Breed name: Irish Wolfhound
Category: Hound
Origin: Ireland
Life expectancy: 6 – 8 Years
Average size & weight: Giant, approximately 40 – 70Kg
Breed overview
The Irish Wolfhound is a gentle, dignified and remarkably large dog breed that originated in Ireland. Traditionally bred for hunting wolves and other large game these powerful sighthounds were valued for their speed, strength and courage. Their impressive size and athletic build made them well suited to working across the Irish countryside.
Irish Wolfhounds are instantly recognisable by their towering height, long legs, deep chest and rough, wiry coat. Despite their imposing appearance they are often described as gentle giants because of their calm and affectionate nature. They are among the tallest dog breeds in the world and can stand taller than many people when resting on their hind legs.
Sometimes affectionately known as Wolfies these dogs combine their traditional hunting heritage with a loving and loyal temperament. They are generally gentle and patient companions who enjoy spending time with their families and relaxing at home.
Today Irish Wolfhounds can enjoy a variety of activities including walking, scent work, tracking and suitable dog sports. They also enjoy exploring their surroundings, spending time with their families and having opportunities to use their natural curiosity and athletic abilities.
Personality & temperament
Irish Wolfhounds are typically gentle, affectionate and calm dogs that develop strong bonds with their families. They are often friendly and patient making them wonderful companions for owners who appreciate a large dog with a relaxed temperament.
They are generally sociable dogs and may enjoy meeting new people and interacting with other dogs when properly socialised. However their enormous size means many Irish Wolfhounds have a strong instinct to chase moving animals. Careful introductions are important when living with cats or other small pets and owners should not assume that every Wolfhound will be comfortable around them.
Although they are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their owners Irish Wolfhounds also have an independent streak. They may sometimes be more interested in following an interesting scent or watching something moving than immediately responding to a command making patience and consistency important when training.
These dogs benefit from regular exercise, mantal stimulation and companionship. Without suitable outlets for their energy and curiosity they may become bored and find their own ways to entertain themselves.
Is this breed right for you?
Irish Wolfhounds can suit individuals, couples and families looking for a gentle, affectionate companion with a calm nature. Although they are often relaxed at home they are giant, athletic dogs that need opportunities to explore, walk and engage their minds.
Around 1 to 2 hours of exercise each day may be appropriate for many healthy adult Irish Wolfhounds split between walks, play and enrichment activities. Some individuals will need more or less depending on their age, health and temperament. Their exercise should be varied and interesting rather than relying on long walks.
Their size and rapid growth make it particularly important to maintain a healthy weight and avoid excessive strain on joints. Puppies need age appropriate activity while their bodies are developing and high impact exercise should be avoided during growth.
Irish Wolfhounds can adapt to different living environments provided they have enough space to move comfortably and their needs for exercise, companionship and stimulation are met. Secure gardens and outdoor space is recommended.
They are generally devoted to their families and benefit from being included in everyday activities. Prospective owners should be prepared for a dog that can be affectionate and gentle but may also be independent and physically powerful. Positive training, early socialisation and appropriate supervision around small animals are important parts of responsible ownership.
Grooming & Care
Coat type – Medium length, rough and wiry double coat
Shedding – Moderate shedding although loose hair can be reduced with regular grooming
Grooming frequency – Brush several times a week to prevent tangles and remove loose hair. Occasional hand stripping or trimming may be recommended to maintain the traditional coat texture.
Bathing – As needed depending on the dog’s lifestyle and coat condition
Nail, ear and dental care – Regular nail trimming, ear checks and tooth brushing are important for maintaining good overall health.
Irish Wolfhounds have a rough weather resistant coat that benefits from regular maintenamce. Their coat can become tangled if neglected particularly around the legs, underside and areas where friction occurs so checking for knots during grooming is worthwhile.
For owners wishing to maintain the traditional breed coat hand stripping can help remove dead outer hairs and preserve its natural texture. A professional groomer familiar with the breed can advise on the most appropriate grooming rountine.
Their large size means that grooming can take time. It is helpful to introduce puppies to brushing, nail trimming and handling from an early age. Regular grooming also provides an opportunity to check their skin and coat for any changes.
As with all dogs grooming is also an opportunity to check for skin irritation, lumps, parasites or other changes that may need veterinary attention.
Health considerations
Hip dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV or bloat)
Bone cancer, including osteosarcoma
Irish Wolfhounds are generally gentle and athletic dogs. Like all breeds they can be susceptible to certain inherited and general health conditions. Hip and elbow dysplasia are important considerations because they can affect joint development and potentially lead to pain, stiffness and mobility problems.
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that can affect Irish Wolfhounds. This cause the heart to become enlarged and less effective at pumping blood. Deep-chested breeds can develop gastric dilation-volvulus, commonly known as bloat, which is a serious emergency.. Owners should familiarise themselves with the signs and seek immediate veterinary attention if they suspect bloat.
Bone cancer particularly osteosarcoma is also a recognised health concern in giant breeds. Maintaining a healthy weight and providing appropriate exercise can help support their joints and overall wellbeing.
If you are considering a purebred Irish Wolfhound, ask the breeder what health screening they have carried out on both parents and whether they have completed the recommended breed-specific tests. Ask for relevant documentation rather than relying on verbal assurances alone.
Regular veterinary checks, routine dental care, a balanced diet and appropriate weight management can all contribute to a dogs long term wellbeing. A veterinary professional should assess any changes in your dog’s movement, breathing, appetite or behaviour.
Training tips
Irish Wolfhounds are intelligent dog with a gentle and sometimes independent nature. They can learn a wide range of behaviours but their traditional hunting instincts mean they may not always respond immediately when something exciting catches their attention.
Positive reinforcement using treats, praise and play can be particularly effective. Keep training sessions short, varied and rewarding to maintain their attention. Harsh corrections are best avoided as they can undermine trust and make training less enjoyable.
Early socialisation is important. Introduce puppies gradually and positively to different people, dogs, environments and everyday experiences. This can help them develop confidence and learn appropriate ways to respond to unfamiliar situations.
Reliable recall is especially valuable because many Irish Wolfhounds have a strong instinct to chase moving animals. Practice recall in secure areas and use a long line where appropriate until you are confident in your dogs response. Even a well trained Wolfhound may be distracted by something exciting so secure outdoor spaces are important.
Provide opportunities for mental stimulation through scent games, puzzle toys, trick training and supervised exploration. These activities allow Irish Wolfhounds to use their natural curiosity and hunting instincts in positive ways.
Consistent boundaries, patience and regular practice can help these gentle giants become confident and well mannered companions. Teaching good lead manners and calm behaviour form an early age is particularly important because of their enormous size and strength.
Fun facts
Fact 1 – Irish Wolfhounds are among the tallest dog breeds in the world. Some individuals stand over 80cm tall at the shoulder.
Fact 2 – The breed has a long history in Ireland. Here they were traditionally used for hunting wolves and other large game.
Fact 3 – Despite their impressive size and hunting heritage, Irish Wolfhounds are often described as gentle giants because of their affectionate and calm nature.
Frequently asked questions
Are Irish Wolfhounds good family dogs?
Yes. Irish Wolfhounds can make affectionate and loyal family companions when they are well socialised, appropriately trained and given suitable care. They often enjoy spending time with their families and can have a gentle, patient personality.
Their enormous size means they may accidentally knock over small children or cause injury during play so supervision is important. Their hunting instincts also mean that some individuals may not be suitable for homes with small pets. Introductions to other animals should be handled carefully and children should be taught how to behave respectfully around dogs.
How much exercise do they need?
Around 1 to 2 hours of exercise each day may be suitable for many healthy adults although individual requirements vary. Walks, gentle play, scent games and training activities can help keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated.
Puppies need age appropriate exercise and should not be pushed into excessive or high impact activity while they are growing. Owners should also monitor their dog’s weight and mobility throughout adulthood.
Do they shed?
Irish Wolfhounds have rough, wiry coats and generally shed moderately. They are not non shedding dogs and loose hair can accumulate around the home particularly during seasonal changes.
Regular brushing several times a week helps remove loose hair and keep the coat clean and manageable. Occasional hand stripping or trimming may be recommended to maintain the coat’straditional texture.
Are they easy to train?
Irish Wolfhounds are intelligent and capable of learning but their independent nature and hunting instincts can sometimes make training challenging. They may be more interested in following a scent or chasing something moving than responding immediately to a command.
Short, engaging sessions using positive reinforcement can help keep them motivated. Early socialisation, reliable recall and good lead manners are particularly important because of their size and natural prey drive.
What health issues should owners be aware of?
Irish Wolfhounds can be affected by inherited and general health conditions including hip and elbow dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, gastric dilatation-volvulus and osteosarcoma. Their giant size and deep chest mean that responsible breeding and appropriate health care are particularly important.
Prospective owners should discuss breed relevant health screening with breeders and ask to see documentation for the parents. Maintaining a healthy weight, providing suitable exercise and arranging regular veterinary checks can help support a Wolfhound’s long term health.
The Irish Wolfhound may be one of the tallest dog breeds in the world but beneath its impressive size and rough coat is a gentle, affectionate and loyal companion with a proud Irish heritage.
With appropriate exercise, positive training, early socialisation and responsible health care Irish Wolfhounds can make wonderful lifelong companions for owners who appreciate their gentle nature and enormous personality.
Do you own an Irish Wolfhound? We would love to hear your experiences and see your photos.
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