Height: 30-34 inches
Weight: 105-120 lbs.
Life Span: 5-10 yrs.
Breed Group: Sight Hounds
Overview
This sweet dog requires an enormous amount of love and affection, and though
it needs a fenced yard for exercise, it should not be left alone outside
for long periods.
Irish wolfhounds are very friendly and love children, although some may
be initially shy with strangers. Early socialization with adults, children,
other animals, and noises help them to learn how to adapt to different situations.
Irish wolfhounds do not shine in obedience class but will nevertheless learn
when handled with patience and gentleness. They are wonderful dogs for families
who live in large houses with land.
Appearance
The coat is rough, hard, and wiry. Its color is gray, brindle, red, black,
pure white, fawn, or any other color that appears in the Scottish deerhound.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
Irish wolfhounds need to be brushed and combed once or twice a week. Some
stripping (removing old hair by hand) and trimming are needed twice a year
to shape the coat.
The Irish wolfhound needs a long walk or, preferably, a good run in a secured
area, every day.
Origins
This giant dog was valued by ancient Celtic chieftains for its hunting prowess
against wolves, boars, stags, and the now-extinct gigantic, six-foot-tall
Irish elk.
Special Alerts
The Irish wolfhound is not suitable for city or apartment life.
Breed-related health concerns: hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis
dissecans, bloat, progressive retinal atrophy, osteosarcoma.
Reference: AKC - American Kennel Club |
