Irish Wolfhound breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Irish Wolfhounds
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Irish Wolfhound breed
Irish Wolfhounds are majestic and gentle giants that have a rich history in Ireland. They are one of the tallest dog breeds in the world and have a noble appearance. Irish Wolfhounds have a fascinating history and were once prized by Irish nobility for their hunting skills. They were often used to hunt wolves, hence their name. They are known for their kind and calm nature.
Weight, height & life expectancy
On average, males can reach a height of 81-86cm, while females are slightly smaller at 71-76cm.
In terms of weight, they can range from 48 to 54kg for males and 41 to 49kg for females.
The average life expectancy of an Irish Wolfhound is 7 to 9 years.
What is the temperament of an Irish Wolfhound like?
Irish Wolfhounds have a gentle and affectionate temperament. They are known for their friendly and patient nature, making them great companions and family dogs. They are generally good with children and get along well with other animals, including dogs and cats. Due to their large size, early socialisation is important to ensure they are well-behaved and comfortable in various social situations. Irish Wolfhounds thrive on human companionship and should not be left alone for long periods of time.
They are not typically overly protective, but their sheer size can be intimidating to strangers. Despite their calm demeanour, they can still be alert and wilful when necessary.
Our Irish Wolfhound Community
"Merlin is a big dog but very chill and gentle and rather clumsy. He likes to sleep and have zoomies after going in the water."
Merlin’s owner, Timothy from Derbyshire
"Arthur is a real character, he's loving and attentive in the house, always wants to cuddle, then bouncy, energetic and playful outside."
Arthur’s owner, Iain from Hertfordshire
How much exercise does an Irish Wolfhound need?
Irish Wolfhounds are a giant breed with moderate exercise needs. On average, Irish Wolfhounds need around 1 to 1.5 hours of exercise per day. This can include walks, gentle jogs, and free play in a securely fenced area. However, it's important to avoid excessive exercise, especially during their growth stages, as it can put strain on their developing bones and joints.
Young Irish Wolfhound puppies should have controlled exercise and play to prevent potential health issues. They can gradually increase their exercise levels as they mature. They should not be on adult exercise levels until 18 to 24 months. Your vet can advise on the exercise needs of your pooch.
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Do Irish Wolfhounds need a lot of grooming?
Irish Wolfhounds have a wiry and dense coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. Despite their long hair, their coat is relatively easy to maintain. They are considered a low-shedding breed. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient to remove loose hair and prevent matting. During shedding seasons, more frequent brushing may be necessary to keep their coat tidy.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Irish Wolfhounds easy to train?
Irish Wolfhounds are generally intelligent and willing to please, which can make them trainable. However, they can also have an independent streak and may not be as eager to obey commands as some other breeds. Patience and consistency are essential when training an Irish Wolfhound.
It's also recommended to start their training at a young age to establish good behaviours and manners. Early socialisation and consistent, positive reinforcement training methods are key to their success. They respond well to rewards-based training, including treats, praise, and play.
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What do Irish Wolfhounds eat?
A balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for the health and well-being of Irish Wolfhounds. As puppies, they require a specific diet formulated for their growth and development. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day until 6 months old, when this should be reduced to twice daily. Consult with your vet to determine the appropriate feeding schedule, portion sizes, and specific dietary needs for your Irish Wolfhound puppy.
As they transition into adulthood, at around 18 months, Irish Wolfhounds should be gradually introduced to a high-quality adult dog food that is suitable for their size, age, and activity level.
Are Irish Wolfhounds healthy?
Irish Wolfhounds are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. It's important to be aware of these potential concerns and to schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to monitor their health. Some health issues that can occur in Irish Wolfhounds include:
Cancer
Osteosarcoma - they have a higher risk of developing bone cancer compared to other breeds
Eyes
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - this is when the retina of the eye breaks down, leading to blindness
Gastrointestinal
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) - this occurs when the stomach twists and gas and contents get trapped inside. It is a very serious condition and a vet should be contacted immediately
Heart
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) - a disease of the heart muscle causing the heart ventricles to get larger, which can lead to heart failure
Liver
Porto-systemic shunt (PSS) - when the blood circulation bypasses the normal cleaning processes of the liver resulting in signs like stunted growth and abnormal behaviours.
This list is by no means exhaustive, so if you have any concerns about the health of your Irish Wolfhound or if you want to discuss further if an Irish Wolfhound is the right breed for you, consult with your veterinarian.
Vet top tip
Ensure they get regular, moderate activity to stay healthy, but always provide plenty of time for rest to avoid overexertion, especially during their rapid growth phases.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
