Irish Wolfhound

Amy Tokic
by Amy Tokic
Published:  February 12th, 2013
fast facts

About Irish Wolfhound

Weight
105-120 lb
Lifespan
6-8 years
Group
AKC Hound
Best Suited For
Families with children, active singles and seniors, houses with yards
Temperament
Gentle, easy going, patient, calm
Comparable Breeds
Borzoi, Scottish Deerhound
Height
31-36 inches
Irish Wolfhound Basics


Known as the tallest of dog breeds, Irish Wolfhounds are truly gentle giants. This breed is famous for being easy going, soft natured, calm, sensitive, sweet, and patient. A relatively good watch dog that can provide some protection, the Irish Wolfhound is excellent with children, strangers, pets, and other dogs.


Friendly and loving to its owners, the Irish Wolfhound is intelligent, which makes it an easy dog to train. It needs regular exercise so it can stretch those long legs. If you’ve been toying with the idea of bringing an Irish Wolfhound into your home, read on to find out more.


Known as the tallest of dog breeds, Irish Wolfhounds are truly gentle giants.


Origin


Experts believe that the Irish Wolfhound was brought to Ireland from Greece as early as 7000 BC. During the 1st century, this breed was used in wars (Irish Wolfhounds could take a knight off his horse) and as guard dogs. Irish Wolfhounds were also used as hunting dogs and to protect a farmer’s stock.


In the 19th century, Irish Wolfhounds were only allowed to be owned by royalty, and because of this exclusion, the breed almost became extinct.


Pedigree

After its close call with extinction, the Irish Wolfhound was bred with the Great Dane, Barzoi and Deerhound.


The Irish Wolfhound was recognized by the AKC in 1897.


Food / Diet


You should feed your Irish Wolfhound a quality diet that features the proper balance of protein, carbs, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Choose a high-quality commercial dog food, a natural brand that comes with human grade food and no fillers or meat by-products.


This breed is famous for being easy going, soft natured, calm, sensitive, sweet, and patient.


Training


Training an Irish Wolfhound is quite easy, since this breed is intelligent and loves to please. Start training as early as possible, as you will find a puppy easier to handle. Start your training with leash control. The Irish Wolfhound likes to pull on the leash, so you need to teach your dog that this behavior is unacceptable. Leash training is especially important because as your dog grows bigger, it will have no problems dragging you along on its leash.


The best way to train an Irish Wolfhound is to be consistent and patient. When your dog follows a command, reward it with a treat, and when it does something wrong, firmly but positively correct the behavior.


Because the Irish Wolfhound is smart, it will quickly understand what is expected. You should continue to work with your dog, even when it starts to mature. As well, be sure to socialize your Irish Wolfhound with other dogs and people so that it does not become frightened.


Weight


Male Irish Wolfhounds weigh 110 to 120 pounds, while females weigh 105 to 115 pounds.


Temperament / Behavior

Since Irish Wolfhounds are so loving and friendly, they do not make good guard dogs. But if you are looking for a dog as a companion and best friend, you will find that the Irish Wolfhound fits the bill perfectly.


A wonderful companion and a great pet, the Irish Wolfhound is loyal, smart, calm and loving. The more kids, the merrier – the Irish Wolfhound is great with children of all ages. Even during playtime, this dog is gentle.


Common Health Problems


Just like all dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound can suffer from health problems. Some health issues that are common to this breed are bone cancer, cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia (a type of arthritis that affects large dogs which is painful and decreases the ability to walk or run), Von Willebrands, PRA and bloat (caused by feeding your dog too much food at one time) and could require surgery.


To keep your Irish Wolfhound healthy, make sure to take your dog out for regular exercise and visit the veterinarian when needed.


Life Expectancy


Irish Wolfhounds have a short life expectancy of 6 to 8 years.


Exercise Requirements


This is one large dog and it needs a large area to play and exercise in. You’ll need to take your Irish Wolfhound out for a walk or run at least twice a day. You can incorporate your dog’s exercise routine into your workout routine if you like to ride a bike, run or rollerblade. This is where leash training comes in handy, so be sure to start this training from the time your dog is a puppy.


A relatively good watch dog that can provide some protection, the Irish Wolfhound is excellent with children, strangers, pets, and other dogs.


AKC


The American Kennel Club says this about the breed: “An Irish Wolfhound must be “of great size and commanding appearance.” He has a large, muscular greyhound-like shape, and he is the tallest of dogs, but not the heaviest. A superb athlete and an endurance runner, an old Irish proverb describes him perfectly: “Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked.”


Coat


The medium/long haired Irish Wolfhound sheds a fair amount – don’t be surprised if you find hair stuck to pretty much everything in your house. You’ll have to brush its shaggy coat at least twice a week in order to keep shedding under control. There is a range of coat colors but grey is the most common.


You’ll need to take your Irish Wolfhound to a professional groomer to have its hair plucked – this is a process that removes dead hair.


Puppies


Even as puppies, Irish Wolfhounds are still big. You can expect your puppy to reach adult height by about six months of age. In the way of training, start leash training as soon as your puppy comes home.

WOW
Amy Tokic
Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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The summer months are in full swing, and the temperatures are soaring high. Due to this, pet owners across the world are concerned about their furry and feathery friends and the possible adverse effects extreme weather could have on them. A group especially vulnerable to heat is parrots, who are usually small and don’t tolerate high temperatures. Like all other pets, they too need to have plenty of fresh, cool water available at all times, as it is essential for maintaining their overall health and also aids digestion and regulates body temperature. But how much water does your avian pet really need in the summer? Can parrots get dehydrated and can you prevent it? Here is what you need to know.Can a Parrot Get Dehydrated?Like all living creatures, parrots also require water, and without enough of it, they can certainly become dehydrated. Dehydration occurs when a parrot loses more water than it consumes, which leads to an imbalance in their body’s water levels. There are many reasons why this can happen. Most often it is insufficient water intake, excessive heat, sickness, or improper diet. To calculate how much water a parrot needs, you need to consider their size and weight – a majestic Moluccan Cockatoo will certainly need more water than a cute little Budgie. A good rule of thumb is to ensure they get at least 5% of their body weight in water each day.Dehydration in parrots can have serious health consequences, including kidney function, digestion, and overall vitality. That is why it is important to always provide them with a fresh source of water and monitor for signs of dehydration.Signs of Dehydration in ParrotsAll parrot owners need to know how to spot the symptoms of dehydration. This can be crucial for their health and allow you quick intervention. Some of the common signs are:#1 Sunken Eyes:When dehydrated, a parrot’s eyes can appear sunken or dull. This is one of the more noticeable signs and it needs to be addressed immediately.#2 Dry Skin and Beak:A dehydrated parrot can have dry or flaky skin and a dry beak. The skin can also lose its elasticity, and the beak may appear brittle.#3 Lethargy:When dehydrated, parrots can become lethargic or less active than usual. They might not show any interest in playing or interacting with their environment in the usual way.#4 Reduced appetite:A lack of water intake can lead to loss of appetite, as dehydration can cause digestive issues and general discomfort. #5 Rapid breathing:In an attempt to regulate their body temperature, dehydrated parrots may pant or breathe at a rapid pace.#6 Sticky mucous membranes:The inside of the parrot’s mouth may appear sticky or dry due to a lack of moisture.#7 Weight loss:Over time, dehydration can lead to noticeable weight loss, as the parrot’s body struggles to maintain its normal functions.Preventing and Treating Dehydration in ParrotsOf course, it is equally important to understand what can cause dehydration in parrots in the first place. This can also help you to prevent it from occurring. The number one cause is inadequate water supply. If a parrot’s water source is not easily accessible or is often empty, they may not consume enough water. Make sure that their waterer is always clean, easy to use, and made from parrot-safe materials.

Two Pet Food Recalls Spark Fear of Bacterial Infections

This week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued two separate pet food recalls over fears of bacterial contamination that could cause health issues in pets and, in some cases, death.The first recall notice involves pet food for cats and dogs, and the second notice involves pet food for hedgehogs.A popular online pet food company, Viva Raw LLC of Hillsborough, North Carolina, has voluntarily recalled five of its cat and dog foods over the fears that the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. According to an announcement on the FDA website, the recalled products include Viva Turkey for Dogs Ground, Viva Turkey for Dogs Chunked, Viva Turkey for Cats, Viva Pure Turkey, and Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies. All of the recalled products were manufactured under Lot 21244. The products involved in the recall were packed in clear packaging and shipped as frozen, one-pound bricks. The expiration date wasn’t listed on any of the packaging. The recalled cat and dog food was distributed to customers in all 50 states, including the Columbia district. Listeria was discovered in the food after the FDA conducted sample testing on Viva Turkey for Dogs. All pet food products from the same lot should have been destroyed, but the company claims some items were ‘inadvertently released from the warehouse’ to customers. According to the FDA press release: “Viva Raw is notifying all customers who were shipped any Turkey or Beef & Turkey for Puppies products between May 16th and June 28th, 2024. No illnesses related to this lot have been reported to date.”  Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause Listeriosis in humans. Listeriosis is a serious infection that causes vomiting, fever, and diarrhea, among other symptoms. Pregnant women, young children, and old and sick people are at most risk of developing severe complications. In cats and dogs, this bacteria can cause diarrhea, anorexia, and fever. Some animals can also experience depression, miscarriage, and death.In addition to becoming sick, pets who consume the contaminated food can also become carriers, spreading listeria through their saliva and feces and infecting people and animals they come in contact with.In its notice, the FDA advises owners not to feed these contaminated products to pets. Also, you shouldn’t touch these products with your bare hands. Use gloves or paper towels to dump the product in a sealed bag and then disinfect all the surfaces that have come into contact with it.The second recall involves various lots of Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food and Vitakraft Vita Smart Hedgehog Food. The Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc. of Wisconsin, Ohio, has voluntarily recalled some lots of various hedgehog foods, as they may be contaminated with Salmonella.According to the notice, the recalled products were distributed in many states, including Arizona, California, Georgia, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Massachusetts, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause serious infections in humans and animals. In humans, the most common symptoms of Salmonella are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramping. However, this bacteria can cause even more serious issues in people, including arthritis, endocarditis, arterial infections, and more. Pets suffering from a Salmonella infection can experience fever, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Some infected animals don’t exhibit any symptoms, but can be carriers of Salmonella and spread it to other people and pets. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?

Reverse sneezing, also known as inspiratory paroxysmal respiration, is a condition that often worries dog owners because of its dramatic presentation. Unlike regular, common sneezing, which involves expelling air out through the nose, reverse sneezing occurs when a dog rapidly pulls air into its nose. This phenomenon is characterized by sudden, repeated, and forceful inhalations through the nose, accompanied by a snorting sound that can be quite alarming to those unfamiliar with the condition. But is it a cause for worry? Here’s the scoop on this weird behavior.What Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?What reverse sneezing essentially is is a spasm of the throat and the soft palate. During an episode, the dog’s airway temporarily narrows, causing the dog to extend its neck and make loud snorting noises as it tries to clear the irritation. These episodes are usually brief, lasting from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, and they typically resolve on their own without intervention. There are several key factors that can trigger reverse sneezing in dogs. Here are some common causes:#1 Irritants:Environmental irritants, such as pollen, dust, perfumes, and smoke can all cause reverse sneezing. Dogs with allergies, or those exposed to new or strong scents are particularly susceptible. For dogs with allergies, supplements can be of great help in managing symptoms and even relieving them altogether.

Unlock Your Pup’s Heritage: Embark Vet's Summer Sale is Here!

Hey fellow dog lovers! 🐾Is there anything more heartwarming than watching our furry friends playfully bounding around, tongues lolling and tails wagging?As proud dog parents, we're often fascinated by our pups' heritage and health.That's why it's so exciting to introduce you to Embark, the company that offers the most accurate dog DNA test on the market.

When Can a Puppy Start Eating Kibble?

One of the most exciting milestones in your dog’s puppyhood is the transition from milk and soft foods to solid kibble. This marks a major step in their growth and development and ensures that they receive all the important nutrients for a healthy life. But even so, some owners are uncertain about when exactly kibble should be introduced.Understanding the right timing for this can be crucial for their good development and overall well-being as it helps set a solid foundation for a healthy diet later on in life. So here’s what you need to know before you offer dry food to your puppy.When Can a Puppy Start Eating Kibble?In the early first few weeks of their life, puppies rely entirely on their mother’s milk for nutrition. Nature arranged it so that this milk provides all the essential antibodies that boost their immune system and nutrients that are vital for their early growth. Usually, puppies should stay with their momma and littermates until they are at least 8 weeks old. During this time, they gradually transition from nursing to exploring more solid foods.Around 3 to 4 weeks of age, however, puppies begin showing more and more interest in the food that their mom is eating, and will often nibble on solid foods. These can be softened puppy food or kibble soaked in water. This helps them to become accustomed to all kinds of different textures and flavors, which in turn prepares them for eventually switching to dry kibble and other solid foods.In general, puppies can begin eating dry kibble between 6 and 8 weeks of age. At this stage, their little teeth are developing, and they have the jaw strength needed to chew solid foods efficiently. Still, it is important to choose high-quality puppy kibble formulated specifically for their nutritional needs. Go for a formula that is based on natural, wholesome ingredients and doesn’t contain any nasty filler or artificial substances – meat should be the first ingredient on the list, followed by sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as veggies and fruit.

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