Irish Wolfhound: Personality, Health, Grooming
You Must Know

Group: Hound Dogs.

AKC Ranking: 77

About Irish Wolfhound

A gentle giant would be a good description for the breed known as Irish Wolfhound . Considered the tallest of all recognized breeds, this dog can reach heights of 7 ft. while standing on his hind legs. Though gentle and loving, their large size and sometimes clumsy movements require more space than an apartment will allow. A safe, enclosed yard will serve them best for exercise as will frequent short walks on lead.

The Irish Wolfhound is a sight hound, bred to course prey, so caution should be exercised if the pet is off lead. Characteristic pursuit of prey can lead this breed into a harmful situation.

They are great with children and consider themselves part of the family.

Training is often easy but requires a gentle, firm approach. Loud demands will only confuse this breed and cause it to withdraw.

Because of their large size and slow growth, it is important to let puppies decide how much exercise they need. Maturity is not reached until around 2 years of age and development of quality bone structure is most important.

Breed Selector Tool - is the Irish Wolfhound the right breed for you?

Is the Irish Wolfhound the right breed for you and your family?
Find out by using our Free Dog Breed Selector Tool

Check Your Irish Wolfhound's Learning Style

Are you aware dogs also have a learning style that can greatly affect their ability to housetrain as well as be trained correctly. Evaluate your Irish Wolfhound's learning style and personality using our free Learning Style tool so that you are better able to provide him with the proper training methods.

Is your Irish Wolfhound dominating over you?

Does your Irish Wolfhound bark unnecessarily? Does your Irish Wolfhound come to you when you call? Download a FREE Report on Dog Dominance for you and your Irish Wolfhound and learn how to control your dog.

Do you make these mistakes with your Irish Wolfhound?

Are you inadvertently snow-balling bad behavior in your Irish Wolfhound? Evaluate your Dog Training Style from our Free Tool and learn how best to deal with your dog.

Irish Wolfhound Calorie Calculator

Do you know how many calories your Irish Wolfhound needs every day and how many cups of food you should be giving it every day? Click here to use our Irish Wolfhound Calorie Calculator.

Grooming

Grooming requires frequent brushing and nail clipping and occasional bathing. This should not be difficult for most owners but because of their size, might best be handled professionally.

Health Issues

Health concerns are cardiomyopathy, bloat (gas in digestive tract), hip dysplasia and bone cancer.

Height

Male: 30-35"
Female: 28-31"

Weight

Males: 120-150 lbs.
Females : 90-120 lbs. and

Life Expectancy: 6-8 years.

Breed Club: www.iwclubofamerica.org

Rescue Link: www.iwclubofamerica.org