Irish Wolfhound
Other names: Wolfhound, Cú/ Cú Faoil

The Irish wolfhound is a gentle, loyal, and exceptionally affectionate dog. Like many greyhound-type breeds, he is very attached to his social group and takes pride and pleasure in protecting them. He is not particularly territorial, but can certainly prove to be a strong deterrent if his family is threatened in any way. Patient and friendly with children, he can blend into family life seamlessly despite his imposing size.
Key facts about the Irish Wolfhound
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Origins and history
Opinions on the Wolfhound’s origins are divided: certain sources claim that the breed is recent (dating back to 19th century), but most experts consider his roots to be very old. It would seem that in 391 B.C., a Roman consul received a gift from his brother in the form of seven large dogs, designed to fight in the arena against lions and bears. The description of this dog is, at any rate, compatible with that of the Wolfhound.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 10 - Sighthounds
Section
Section 2 : Rough-haired Sighthounds
Physical characteristics of the Irish Wolfhound
Adult size
Female : Between 28 and 32 in
Male : Between 31 and 34 in
Weight
Female : Between 88 and 119 lb
Male : Between 88 and 119 lb
Coat colour
The admissible coat colours are: grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, wheaten and steel grey.
Type of coat
The coat is medium-long.
The coat is coarse, hard and wirehaired above the eyes and underneath the jaw.
Eye colour
The eyes are dark.
Description
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the biggest dogs in the world: a sighthound with an elongated and imposing frame, a significantly muscular constitution, and a large croup and back. The paws are long, straight, and of solid bone structure. The head is long and flat, not too wide, with a long and slightly pointed muzzle. The eyes are small and dark, exuding a gentle expression. The ears are small and rose-shaped, like that of the Greyhound.
Good to know
There was a time when this breed could not be found in a single, so-called ‘commoner’s’ home. Only nobility was allowed to own this dog. He was to be found in several royal courts, namely that of Edward the Third, Henry the Eighth, and Elizabeth the First in England, or Henry the Fourth in France.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Irish Wolfhound
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Compatibility
Price
The price of a Wolfhound varies depending on its origins, age, and sex. You have to count an average of £1430 for dogs subscribed to the Kennel Club.
With regards to the monthly budget required to meet the needs of a dog of this size, you have to estimate an average of £70 per month.
Grooming
The maintenance of this wirehaired dog is not complicated but does require some amount of diligence and consistency in order to preserve the beauty and cleanliness of his coat. He doesn’t necessarily need to be bathed, unless he is very dirty of course, but this should remain rare.
Shedding
Shedding is moderate throughout the year, save for moulting seasons, during which it intensifies. That is when daily brushes will be required.
Nutrition of the Irish Wolfhound
Being the very large dog that he is, he will require rather copious meals throughout his entire period of growth (roughly 15 months). The diet should also ideally be approved of by a vet.
Once an adult, this dog is not difficult at all and can be just as happy with commercially available food (kibble) as with traditional nutrition (e.g. raw or homemade food).
It is, in fact, at the owner’s discretion to choose the type of diet he will provide his dog with, depending on availability and budget. At any rate, be they daily dry, raw, or cooked meals, they must be composed of high-quality products.
His large constitution requires two meals a day to prevent the dog from ingesting too much at once: a light meal in the morning, and a more substantial one in the evening.
Health of the Irish Wolfhound
Life expectancy
Life expectancy is 8 years on average.
Strong / robust
The Irish Wolfhound is relatively robust but, unfortunately, does not have a very long lifespan.
Withstand heat
Hot weather is not the Irish Wolfhound’s climate of choice. He will require a spot in the shade and an endless source of fresh water during heat waves, and you should refrain from demanding any physical exercise of him during these times.
Withstand cold
Even though he tolerates cold weather and greatly appreciates spending time outside, it is not advised to have him sleep outside, as he clearly prefers to rest within the comfort of his family’s home.
Tendency to put on weight
This athletic and frugal dog is not vulnerable to excessive weight gain.
Common illnesses
- Bone cancer (osteosarcoma)
- Gastric Torsion Syndrome
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Elbow dysplasia
- Retinal dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Von Willebrand disease
- Wobbler Syndrome
- Pneumonia
- Hygroma
- Delicate tail