Irish Wolfhound
Quietly noble and famously tall, the Irish Wolfhound is a gentle sighthound with a calm presence in the home. This breed tends to bond closely with its people, enjoys soft lounging spots, and still appreciates purposeful daily walks plus a safe chance to stretch out.
Size, training, and planning matter, but the temperament is often easy to live with.
How the Irish Wolfhound ranks among other dog breeds.
About the Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are giant, long-legged hounds originally developed for pursuing large game. Today most are affectionate companions that lean more toward relaxed home life than constant motion.
They are usually polite with strangers, devoted to family, and sensitive to harsh handling or chaotic routines.
Because they are so large, everyday life needs a little extra setup: room to turn around, sturdy gear, and manners training from the start.
They typically do best with calm households that offer gentle guidance, consistent boundaries, and plenty of time together rather than long stretches alone.
History of the Irish Wolfhound
Ireland’s legendary wolfhound appears in early stories, law texts, and poetry as a prized hound of nobility. These dogs were valued for their speed and courage, and their stature made them impressive symbols of status as well as working partners.
In a landscape of forests, open ground, and large game, a tall, long-striding hound was both practical and celebrated. Over time, the name became tied not just to a type of hunting dog, but to an icon of Irish culture.
Historically, wolfhounds were used to hunt wolves and other formidable quarry, working by sight and pursuit rather than scent-trailing. Accounts describe them running down game, holding it at bay, and working alongside people on horseback or on foot.
They were also kept by chieftains and landowners as estate protectors, more by presence than by sharp guard instinct. The breed’s reputation for bravery and loyalty helped it spread through tales that blurred the line between history and legend.
As the Irish wolfhound’s fame grew, the dogs became prestigious diplomatic gifts, traveling to royal courts and noble houses across Europe.
That popularity had a downside: exporting the best hounds reduced numbers at home, and strict ownership rules sometimes limited who could keep them.
When wolves disappeared from much of Ireland and hunting practices changed, demand for specialized wolf-hunting hounds fell. By the early modern period, true wolfhounds were scarce, and the old lines had largely faded into memory and local types.
The modern Irish Wolfhound is closely tied to a nineteenth-century revival effort led by Captain George Augustus Graham and other enthusiasts.
With few authentic specimens available, they gathered the best remaining tall, rough-coated hounds and rebuilt a consistent type through careful selection.
Several large and sighthound breeds are commonly cited as influences in this reconstruction, including the Scottish Deerhound and Great Dane, among others.
The goal was not to create a new dog from scratch, but to restore the look and working spirit associated with the historic wolfhound.
As wolves were long gone, the revived breed gradually shifted toward companionship and sport, while retaining the athletic outline of a coursing hound.
Today Irish Wolfhounds are often seen in family homes, in show rings, and in activities that let them move freely in a controlled setting. Owners tend to describe them as dignified and gentle, with a quiet devotion that deepens with time.
Modern breeders and caretakers also focus on longevity and soundness, recognizing that responsible choices matter for such a giant dog.
Physical Characteristics and General Care
The Irish Wolfhound is a towering, deep-chested sighthound with a long stride and a rugged outline. The head is carried with a calm, thoughtful expression, and the body is built for ground-covering movement rather than quick turns in tight spaces.
A harsh, wiry coat helps protect the skin and can come in several muted shades, often with a slightly tousled look.
Because their size is part of the package, plan for large bedding, a roomy crate if you use one, and a vehicle setup that makes entry and exit comfortable.
Coat care is usually straightforward but should be consistent. A weekly session with a slicker brush and a metal comb helps remove debris, prevent tangles around the beard and legs, and keep shedding under control.
Some owners maintain the classic texture with occasional hand-stripping, while others trim lightly for neatness, especially around feet.
Keep nails short for traction, check ears for buildup, and build simple at-home routines early so grooming feels calm instead of like a wrestling match.
Exercise needs are often moderate for a sighthound of this size: steady walks, sniffy strolls, and short opportunities to trot in a safely fenced area.
They can be surprisingly relaxed indoors once their daily outing is met, but they are not suited to being ignored in the yard. Training should focus on leash manners and polite greetings, since even friendly enthusiasm is powerful in a giant frame.
For general wellbeing, many owners pay attention to weight management, joint-friendly footing, and a consistent feeding routine, and they talk with their veterinarian about breed-appropriate care.
Coat & Grooming: Brush and comb the wiry coat weekly, tidy the beard and feet as needed, and consider occasional hand-stripping or a groomer familiar with rough coats.
Shedding: Moderate shedding that shows up as hair on floors and furniture, with seasonal increases and regular brushing keeping it manageable.
Exercise Needs: Usually happy with steady daily walks plus a safe, fenced chance to trot and stretch out, rather than nonstop running.
General Health: Like many giant breeds, they may be prone to joint strain and certain heart or digestive concerns, so routine checkups and an individualized plan with your veterinarian are important.
Expected Lifespan: Typically shorter-lived than many smaller breeds, but often deeply cherished for the time they share.
First-Time Owner Tips
Irish Wolfhounds can be wonderful for new dog owners who are prepared for the realities of a giant breed. They are often gentle and people-focused, but their size means you cannot “train later” and hope it works out.
Start early with loose-leash walking, calm greetings, and simple cues using rewards and patience. Because they tend to be sensitive, consistent, kind handling usually brings better results than loud corrections.
Think through the logistics before you bring one home: large-breed vet care, heavy-duty crates or gates, and a living space that can handle a big tail and wide turns.
Many Irish Wolfhounds do best with predictable routines and time near their people, so plan for companionship, not just exercise. If you want an easier start, adopting an adult from a breed-savvy rescue can give you a clearer picture of temperament and energy level.
Above all, choose a breeder or rescue that prioritizes health screening and solid early socialization.
- Start leash manners and polite greetings right away; calm repetition prevents big problems later.
- Use rugs or runners on slick floors so big paws feel secure and confident.
- Invest in sturdy basics: a wide collar or harness, a strong leash, and an oversized bed.
- Socialize thoughtfully with people, dogs, and everyday sights, keeping sessions short and positive.
- Plan travel, boarding, and pet-sitting early; not every facility can comfortably house a giant hound.
Monthly Costs to Expect
Required monthly costs usually center on food, routine parasite prevention, and basic supplies. Because the Irish Wolfhound is a giant dog, a quality diet can be a larger line item than it is for smaller breeds, and treat habits add up quickly.
You may also budget for routine vet visits and any ongoing preventatives your veterinarian recommends, plus replacement items like poop bags, chews, and worn collars or leashes.
Optional or variable costs depend on how you like to care for your dog and what is available in your area. Some owners do all grooming at home, while others schedule professional grooming or occasional tidy-ups.
Training may be a class here and there or regular private sessions to fine-tune manners.
Many families choose pet insurance, while others set aside a monthly savings cushion for the unexpected, and enrichment costs vary based on toys, puzzles, and upgrades to big-dog gear.
Food & Treats: Required: about $150 to $300 per month, depending on food quality, treat preferences, and your dog’s appetite.
Grooming: Optional/Variable: about $20 to $120 per month, depending on DIY tools and bathing versus a professional groomer.
Preventatives & Routine Care: Required: about $40 to $100 per month, influenced by region, season, and your veterinarian’s preventive care plan.
Insurance / Savings: Optional/Variable: about $40 to $150 per month for insurance or a savings cushion, depending on coverage choices and goals.
Training / Enrichment: Optional/Variable: about $20 to $150 per month, based on group classes, private help, and durable enrichment toys.
Irish Wolfhound FAQs
Are Irish Wolfhounds good family dogs?
Many are affectionate, patient companions who prefer being close to their people. Their sheer size means supervision around small children is important, and kids should be taught calm, respectful handling.
With early training and socialization, they often fit well into family routines.
Can an Irish Wolfhound live in an apartment?
They can be calm indoors, but the practical realities matter: space to move, quiet neighbors, and easy access to outdoor walks. Stairs and elevators can also be a factor for such a tall dog.
If your apartment setup supports a giant breed, it can work for the right individual.
How much exercise does an Irish Wolfhound need?
Most do well with steady daily walks and a safe chance to trot freely in a fenced area. They are not usually built for high-mileage jogging every day, but they do need consistent activity and mental engagement.
A few short outings often suit them better than one intense session.
Do Irish Wolfhounds shed a lot?
Shedding is usually moderate, with loose hair showing up around the home and heavier periods at times of year. Regular brushing helps a lot, and the wiry coat tends to trap some hair until you groom it out. Expect some cleanup, but it is manageable with routine care.
Are Irish Wolfhounds easy to train?
They are intelligent and often willing, but they can be independent and sensitive to tone. Positive reinforcement, short sessions, and clear boundaries tend to work best.
Focus early on leash manners and calm greetings, since polite behavior matters more when the dog is giant.
Can Irish Wolfhounds live with cats or small pets?
Many can coexist peacefully, especially if raised with other pets and taught calm behavior early. Still, they are sighthounds and some individuals have a strong chase instinct. Careful introductions, management, and secure fencing help set everyone up for success.
What health concerns are common in Irish Wolfhounds?
Like many giant breeds, they may be more vulnerable to joint strain and certain heart conditions, and deep-chested dogs can be at risk for serious digestive emergencies.
The best approach is proactive routine care, sensible exercise, and a relationship with a veterinarian who knows your dog’s needs. If anything seems off, contact your veterinarian promptly.