Irish Wolfhound

Temperament & Personality

You’ll find Irish Wolfhounds to be true gentle giants. They’re calm, dignified and sensitive by nature. Most carry a quiet, patient demeanour around family and children. Known as “the kindest of hounds,” they bond deeply with their people and crave companionship. Wolfhounds are friendly toward strangers and usually get along well with other dogs and pets. Despite their fearsome hunting heritage, they are non-aggressive; their size and gentle nature, not barking, usually deter threats. These dogs are often affectionate and playful, though their enthusiasm means even a wagging tail can accidentally knock over small children or objects. In short, Irish Wolfhounds are loyal, easygoing companions when treated kindly.

Care, Living Environment, & Grooming

Caring for your Irish Wolfhound means matching their large size and moderate energy. They need a secure, large-yard home where they can stretch out or run – a small apartment is a poor fit. Daily exercise (roughly 1–1.5 hours) in the form of walks, gentle jogs or off-leash runs is ideal. Wolfhounds prefer cooler climates and often seek a chilly spot indoors during heat. Indoors they are surprisingly calm, happy to lounge quietly as long as they get that one good daily run. Weekly brushing removes loose hairs from their wiry double coat. Irish Wolfhounds don’t need frequent clipping or styling; in fact their official standard forbids trimming. Occasional baths (every few months or as needed) keep them clean. Routine care also includes regular nail trims, ear checks and dental hygiene. To illustrate grooming upkeep:

• Weekly: Brush coat thoroughly to remove loose hairs; check/clean ears.
• Monthly: Bathe only if dirty; trim nails; inspect teeth for tartar.
• Every few months: Hand-strip the coarse undercoat (remove dead hair) to maintain coat health.

Training & Socialization

Irish Wolfhounds respond best to gentle, positive training methods. They are intelligent but can be slow to learn flashy tricks – think patience and humor. Harsh corrections often backfire; these sensitive dogs tend to “shut down” under scolding. Instead, use reward-based training (treats, praise or play) and keep sessions calm and consistent. Lead walking should start young, as an adult Wolfhound can weigh 100+ pounds. Many owners use harnesses or head collars for better control, making sure to learn proper use to avoid injury. Early socialization is important: expose puppies to people, pets, sounds and car rides so they grow up confident and well-mannered. Obedience classes or gentle course training (e.g. lure coursing) can channel their scenting instincts. With time and reinforcement, Wolfhounds can learn basic commands, but expect them to follow your lead at their own pace.

Health Considerations

Irish Wolfhounds are generally robust but have a shorter lifespan (around 6–8 years) than smaller breeds. Breeders recommend health screenings for joints and heart before breeding. Common inherited issues include:

• Gastric Dilatation–Volvulus (Bloat): Large deep-chested dogs are prone to stomach twisting. Preventative measures (multiple small meals, avoiding exercise right after eating) are advised.
• Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer): Wolfhounds are predisposed to aggressive bone tumors. Watch for limping or swelling; prompt vet care is critical.
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Heart muscle disease that can lead to heart failure. Regular cardiac check-ups are recommended.
• Hip/Elbow Dysplasia: Abnormal joint development can cause arthritis. Keep dogs lean and consider hip/elbow scoring before breeding.
• Eye Problems: Cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) occur occasionally. Annual eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist can catch issues early.

Lifespan statistics underscore these risks: even with care, Irish Wolfhounds average only about 7 years. Maintaining a healthy weight, feeding a giant-breed diet, and having routine vet screenings can improve quality of life.

Cost of Ownership

Budgeting ~$1,800/year is prudent. Major expenses include food, vet care, insurance and grooming. For example, ASPCA estimates annual dog food at ~$300 and routine vet exams ~$225 (Wolfhounds’ larger size likely doubles the food cost). Expect around $400–$600 for good-quality food, $300–$500 for wellness vet visits and vaccines, and several hundred dollars for annual pet insurance premiums. Grooming costs are modest (no professional trims needed), but budget $100–$200 for brushes, grooming supplies and occasional baths. First-year costs will be higher: anticipate spay/neuter surgery, puppy vaccines, training classes and large-ruff supplies (bigger crates, beds, toys) that can add $500–$1,000. Overall, large-breed medical costs (e.g. for bloat surgery or cancer treatment) can be significant, so consider pet insurance early.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Gentle “velcro dogs” that love family
• Excellent with children and other pets
• Quiet and laid-back at home
• Noble, commanding presence
• Low tendency to bite or show aggression

Cons

• Extremely large size means high space and food needs.
• Short lifespan (around 6–8 years).
• Prone to serious health problems (bloat, cancer, cardiac issues) and expensive vet care.
• Not a true guard dog despite intimidating size.
• Can inadvertently hurt small children or pets by accident due to strength and height.

Fun Facts

• Legendary Hero: A famous tale tells of Gelert, a wolfhound who saved a Welsh prince’s baby from a wolf.
• Royal Gifts: In ancient times Irish Wolfhounds were prized gifts to nobility. Kings and cardinals received them in sets of seven, each dog on a silver chain.
• Gentle Giants: When the last Irish wolf was killed in 1786, Wolfhounds nearly vanished too. The breed was revitalized in the 1800s and is now celebrated as one of Ireland’s iconic “cú faoil” (greyhound-like warrior) breeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Irish Wolfhounds shed a lot?

Irish Wolfhounds shed moderately year-round. Their rough, wiry coats fling off loose hair, especially in spring and fall. Regular weekly brushing helps keep shedding under control and prevents mats. Despite their size, they don’t drool excessively.

Are Irish Wolfhounds good apartment dogs?

It might surprise you, but yes – if you have space and time for exercise. Wolfhounds are generally quiet and calm indoors. With plenty of daily walks or runs, a cool indoor apartment can suit them. That said, they prefer homes with yards and will outgrow small spaces quickly. Never leave them alone for long; they thrive on companionship.

How much exercise does an Irish Wolfhound need?

Plan on roughly 1–2 hours of exercise per day. A daily long walk or jog, plus room to gallop in a fenced area, is ideal. These dogs enjoy one good run and then will happily lounge the rest of the day. Avoid strenuous exercise while puppies to protect growing bones.

Can first-time owners handle an Irish Wolfhound?

Probably not the best starter dog. Their sheer size and strength demand an experienced owner. You’ll need to manage a 100+ lb dog who was bred for independent hunting, so confidence and commitment are key. If you have space and do your homework on training and care, dedicated first-time owners can succeed—but don’t underestimate the challenge.

References

1. Irish Wolfhound Club of America – About Irish Wolfhounds
2. PetMD – Irish Wolfhound
3. Apartments.com – Adopting a Dog: Choosing the Best Apartment-Friendly Breeds
4. Hill's Pet Nutrition – Irish Wolfhound
5. The Irish Wolfhound Foundation – Behavior & Training
6. American Kennel Club – Irish Wolfhound History Behind the Breed