Irish Wolfhound puppies and dogs

Irish Wolfhounds are considered full-grown by 18 to 24 months of age. However, they continue to fill out and put on muscle mass until they are around three years old.

Irish Wolfhounds live between six and eight years, although some individuals might live longer with proper care. Like many giant dog breeds, Irish Wolfhounds have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds.

Irish Wolfhounds are from Ireland, as their name suggests. They have a long history in that country, dating back thousands of years.

Irish Wolfhounds were originally bred as hunting and war dogs by the ancient Celts in Ireland. Their primary function was to hunt large game, such as wolves, deer, and boars. Irish Wolfhounds were also used in battle; their size and strength made them formidable opponents. Over time, they became prized by Irish nobility as companions and guardians due to their gentle nature and loyalty to their families.

Breeds that are commonly mixed with Irish Wolfhounds include Australian Cattle Dogs and German Wirehaired Pointers. Characteristics of an Irish Wolfhound mix can vary widely depending on the specific breeds involved, the individual dog’s genetics, and its upbringing. A few common mixes include:

• Australian Wolfhound (Irish Wolfhound + Australian Cattle Dog)

• German Wolfhound (Irish Wolfhound + German Wirehaired Pointer)

• Great Wolfhound (Irish Wolfhound + Great Dane)

• Wolfoodle (Irish Wolfhound + Poodle)

Yes, Irish Wolfhounds drool, though the extent can vary among individual dogs. Not all Irish Wolfhounds drool excessively, but some might produce more saliva than others, especially after eating or drinking, when excited, or in warm weather.

Both breeds are impressively large, but a male Irish Wolfhound is at least 32 inches tall (and often taller), while Great Dane males are typically 30 to 32 inches tall. Great Danes tend to weigh more, however, at between 110 and 175 pounds, while Irish Wolfhounds weigh between 105 and 120 pounds. Of course, there is great variation among individual dogs of both breeds as well.

Irish Wolfhounds come in a variety of colors according to the American Kennel Club breed standard, including gray, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, or any other color that appears in the Deerhound (such as blue-gray or yellow).

Yes, Irish Wolfhounds shed, but their shedding is considered moderate. Irish Wolfhounds have a wiry and coarse outer coat and softer undercoat, which helps to protect them from various weather conditions. They shed some hair year-round, with two heavier shedding seasons in the spring and fall, when they shed their undercoat more noticeably. Regular brushing can help to remove loose hair and minimize shedding.

Irish Wolfhounds are one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. Male Irish Wolfhounds are at least 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 120 pounds. Female Irish Wolfhounds are slightly smaller, at least 30 inches tall, and weigh around 105 pounds.

Yes, Irish Wolfhounds are good pets. They are gentle, friendly, loyal, and devoted to their families. They form strong bonds with their pet parents and enjoy spending time with them. Despite their large size, Irish Wolfhounds are not overly active dogs. They need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy but are generally content with moderate activity, such as daily walks and playtime. Irish Wolfhounds need plenty of space to move around comfortably, so they are best suited to homes with spacious yards or access to outdoor areas. 

No, Irish Wolfhounds are not aggressive dogs. They tend to be affectionate, calm, and even-tempered, making them excellent companions for families and individuals. However, like any breed, individual temperament can vary, so proper socialization and training are important to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved.

No, Irish Wolfhounds do not bark excessively. They tend to be quiet and reserved, usually displaying a calm and dignified demeanor. However, like all dogs, they might bark occasionally to alert their pet parents to something unusual or to express excitement or playfulness.

Yes, Irish Wolfhounds are good with kids. They are gentle and tolerant, often form strong bonds with children, and can be very patient and protective of them. Teach children how to properly interact with dogs and supervise interactions between Irish Wolfhounds and young children, especially due to the breed’s large size.

Yes, Irish Wolfhounds are good with cats, especially if they are introduced at a young age and raised together in the same household. However, some Irish Wolfhounds have a higher prey drive than others, which could make them less compatible with cats. Early socialization and training are essential to help Irish Wolfhounds understand how to interact appropriately with cats and other small animals.

Yes, Irish Wolfhounds are good with other dogs, especially if they are well-socialized from a young age and introduced to other dogs in a positive manner. Some Irish Wolfhounds might be more reserved or cautious around unfamiliar dogs, while others might be more outgoing and playful.

No, Irish Wolfhounds are not easy to train. They are intelligent, but they can also be independent-minded, which might make training a bit challenging. Additionally, they are sensitive and don’t respond well to harsh training methods. However, with patience and consistency, Irish Wolfhounds can be trained effectively. Irish Wolfhounds respond best to gentle, positive training methods that focus on building a strong bond with their pet parents.

Yes, Irish Wolfhounds are smart dogs. They might not always excel in obedience training due to their independent nature, but they are capable of learning and understanding commands. Irish Wolfhounds are often described as having a thoughtful and introspective demeanor and can be quite observant and discerning. 

Their intelligence is more evident in their problem-solving abilities and capacity to adapt to various situations. Additionally, Irish Wolfhounds are known for their keen instincts, which they inherited from their hunting and tracking heritage.

No, Irish Wolfhounds are not good guard dogs in the traditional sense. Although they are large and imposing in size, Irish Wolfhounds are often described as dignified and noble rather than fierce or territorial. They are more likely to greet strangers with curiosity or indifference rather than aggression. However, Irish Wolfhounds’ presence alone might act as a deterrent due to their size. They can alert their people to unusual sounds or activities with their deep bark, but they are not typically used for guarding or protection work.

Yes, Irish Wolfhounds are friendly and gentle dogs. Irish Wolfhounds are typically sociable toward people, including strangers, and have a calm and dignified demeanor.

Irish Wolfhounds are typically healthy and robust dogs, but like all purebred dogs, Irish Wolfhounds are prone to certain health issues, including:

• Hip dysplasia: With this hereditary condition the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to pain, lameness, and arthritis.

• Elbow dysplasia: This developmental disorder of the elbow joint can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis.

• Dilated cardiomyopathy: This heart condition leads to an enlarged and weakened heart muscle. Symptoms might include lethargy (low energy), coughing, and difficulty breathing.

• Lens luxation: This dislocation of the eye occurs when the support ligaments of the lens weaken or break, causing the lens to dislocate from its normal position. Depending on the direction the lens falls, it can prevent proper drainage of fluid from the eye and lead to glaucoma. The condition is also excruciating and can cause blindness if the luxation is not surgically fixed.

• Glaucoma: This disease causes excessive pressure on the eye, damages the optic nerve, and eventually leads to vision loss and blindness.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): This inherited eye disorder can lead to vision loss over time.

• Osteosarcoma: This is a type of bone cancer that is relatively common in Irish Wolfhounds. It typically affects the long bones of the limbs and can be aggressive and difficult to treat.

• Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus): This is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that often occurs in deep-chested breeds like the Irish Wolfhound. When dogs bloat, the stomach fills with air and twists, which can lead to blocked blood flow and tissue death. Urgent veterinary attention is necessary if bloat is suspected.

No, Irish Wolfhounds are not hypoallergenic. They have a double-layered coat consisting of a coarse outer coat and a softer undercoat, which produce dander and might trigger allergic reactions in people with dog allergies. Additionally, Irish Wolfhounds shed moderately throughout the year, which can contribute to the presence of allergens in the home.

No, Irish Wolfhounds do not smell as long as they are properly groomed and well cared for. With regular bathing, brushing, and dental care, Irish Wolfhounds can remain relatively odor-free.

Adopting an Irish Wolfhound from a rescue organization or animal shelter can range from $200 to $500. You can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000 on average for an Irish Wolfhound puppy from a reputable breeder.

The easiest way to adopt an Irish Wolfhound is through a breed-specific rescue organization that specializes in them. You can also look for Irish Wolfhounds at your local animal shelter. A great place to start is creating a breed search on Adopt a Pet. The search will show you all the Irish Wolfhounds and Irish Wolfhound mixes available in your area.