Dog Breed

Irish Wolfhound

Primary image of Irish Wolfhound dog breed
Full Name
Irish Wolfhound
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Life Span
6 - 8 years
Weight
105 - 180 pounds
Description

Sweet-Tempered, Loyal, Dignified, Patient, Thoughtful, Generous

Origin
Ireland
Bred For
Coursing wolves, elk
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Irish Wolfhound good with children?

    Yes! The Irish Wolfhound is naturally friendly with children. As always, socialization is always important, but the Irish Wolfhound is an excellent dog for anyone with small children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Irish Wolfhound friendly with strangers?

    Yes, the Irish Wolfhound is very friendly with strangers. We still recommend early socialization while the Irish Wolfhound is a puppy to introduce them to various new people, but in general they are friendly with everyone.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Irish Wolfhound friendly with other dogs?

    Yes, the Irish Wolfhound is very friendly with other dogs. We still recommend early socialization while the Irish Wolfhound is a puppy to introduce them to various new dogs, but in general they are friendly with dogs as soon as they meet them.
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Irish Wolfhound like to cuddle?

    The Irish Wolfhound likes to cuddle up every once in a while. They appreciate physical affection, but probably won't stay in your lap for extended amounts of time.
    Playfulness

    Does the Irish Wolfhound like to play?

    The Irish Wolfhound will almost always be ready for play! The Irish Wolfhound is great for a family with children, or otherwise, an environment that is always ready for play.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Irish Wolfhound make a good service dog?

    The Irish Wolfhound is not typically used as a service dog. There are always exceptions to the rule, but a service dog has to have many natural traits in addition to the proper training- smart, patient, and obsessed with pleasing their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Irish Wolfhound good for first-time owners?

    The Irish Wolfhound would not be the best fit for first-time owners. A breed is only good for first-time owners if it is raised for home companionship, and is open to training and is motivated to please its owner.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Irish Wolfhound be trained?

    The Irish Wolfhound does not have high levels of training potential. There are exceptions, but the Irish Wolfhound is not typically seen in competitions or as a service dog or police dog.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Irish Wolfhound shed a lot?

    The Irish Wolfhound does shed, but less than average.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Irish Wolfhound easy to groom?

    The Irish Wolfhound requires some grooming, but less than the average dog breed. Typically you will not need to take the Irish Wolfhound to the pet salon, and occasional combing at home should be enough.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Irish Wolfhound need a lot of exercise?

    The Irish Wolfhound requires an average amount of exercise. You should be ready to dedicate a couple of short walks or a larger dog park session each day for your Irish Wolfhound to be happy and fulfilled.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Irish Wolfhound?

    The Irish Wolfhound has average intelligence. They are smart and witty, but do not need to be constantly challenged mentally, as some other breeds.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Irish Wolfhound bark? Does the Irish Wolfhound bark too much?

    The Irish Wolfhound barks all the time. They are big talkers, and want to show it! In general, barking and being expressive can be beneficial, such as for guarding property or livestock. But it is important to consider whether heavy barking suites your lifestyle.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Irish Wolfhound a good guard dog?

    The Irish Wolfhound is not a dog breed necessarily known as a guard dog, but they are alert. The Irish Wolfhound is protective of its family, and has above average tendencies when it comes to guarding property.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Irish Wolfhound good at staying alone? Is the Irish Wolfhound independent?

    The Irish Wolfhound does not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They can do well for a couple of hours alone, but may have anxiety for time beyond that.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Irish Wolfhound a good apartment dog?

    The Irish Wolfhound is not the best dog apartment living, but it can work if the owner is dedicated to exercising and training their Irish Wolfhound
    Size

    How big is the Irish Wolfhound?

    The Irish Wolfhound is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Irish Wolfhound tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Irish Wolfhound?

    The Irish Wolfhound can tolerate some heat, but should not be over-exposed to hot weather. In general, they can live in hot weather climates, but would do best with air conditioning or at least a fan in their home, especially where they sleep.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Irish Wolfhound tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Irish Wolfhound?

    The Irish Wolfhound can tolerate some cold, but should not be over-exposed to cold weather. In general, they can live in cold weather climates, but may need clothing on particularly cold evenings or in snow.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Irish Wolfhound try to run away?

    The Irish Wolfhound has huge wanderlust, meaning that it's natural for them to want to run away. They are known as escape artists. It's important to test your yard and have a tall fence that cannot be jumped or climbed over. Sometimes the Irish Wolfhound is not well suited for being off-leash, even if they are well trained.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Irish Wolfhound a healthy dog? The health of a Irish Wolfhound should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Irish Wolfhound is healthy, but has an average number of health risks that should be taken into consideration.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Irish Wolfhound?

    The Irish Wolfhound has a good amount of energy and it's important to give the Irish Wolfhound daily walks and ideally run time as well. A well-exercised dog is easier to train, and will be happier and have less likelihood for destructive habits.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Irish Wolfhound drool?

    The Irish Wolfhound drools a decent amount, especially if that irresistible food is nearby.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Irish Wolfhound have a large prey drive? Does the Irish Wolfhound like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Irish Wolfhound has a high prey drive and has a natural tendency to chase after any small animal. Every case is unique, but the Irish Wolfhound may not be the best dog for living with other cats or small animals.
    Athleticism

    Is the Irish Wolfhound atheltic?

    The Irish Wolfhound is athletic and has average levels of endurance. They need a lot of exercise, and can be an exercise partner as long as it's nothing too extreme.
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  • Secondary image of Irish Wolfhound dog breed

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  1. Hound
  2. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a purebred dog that falls within the larger Hound dog breed group.
Hound group: The hound has traditionally been used alongside hunters to track or chase prey. Unlike retrievers who are bred primarily to retrieve and bring back the prey, hounds were typically bred to have excellent vision, scent, or speed to pursue the prey. Because of the Hound's excellent vision, scent, and focus, they are a common police and secret services dog. Hounds are typically categorized into either "scent hounds" or "sight hounds". Both exercise and mental stimulation is important for hounds because of their history. They want to feel they have a "job" and want to go to bed feeling they have done their day's duty.

Irish Wolfhounds for adoption

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