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Giant breed

Irish Wolfhound Puppies

Gentle giant with a heart full of love

  • Great with kids
  • Active breed
  • Alert watchdog
  • Quiet

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  • Adult weight 120–180 lbs
  • Height 30–34 in
  • Lifespan 6–8 years
  • Exercise 60 min a day
Tall, shaggy gray dog standing proudly in a grassy field

About the Irish Wolfhound

The majestic Irish Wolfhound, known for its towering stature and gentle demeanor, has a rich history that dates back over two thousand years. Originally bred for hunting wolves in Ireland, this noble breed embodies bravery and grace. Despite their impressive size, these gentle giants are remarkably affectionate, making them wonderful companions for families seeking a loving addition to their home. Their calm and patient temperament allows them to get along splendidly with young children and other dogs, though early socialization with cats is advisable since they may not always recognize the need for gentle interactions.

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Irish Wolfhounds are moderate in energy, requiring daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy. A family that enjoys leisurely walks around the neighborhood or gentle playtime in the yard will find the Wolfhound to be an ideal match. While not exhaustive athletes, these dogs do appreciate a good romp and some fun outdoor adventures. Their grooming needs are quite manageable, requiring just a monthly brushing to keep their coat well-maintained, with only a moderate amount of shedding to note.

Trainability comes fairly easy to these intelligent dogs, although consistency is key. Their innate desire to please their owners shines through during training sessions, making them quick learners when approached with positive reinforcement. You’ll find their affectionate nature extends beyond training, as they thrive on human companionship and love to be involved in family activities. If you’re searching for an enormous heart wrapped in a magnificent frame, consider welcoming an Irish Wolfhound into your home in Furrylicious®. You won’t regret having such a loyal and loving friend by your side.

Irish Wolfhound breed profile

Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.

Temperament

  • Affection Devoted
  • Playfulness Playful
  • With strangers Friendly
  • Territorial Relaxed
  • Prey drive Moderate

Family & other pets

  • Young children Good
  • Older children Good
  • Other dogs Sociable
  • Cats Needs care

Energy & exercise

  • Energy Moderate
  • Mental stimulation Moderate

Training

  • Trainability Willing learner
  • Intelligence Bright
  • Stubbornness A stubborn streak

Care & upkeep

  • Shedding Light
  • Drooling A drooler
  • Barking Occasional

Home life

  • Apartment living Needs real space
  • Time alone Short periods
  • Cold weather Comfortable
  • Warm weather Needs shade

A good match for

  • First-time owners Some experience helps
  • Senior owners Good
  • Running partner Moderate
  • Hiking Good
  • Therapy work Possible
  • Guarding Low

Living with a Irish Wolfhound

Temperament & Family Fit

The Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant, known for its affectionate and friendly nature. These dogs are particularly good with young kids and can be a wonderful addition to a family. Their calm demeanor and fondness for companionship make them great family pets, especially in homes that embrace their size and need for space.

Energy & Exercise

While Irish Wolfhounds may not be the most high-energy breed, they do require regular walks and moderate exercise to keep them happy and healthy. A daily romp in the yard or a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood will suffice. These gentle giants appreciate outdoor time but can also be quite content to lounge around the house with their humans.

Care & Grooming

Grooming an Irish Wolfhound is fairly simple, requiring only monthly brushing to keep their coat in good shape. They shed lightly, so regular maintenance helps keep your home tidy. With their classic appearance, those long, flowing coats will make you want to give them extra love and attention.

Training Notes

Irish Wolfhounds can be quite trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, which makes training sessions enjoyable. Consistent positive reinforcement works best with these gentle souls, helping them learn commands without feeling any stress. Early socialization is also beneficial, especially in a diverse environment like Furrylicious®, where they can interact with other dogs and people for better adaptability.

Caring for a Irish Wolfhound

Grooming
Monthly brushing
Grooming cost
Average
Monthly food
High
Outdoor space
A yard is recommended
Allergy friendly
Not considered hypoallergenic

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the temperament of an Irish Wolfhound?

Irish Wolfhounds are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are incredibly friendly, making them wonderful companions for families, including those with young children. Despite their large size, they have a calm demeanor, which is part of their charm.

How much exercise does an Irish Wolfhound need?

Irish Wolfhounds have a moderate energy level, so they do not require excessive amounts of exercise. Regular walks and playtime will keep them happy and healthy, but they also enjoy lounging around. Just remember to provide time for both activity and relaxation.

Are Irish Wolfhounds good with other pets?

Yes, Irish Wolfhounds generally get along well with other dogs and can be quite sociable. They might be a little less enthusiastic around cats, but many can coexist peacefully with them. Early socialization can help them develop positive relationships with different animals.

What is the grooming routine for an Irish Wolfhound?

Irish Wolfhounds have a relatively low grooming frequency, needing to be groomed about once a month. This makes them low-maintenance in terms of coat care, although regular brushing can help keep their coat healthy. Just ensure you check their ears and paws regularly for cleanliness.

Can Irish Wolfhounds live in apartments?

While Irish Wolfhounds can adapt to apartment living, they do prefer more space to stretch out and move around due to their size. If you have a larger apartment and can commit to regular outdoor exercise, they can thrive in such an environment. Just be sure to provide plenty of opportunities for them to roam outside.

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