Irish Wolfhound

Origins and History

The Irish Wolfhound descends from the ancient Celtic war hounds used to hunt wolves and elk. The breed was refined in the 19th century by Lord Dudley and the Duke of Leinster, who crossed the native wolfhounds with Great Danes, Deerhounds and other large breeds to re‑establish the massive, gentle giant seen today. Recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1900 and the American Kennel Club in 1885, the Irish Wolfhound remains a member of the Hound Group.

General Characteristics

• Size and build: tall, rangy, with a deep chest and a graceful, muscular frame.
• Temperament highlights: dignified, calm, affectionate, and typically good with children; may be reserved with strangers.
• Primary breed purpose: originally a pack‑hunting and war hound; today a companion and show breed.

Disclaimer: While this information reflects current breed standards and veterinary consensus, individual dogs may vary. Always consult a qualified professional for specific advice.

Physical Specifications

• Height: Males 32‑35 inches (81‑89 cm); Females 30‑33 inches (76‑84 cm) at the withers
• Weight: Males 140‑180 lb (64‑82 kg); Females 115‑150 lb (52‑68 kg)

Coat and Color

• Coat: harsh, wiry, medium‑length outer coat with a softer undercoat; feathering on ears, tail, and legs
• Accepted colors: gray, brindle, red, wheaten, black, white, and any combination of these shades

Temperament Considerations

Irish Wolfhounds are gentle giants with an independent streak. Their size can make them appear imposing, but they respond best to calm, consistent leadership and positive reinforcement. Early socialization helps mitigate shyness around unfamiliar dogs and people.

Training Essentials

• Socialization requirements: expose to a variety of environments, people, and other dogs from 8 weeks onward.
• Exercise needs: minimum 1 hour of moderate activity daily; avoid excessive jumping or high‑impact work.
• Common training challenges: size‑related inertia, occasional stubbornness, and a tendency to become bored without varied tasks.

Daily Grooming

• Brushing frequency and tools: brush 2–3 times weekly with a slicker brush or curry comb to remove loose hair and prevent matting.
• Bathing requirements: bathe only when necessary (e.g., after outdoor work) using a mild dog shampoo to preserve natural oils.
• Nail and dental care: trim nails every 3–4 weeks; brush teeth several times a week or use dental chews.

Show Preparation

• Pre‑show grooming timeline: begin intensive brushing 1–2 weeks before the show, trim foot pads for neatness, and ensure ears are clean and free of debris.
• Ring presentation tips: maintain a high head carriage, keep the coat glossy and free of stray hairs, and present the dog with a calm, confident gait.

Common Health Issues

• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): a hereditary heart condition; recommend annual cardiac screening.
• Gastric dilatation‑volvulus (bloat): large, deep‑chested breeds are at risk; discuss preventive measures such as feeding smaller, frequent meals and possible prophylactic gastropexy.
• Hip and elbow dysplasia: obtain orthopaedic evaluations from OFA or PennHIP.
• Osteosarcoma: higher incidence in giant breeds; routine veterinary exams for early detection.
• Hypothyroidism and cataracts: common endocrine and ocular concerns; regular blood work and eye examinations recommended.

General Care

• Exercise requirements: daily moderate walks and opportunity to run in a safe, fenced area.
• Nutritional needs: high‑quality large‑breed formula to support controlled growth and joint health; monitor calorie intake to prevent obesity.
• Lifespan considerations: average 6–8 years; proactive health monitoring and joint support can improve quality of life.