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Irish Wolfhound Puppies for Sale
Irish Wolfhound
Photo Courtesy of Tenderland Farms Texas
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Pronunciation |
Irish
Wolfhound |
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Description |
A massive, muscular dog, the Irish Wolfhound is
one of the tallest breeds in the world. This gentle giant can reach the size of
a small pony. Standing on his hind legs the Irish Wolfhound can reach up to 7
feet tall! He has a rough, shaggy coat and wiry bushy eyebrows. Colors
include gray, brindle, red, black or white. Gray is the most common color. The
paws are large and round, with markedly arched toes and strong, curved nails. It
has a long head with a moderately pointed muzzle and a muscular arched neck. The
chest is very deep and it has a well retracted abdomen. The shoulders are
strong. The Irish Wolfhound gives the appearance of both strength and grace. The
tail hangs down with a slight curve. The ears are carried back against the head
except when the animal is excited, when they my prick up part-way. |
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Temperament |
Irish Wolfhounds are sweet-tempered, patient,
generous, thoughtful and very intelligent. Excellent, and can be trusted with,
children. Dignified and willing, they are unconditionally loyal to their owner
and family. Not a guard dog by nature, but may be a deterrent simply due to his
size. They tend to greet everyone as a friend, so do not count on them being a
watch dog. This giant breed can be clumsy. Slow to mature, it takes two whole
years before they are full grown. However, they grow rapidly and high-quality
food is essential. While it is important to take a growing pup for daily walks for their mental well being, hard exercise should not be forced and may be too taxing for this dog's body when
it is young. Teach it
not to pull on its leash before it gets too strong. The Irish Wolfhound is relatively easy to train. He responds well
to firm, but gentle, consistent, leadership. This approach with plenty of canine understanding will go
a long way because this dog quickly grasps what you intend. Make sure the young
dog is given as much self-confidence as possible and that you are always
consistent with it, so that it grows into an equable, confident dog. This calm dog gets along
well with other dogs. This is also true with other animals if the dog has gotten
to know them when it was still young. However, it might "course"
a smaller dog in an open yard. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: 28-35 inches (71-90 cm.)
Weight: 90-150 pounds (40-69 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
These dogs are prone to cardiomyopathy, bone
cancer, bloat, PRA, Von Willebrands, and hip dysplasia. |
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Living Conditions |
The Irish Wolfhound is not recommended for
apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at
least a large yard. You must have a lot of room in your home, heart, yard and
car to successfully own this giant breed. They need to be part of the family and
would be very unhappy in a kennel. Being sighthounds, they will chase and so
need a secure, fenced area for exercise. |
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Exercise |
These giant dogs need lots of space to run, but do
not need any more exercise than smaller breeds. They need a daily
walk where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the human holding the lead. Never in front. Like many other giant breeds it is important to remember that too much forced, vigorous exercise
is not good for a young dog's growth and development, so watch your puppy for any signs, but they still instinctually need a daily walk. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 6-8 years |
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Grooming |
The rough, medium-length coat needs regular and
thorough grooming with a brush and comb. This with keep the coat in good
condition. About once or twice a year pluck the coat to remove excess dead hair.
This breed is an average shedder. |
| Origin |
The Irish Wolfhound's name originates from is use as a wolf hunter, and not from its appearance. This is a very old breed possibly dating back as far as the 1st century BC. They were used in wars, and for guarding herds and property and for hunting Irish elk, deer, boar, and wolves. They were held in such high esteem that battles were fought over them. Irish
Wolfhounds were often given as royal presents and eventually became such popular
gifts that Oliver Cromwell had to stop their export from Britain. Boar and wolf became extinct in Ireland and as a result the Irish Wolfhound
declined in population. It was carefully breed in the second half of the 19th
century by a British army officer, Captain George Graham. The breed was
revitalized by the influx of Great Dane and Deerhound blood. The Irish Wolfhound Club was founded in 1885. It was recognized by the Kennel Club as a sporting breed in 1925. In 1902 a hound was first presented to the Irish Guards as a mascot. The Irish Wolfhound Society was founded in 1981.
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| Group |
Southern, AKC Hound |
Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, IWCA,
NZKC, APRI, ACR |
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CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel
Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian
National Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
IWCA = Irish
Wolfhound Club of America
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
Irish Wolfhound Posters and Prints!
Brendan, the Irish Wolfhound with his owner/breeder, Frank Winters, who
is 6' 1" BTW!! It really puts the breed's size into perspective!! Brendan is
about 180 pounds (82 kg.).
This is Grainne, with owner/breeder Frank Winters. Grainne is Brendan's little sister/littermate.
Siela the Irish Wolfhound. Photo Courtesy of Genevieve Simmons.
Irish
Wolfhound Pictures 1
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