and genetic predisposition, it is prone to certain health issues. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common and can lead to lameness and joint problems. The breed is also susceptible to osteosarcoma (bone cancer), an aggressive form of cancer that frequently affects large breeds. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart muscle disease, is also regularly diagnosed. Gastric torsion (bloat) is a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists and traps gas, something this breed is particularly sensitive to. Additionally, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) can cause vision loss and eventually blindness. Regular check-ups and early detection by a veterinarian are crucial for identifying and treating health problems in time.
Breeds similar to the Irish Wolfhound in terms of appearance, size, or character include:
Finding a responsible breeder is crucial when buying an Irish Wolfhound. This breed has specific health risks and a shorter life expectancy, making it essential to choose a breeder who prioritises both the physical and mental health of the puppies. A good breeder will be transparent about health screenings, such as tests for hip and elbow dysplasia and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and will offer guidance to ensure the puppy fits well into your family.
The price of an Irish Wolfhound can vary depending on the level of care in breeding, pedigree, and health tests. While price is a factor, the most important aspects are the puppy’s health and socialisation. A low price may indicate less attention to these critical factors. Therefore, it is always recommended to choose a recognised and reliable breeder who contributes to the well-being of your future dog.
The Irish Wolfhound is a friendly, gentle giant with specific characteristics and needs. If you’re considering bringing an Irish Wolfhound into your home, it’s important to understand what qualities you need as an owner to properly care for this breed.
Below are some key points to help you determine if this dog is right for you:
All in all, the Irish Wolfhound is best suited to someone who can offer him lots of space, patience, and affection — and who is willing to understand his special care needs.
The Irish Wolfhound is better suited for experienced owners than for beginners. His large size, relatively short life expectancy, and sensitivity to health issues require an owner who is well-informed about the breed. He also needs a gentle but consistent upbringing, which can be challenging for someone without experience with large dogs.
The Irish Wolfhound is best suited to an experienced and patient owner who understands the physical and emotional needs of this unique breed.
This blog article discusses 10 common large dog breeds with the most important characteristics associated with these breeds. Large dog breeds are dogs with an adult weight heavier than 25 kg. Interested in another breed not listed in our top 10? Then take a look at our dog breeds page.
The answer to the above question is subjective and depends on your own preference and that of your dog. We’ve made an overview of the most popular diets in every category, using our extensive range of dog foods.
If you've ever owned a dog, you'll know that every dog is unique. Dogs can have breed-specific characteristics, though, like joint or coat issues. To support these specific characteristics, Royal Canin has created special nutrition that meets the needs of individual dog breeds. Read all about breed-specific dog food in this article!
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