Should you get an Irish Wolfhound?
The Irish Wolfhound is known for its gentle and friendly temperament. Despite its large size, it is typically calm, patient, and good-natured. It gets along well with children and other animals, making it an excellent family pet.
Irish Wolfhound History
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the oldest breeds still in existence today. Dating back to the 5th century in Irish Literature, this ancient breed has fascinated many with its imposing stature and gentle demeanor. Originally bred for hunting and guarding, Irish Wolfhounds were known for their ability to take down even the largest prey, such as the giant Irish Elk, which typically weighed well over 1,000 pounds.
Irish Wolfhound Traditional Uses
Wolf Hunting – Their primary purpose was to hunt wolves, boars, and elk. Their size, speed, and power made them formidable hunters, contributing to the near-extinction of wolves in Ireland by the 18th century.
War Dogs – Ancient texts and legends describe them fighting alongside Celtic warriors, pulling enemies off horses, and even facing armored opponents in battle.
Royal Gifts – They were so prized that they were often given as gifts to foreign nobility, including Roman emperors and European royalty.
Irish Wolfhound Dog Breed Nears Extinction
In the 1800’s the Irish Wolfhound faced the threat of extinction. However, thanks to the dedication and passion of a Scotsman named Captain George Augustus Graham, the breed was resurrected. Captain Graham, who was a devoted lover of Scottish Deerhounds, recognized the importance of preserving the Irish Wolfhound and took it upon himself to gather as many individuals of the breed as possible. He embarked on a breeding program, carefully crossing Irish Wolfhounds with Scottish Deerhounds, Great Danes, and Greyhounds. Through his efforts, Captain Graham not only ensured the survival of the Irish Wolfhound but also contributed to its continued development and improvement as a breed.
Irish Wolfhound Closest DNA Ancestors
In Landmark Research on Modern Dog Breed development, the Irish Wolfhound has been shown to share the most DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
Scottish Deerhound
Great Dane
Greyhound
Wolfhounds and Anesthesia
As with other sighthounds the Irish Wolfhound breed is known to be sensitive to certain types of anesthesia. In particular, they have a heightened sensitivity to medications in the class of barbiturates. This means that extra caution must be taken when administering anesthesia to Irish Wolfhounds, as they may have adverse reactions or experience complications during or after surgery.
How Large is an Irish Wolfhound?
According to FCI Breed Standard the Irish Wolfhound can reach up to 34 inches in height and over 120 pounds in weight. They are considered one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. Accepted coat colors are:
“grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn or any colour that appears in the Deerhound”
Growing Up Wolfhound
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How Fast Can an Irish Wolfhound Run?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Irish Wolfhound’s is almost 22 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a Wolfhound was by a dog named Lions Heart Queen Isabeau at 28.96 mph!
Irish Wolfhound Temperament & Personality
The CBARQ Dog Temperament Research study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, is a groundbreaking study that provides valuable insights into the temperament of different dog breeds. With over 300 dog breeds and 60,000 individual dogs included in the study, it offers a comprehensive understanding of canine behavior. The study found that the Wolfhound ranks 122 out of 124 breeds in aggression towards strangers, highlighting their gentle and friendly nature. Additionally, they also rank very low in aggression towards other dogs, coming in at 121 out of 124 breeds. This usually makes them excellent companions for both humans and other dogs that may be in the house.
Irish Wolfhound Temperament with Strangers
In this Same Research the Irish Wolfhound ranks very low in fear of strangers, coming in at 123 out of 124 breeds. Unlike many other breeds, they do not exhibit signs of fear such as shaking, trembling, or crouching when a stranger approaches. This unique trait sets them apart and makes them well-suited for various situations where they may meet unfamiliar people. Irish Wolfhounds are known for their calm and composed nature, as well as their inherent trust and confidence in interacting with unfamiliar people.
Wolfhound Humor!
Irish Wolfhound Intelligence
In the Landmark Book entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Irish Wolfhound ranks 41 out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 25 to 40 repetitions and obey first commands more than 50% of the time. This puts them in the “average working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the most intelligent breeds will learn the same command in 5 repetitions or less!
Irish Wolfhound Health and Lifespan
Irish Wolfhound’s Have an Average lifespan of 6-8 years. The oldest Irish Wolfhound on record kept by the Irish Wolfhound club of Ireland was named Killykeen Kildevin and lived to be 16 years and 6 months. Research shows that roughly 30% of Wolfhounds have an abnormal electrocardiogram. Not all of them will be symptomatic, but heart disease is a major health issue in the breed. Bone cancer, liver shunt and hip and elbow dysplasia are also seen in Wolfhounds.
Irish Wolfhound Price
Irish Wolfhound’s bred by a REPUTABLE breeder will generally cost $2,000-$3,000. This price can vary with your location. The “Learn More” link below will take you to the AKC marketplace for Irish Wolfhounds. You can also check for rescues/adoptions by visiting the Irish Wolfhound Club of America.
Check Your Irish Wolfhound Facts and take a Fun Wolfhound Quiz!
Quick Facts About Irish Wolfhounds
Irish Wolfhound Facts-Final Thoughts
As one of the largest dog breeds in the world, Irish Wolfhounds possess the imposing size of a small pony. However, despite being such big dogs, these gentle giants have a calm demeanor and a strong instinct to protect their loved ones. With their shaggy eyebrows and rough double coat, Irish Wolfhounds do require lots of space and a dedicated owner who can provide them with the care they deserve. In addition, because of their sheer size, they are more expensive to own than smaller breeds. But for those who are up to the task, these giant dogs make wonderful companions. Whether it’s cuddling up with their Irish Wolfhound puppies or taking them for a daily walk, owners of this large dog will be rewarded with the unwavering loyalty and affection of a true gentle giant.
