The Irish Wolfhound is a huge dog that creates an instant impression. This is an ancient Irish breed that was used to hunt wolves and used in battles to pull men off or horseback. Today the Irish Wolfhound is still used for hunting, however, they have also transitioned to a family dog.
Despite its intimidating appearance, the Irish Wolfhound is actually a loving and gentle breed. They are great with kids and with other pets. As one of the largest dog breeds in the world they stand between 28 and 36 inches tall and weigh between 90 and 120 pounds. Their coat is rough and scraggly and they usually come in shades of gray, red, white, fawn, brindle, and black.
History and Origin
The origin of the Irish Wolfhound is shrouded in myth and legend. This is an ancient breed possibly dating back as far as the 1st century BC. This breed can often be found in literature and artwork that predates Christianity and one of the most primitive recorded references to Irish Wolfhounds is in Roman records dating to 391 A.D.
Back in the early times, this breed dogs was called “cu” meaning “Irish hound” or “wolf dog”. Royalty or nobility are the only ones who owned them and often used as royal gifts.
Irish wolfhounds are versatile dogs. They hunted with their masters, fought beside them in battle, guarded their properties, played with their children, and lay quietly by the fire as comfortable companions.
The Irish Wolfhound’s name originates from its primary use as a wolf hunter
Appearance and Abilities of the Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound has great size and a commanding appearance. It has a large, muscular greyhound-like shape, and the breed is very tall, but compactly built. The male dog is at least 32 inches (81 cm) tall and weighs a minimum of 120 pounds (54 kg) while the female, which is smaller, stands a minimum of 30 inches (76 cm) and weighs a minimum of 105 pounds (48 kg). It is remarkable in combining power and swiftness with keen sight.
In general, they are rough-coated, very muscular, and strong though gracefully built; and their movements are easy and vigorous. Their heads and necks are carried high and the tail is carried with an upward sweep with a slight curve towards the extremity. The Irish Wolfhound’s coat is rough and particularly long on the brows and under the jaw. Coats come in colors that include gray, brindle, red-brown, black, and white.
A keen-sighted hound the breed was used in Ireland for many years to hunt wolves and other game.
Temperament and Tendencies of the Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are good-natured, tolerant, generous, thoughtful and very intelligent. Although now primarily a family companion, the breed will still instinctively give chase to fleeing prey because of its high prey drive.
Dignified and willing, they are unconditionally loyal to their owners and family. They do not have great guarding instincts but their sheer size will often scare off strangers. Big as they are, they are rather friendly and amiable.
Training and Care
An Irish Wolfhound puppy up to six months of age should just be allowed to play and should be given no actual formal exercise, except for training. A puppy is never too young to learn. It is important to take a growing pup for daily walks for their mental well being. However, too vigorous exercises should not be forced and may be too taxing for this dog’s young body.
The breed’s large size commands more room, more exercise, and a bigger car. Therefore, the Irish Wolfhound is not recommended for apartment life. It is relatively inactive indoors but will do best with no less than a large yard.
Irish Wolfhounds grow rapidly and high-quality food is important to the breed. The breed’s harsh, natural coat requires regular brushing.
8 Responses to “How to Train an Irish Wolfhound”
I hope that is 26 to 28 inches tall, I do not ever want to meet a dog that is 26 to 28 feet tall!
Guess what, Carolyn, it’s FEET! Standing on hind legs.
Yep, its inches. It is usually a reference to the top of the shoulder blades and not the top of the head. My biggest one was 36 inches at the shoulder, though one vet said it was 39… but her way of measuring totally escaped me. Anyway, add 10 inches at least for the top of their head. Standing upright on their hind legs they are 6 FEET tall at least. Mine had to tilt his head down to lick my face in the daily “daddy is home from work rituals” that I lived for.
I would love to be able to get I dog like this.!!! I had a large brain aneurysm and two strokes. My dog got very old and passed away. This has been so hard.!! Someone told a puppy or even an older dog like this cost alot.if someone knows about a puppy like this thatneeds a very good home please email me. I am so lost.!!!!! I am not able to work anymore since my brain aneurysm and my very large dog that would even sleep in my bed.
There are many dog rescue websites, though they usually charge $100 to $350 for adoption. Fortunately Irish Wolfhounds are not popular, which is a wonderful blessing to the quality and welfare of the breed. This includes all vaccinations and neutering. An Irish Wolfhound costs about $1000 to $1400. My two dogs were the loves of my life, but had to adopt out my first one at 4 yrs. old due to a growing family of babies in a small house. He only lived another 8 mos (cancer) and my second lived a “long” life of 7 years 4 months. Average life span of a Wolfhound is 6 1/2 years, with smaller longer lived dogs direct from Ireland living up to 10 years. That is very very hard to take with a dog that will become so one in your heart.
I have just acquired a wolfhound cross of about 6mths old, he has been beaten by his last owner so is quite weary at times. Depressed is about how I would describe him when I first got him, he is slowly comming out of his shell but disappears inside himself if disciplined gently or our older dog snaps at him when he is driving her nuts. I so don’t want to add to his problems so can anyone suggest ways of training that would suit this situation. I walk him once a day but he is not comfortable, so has a mind of his own. I have brought toys for him and play with him with these several times a day. He is so loveable, naughty, weary, just want to do right by him. Any help pls Bev
Many people that get dogs like this make the mistake in thinking they shouldn’t discipline their dog because they are so shy or have been so mistreated. This is the opposite of what the dog needs, though. The dog needs strong discipline, he just needs it in a way that comes from healthy leadership and fairness.
I’d recommend keeping him on a leash with you at all times and using the leash to give corrections when he steps out of line, to guide him, to teach him the things you want him to do, etc.
This is absolutely heartbreaking, certainly. The Irish Wolfhounds I had virtually trained themselves. They SO want to please you and be loved. I would keep the “training” to a gentle minimum as this dog needs reassurance and love more than he does discipline. Of course proper behavior MUST be expected as a dog this size can do a lot of damage quick. Still, I think you will find him growing more and more self-assured with time and patience. Thank you for rescuing this dear hound, but realize he has been damaged and will likely never be 100% ever. With your love and help he will have a good life yet.