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Irish Wolfhound

Breed origin: Ireland
Original purpose: Fierce hunters of wolves and the oversized Irish elk.

AKC recognized: 1897
AKC group: Hound

Size: Weight: males at least 120 lbs; females at least 105 lbs
Size: Height: males at least 32 inches; females at least 30 inches
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Color: Gray, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn or any other color that appears in the Deerhound.

Life span: 6 to 8 years.

General characteristics/temperament: The Irish Wolfhound is athletic, powerful, fast, sensitive, gentle yet fearless. They are the tallest of dogs, but not the heaviest. They have a strong prey drive, and must have a very large fenced yard to allow them to gallop. They are not guardians by nature, but sometimes their size alone is enough to be a deterrent.

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Good with children? Yes

Good with other dogs? Yes

Good with cats? No

Good watchdog? No

Protective? No

OK for inexperienced owners? No

OK in apartments? No

© Melastmohican (Mariusz Jurgielewicz) | Dreamstime.com
Energy/Activity Level: Moderate

Good jogging partner? Yes

Suitable canine sports/activities: conformation, obedience, lure coursing

Exercise requirement: They are adaptable, but love long walks and a securely fenced area where they can romp freely.

Grooming requirement: Brush or comb weekly or bi-weekly. They shed year-round.

Known health problems: Dilated cardiomyopathy, cancer, gastric dilatation volvulus, intrahepatic portosystemic shunts, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand's disease, osteochondrosis dissecans, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, megaesophagus, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy.


Additional photos of Irish Wolfhound


Recommended books for further reading:


The Magnificent Irish Wolfhound
By Mary McBryde
Published in 1998
320 pages

Irish Wolfhounds (A Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
By Nikki Riggsbee
Published in 2005
96 pages

Irish Wolfhound (A Comprehensive Owner's Guide)
By Alice Kane and Cheryl A. Ertelt
Published in 2005
158 pages

The New Complete Irish Wolfhound
By Joel Samaha
Published in 1991
244 pages


Show more books


Other websites for additional information:

American Kennel Club breed page
Irish Wolfhound Club of America
Wikipedia breed information page
Irish Wolfhound National Rescue Directory



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Page Last Updated: February 1, 2018

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