Irish Wolfhound Information

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The Irish Wolfhound is a large-sized dog with an authoritative presence. They are the largest and tallest of the galloping hounds, and their overall appearance denotes swiftness and power. The breed’s back is comparatively long, and their loins are well-arched. Their belly is well drawn up and their shoulders are muscular and sloping. They have a deep chest that is wide and well-breasted. Their well-arched neck is long, strong, and muscular, without loose skin or dewlap. Their forearms are brawny and muscular, and their legs are straight and well-muscled. Thighs of this breed are strong and muscular, and hocks are well let down. They have large, round feet and a set of well-arched toes with strong nails. The thick tail of the Irish Wolfhound is long and slightly curved. Their long, level head is carried high and their ears are small and Greyhound-like in carriage. The breed’s coat is rough and hard across the body, legs, and head, and it is especially wiry over the jaw and eyes. Recognized coat colors for this breed include gray, red, brindle, black, pure white, and fawn.

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According to AKC/UKC the Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of all breeds on average by 2-5 inches.

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Character

The Irish Wolfhound is patient, mild-mannered, and gentle. They are thoughtful, intelligent, and generous, and they get along well with children. They are unconditionally loyal to their owner and family. They are not a guard dog by nature, but their size can be a deterrent for intruders. Because of their social demeanor and propensity to greet everyone as a friend, the Irish Wolfhound does not make a particularly good watch dog. They are sometimes clumsy and slow to mature. Puppies of this breed should not be excessively exercised. They are a comparatively easy breed to train, and they learn best with firm, gentle methods. This breed gets along well with other dogs.

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Size

28 – 35 inches
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Weight

90 – 150 pounds
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General Health

Like many other large dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is prone to hip dysplasia. Other health concerns include cardiomyopathy, bone cancer, PRA, and Von Willebrand’s disease. Some Irish Wolfhounds are susceptible to bloat. This breed typically lives for 6 to 8 years.

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History

The ancestors of the Irish Wolfhound were the Cu, a massive, shaggy dog that was utilized to pursue wolves, wild boar, and elk. The Irish Wolfhound was often given as a royal present, and it eventually became so popular that the breed’s export from Ireland was no longer allowed. As the wolf population dissipated in Europe, so did the Irish Wolfhound. The breed disappeared nearly entirely in Ireland in 1766. It was later brought back to the country by the Romans, where it was then carefully bred by a British army officer named Captain George Graham in the second half of the 19th century. The Irish Wolfhound was re-invigorated by the influx of Great Dane and Deerhound blood.


The Irish Wolf hound when standing on it's back legs can be taller than a regular sized man.

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Maintenance

The rough, medium-length coat of the Irish Wolfhound needs regular grooming with a brush and comb to keep it in good condition. It should be plucked once or twice per year to remove excess hair. This breed is an average shedder.

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Ideal Environment

The Irish Wolfhound is not recommended for life in a small household or apartment. They are a comparatively inactive breed indoors, and they are happiest with at least a large-sized yard. Because of their giant size, they need a lot of space. This breed shouldn’t be kept in a kennel. Too much physical activity can put a strain on this breed’s growth and development.

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Dog Training!

If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read our review of DogProblems.com. Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer a lot of the load to his site. Update: I've been using and recommending DogProblems for three years now. I, as well as my users, value the techniques we've learned. I get weekly emails from users who have become better owners from the information they received.

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Irish Wolfhound Q&A

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how much money is an irish wolf hound

They probably cost $1k-$2k and thats if you can find one.

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Is there a way to tell definitely what color they will turn out to be when you see them as 4 week old puppies? we are looking for a wheat colored puppy.

By 4 weeks they are starting to show what color they will end up being. Since you are looking for a wheaten, the babies legs and sides will be lighter. the only way to tell for sure is a little odd. If you look at the base of their tail the color you see their will be very close if not the exact color he/she will end up being. Remember they continue to lighten up till an average age of 2-3 years old. When the are full grown. Also when they are adults their winter coat is darker and summer is lighter. I hope this helped you out some. May you have a wonderful day and enjoy your new baby, when you choose him and or her.

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I think my dog looks exactly like a wolf hound but she is one year and only weighs 44 pounds. Is there another breed that looks like her? She has the broad chest, long neck. And her head looks just like. If you have any suggestions, I would be happy to hear from you. I can send a picture, of course. Let me know. Thank you!

I once owned a Mixed breed dog from Vancouver B.C., Canada and it too looked very similar to an Irish Wolfhound. She weighed in at about 70 lbs. I currently own an Irish Wolfhound which is a small one at 105 lbs. I've been investigating breeds to try to find a smaller breed with a similar look and personality and I've discovered the Berger Picard which averages 50-70 lbs. Though extremely rare it's not impossible for your dog to be somehow related. On the other hand I've always wondered what my mixed breed Canadian dog was.

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