Irish Wolfhound Diet & Nutrition. While its size, name, and physical capabilities may strike fear to some, this dog is actually a gentle giant, with character traits and a temperament very suitable as a companion […] The gift from one royal family to another was often one of these capable canines. Puppies should have reasonable access to age-appropriate free play, but not with adult dogs, and with no forced exercise. Because of their intelligence, Irish Wolfhounds are fast learners. Great size, including height at shoulder and proportionate length of body, is the desideratum to be aimed at, and it is desired to firmly establish a race that shall average from 32 to 34 inches in dogs, showing the requisite power, activity, courage and symmetry. Toes, well arched and closed. The Irish Wolfhound has a coarse, shaggy coat and a slender, muscular build similar to that of a greyhound. As adults, Irish Wolfhounds can become couch potatoes if allowed to, but regular exercise such as long walks or play sessions will help keep them physically and mentally healthy. To illustrate the goal he was breeding toward, Graham commissioned a local artist to paint a life-size cardboard model of his ideal Irish Wolfhound. While the Irish Wolfhound is, on average, the tallest dog breed in the world, several other breeds can outweigh them. As with all breeds, the nails should be trimmed regularly, as overly long nails can be painful to the dog and cause problems walking and running. A daily one-hour walk/trot (on-leash) with twice weekly gallops inside a safe enclosed area are … Wolves. Friendly and loving to its owners, the Irish Wolfhound is intelligent, which makes it an easy dog to train. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. Irish Wolfhounds are called, interchangeably, "Irish dogs," "Big Dogs of Ireland," "Greyhounds (or Grehounds) of Ireland," "Wolfdogs of Ireland" and "Great Hounds of Ireland." Height: The Male Irish Wolfhounds have the height of 34 to 35 inches whereas the female has lesser, from 32 to 34 inches. high speed, they are decidedly slower indoors. Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. Irish Wolfhound Temperament & Personality Overview With roots tracing back from the medieval ages, the Irish Wolfhound has endured as a companion dog for centuries. Muscular thighs and second thigh long and strong as in the Greyhound, and hocks well let down and turning neither in nor out. The Wolfhound’s long history goes back to antiquity and over the centuries has acquired a patina of myth and legend. All rights reserved. The larger than life Irish Wolfoodle brings the size, scale and gentle nature of the Irish Wolfhound together with the smart, playful Standard Poodleto create a quiet, easy-going family dog who is highly sociable and gets along well with kids and other pets. Here’s a handy dog weight chart for the toy, small, medium, large, and giant breeds so you can quickly check if your puppy is on the right track concerning ideal weight. Irish Wolfhounds, If an Irish Wolfhound were to stand on his hind legs, he could stand as tall as 7 feet. The amiable Irish Wolfhound is an immense, muscular hound gracefully built along classic Greyhound lines, capable of great speed at the gallop. Feet are moderately large and round, neither turned inwards nor outwards. Elbows well under, neither turned inwards nor outwards. Healthy You, Healthy Dog, Healthy New Year! IWs are characteristically patient with kids, though animals their size should be supervised around small children. Feeding your Irish Wolfhound doesn’t have to be a headache. Because of the risk of bloat, strenuous exercise is not recommended before or after feeding time. His rough coat requires weekly grooming and sheds moderately. Irish Wolfhound Clubs of NSW & SA, Australia. It needs regular exercise s… By the year 391 AD, the Irish Wolfhound was known in Rome, when the first authentic mention of it was written by the Roman Consul Quintus Aurelius, who had received seven of them as a gift which "all Rome viewed with wonder.". Health Concerns. Ireland. Gentle around other pets and children, while an Irish. By the late 1700s, when wolves and other big-game animals of Ireland were hunted to extinction, IWs lost their job and nearly went extinct themselves. Height and Weight Charts 1956-1976 by Alfred de Quoy (from The Irish Wolfhound Guide) The Irish Wolfhound does best in a suburban or country home with lots of companionship and room to stretch out. Now, not all puppies are the same, especially if you compare a Chihuahua to a St. Bernard! All Irish Wolfhound found here are from AKC-Registered parents. Considered by the American Kennel Club to be the tallest of all dog breeds, describing the breed as, "of great size and commanding appearance, the Irish Wolfhound is remarkable in combining power and swiftness with keen sight. Back: Rather long than short. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage. Muzzle, long and moderately pointed. The Irish Wolfhound was coveted for his hunting prowess, particularly in pursuit of the wolf and the gigantic Irish elk. Try and have your Irish Wolfhound down to 2 or 3 meals per day when they are fully grown. All rights reserved. Ask an expert. The largest and tallest of the galloping hounds, in general type he is a rough-coated, Greyhound-like breed; very muscular, strong though gracefully built; movements easy and active; head and neck carried high, the tail carried with an upward sweep with a slight curve towards the extre… Going with foods specifically intended for larger breeds, plus food that has a lower overall protein and fat content can help your Wolfhound maintain weight and protect joints. The breed can also exercise mind and body by participating in canine sports like tracking, agility, and lure coursing. Irish wolfhounds are safe around children. He spent several years rounding up some of the remaining Irish Wolfhounds in order to revive the breed. Weight: 105 to 180 pounds. , reducing the demand for Irish Wolfhounds. Boasting a general greyhound build, except larger and sturdier, these dogs commonly weigh a minimum of 120 pounds though this can vary slightly. Despite his intimidating size, the nature and temperament of the Wolfhound make him totally unsuitable as guard dog, watch dog, or patrol dog. Legend has it that armies of Scottish warriors and a, from Northern Britain known as Fianna used Irish Wolfhounds in large scale hunts that resulted in anywhere up to 200. being killed. Irish wolfhound owners are encouraged to be vigilant outdoors though, with dogs of this kind prone to chasing animals at high speed. Please note this is an estimate based on typical growth patterns for Irish Wolfhound puppies. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, 32 inches minimum (male), 30 inches minimum (female), Bigandt_Photography/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images. 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