Irish Wolfhound
Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. LarsonAverage size and lifespan
Weight: 105-120lbs
Lifespan: 5 - 7 Years
Behavior
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Affection
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Kid-Friendly
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Stranger-Friendly
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Dog-Friendly
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Barking Amount
Care
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Grooming Difficulty
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Shedding Amount
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Easy to Train
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Can Be Alone
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Exercise Need
Environment
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Cold Tolerance
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Heat Tolerance
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Apartment-Friendly
Irish Wolfhound Information
The tallest of all the AKC breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is a big boy, weighing in at up to 120 pounds. The breed’s towering height and muscular body creates a commanding appearance. Its tough coat can come in a variety of colors including gray, white brindle, red, black and fawn.
Back in the day, the Irish Wolfhound was used to hunt wolf and Irish elk – no easy task. Today the breed is primarily a family pet, with a calm, kind demeanor you wouldn’t expect from such a large, intimidating dog.
All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breeds stats. However, please let us know if we made an error in the stats, we appreciate your help!
Breed FAQs
Can Irish Wolfhounds be apartment dogs?
The Irish Wolfhounds does fine in apartments. They don't need lots of spaces so they should adapt well to apartment-living.
Can Irish Wolfhounds be left alone?
While Irish Wolfhounds prefer to be around their owners, they can do fairly well when left alone if necessary.
Are Irish Wolfhounds good with kids?
Irish Wolfhounds can do fine with kids. They will require some monitoring and training to make sure they get along and react well to unpredictable behavior.
Are Irish Wolfhounds friendly with strangers?
Typically, Irish Wolfhounds are friendly with strangers. They tend to be open and willing to trust those they don't know.
Do Irish Wolfhounds get along with other dogs?
Although Irish Wolfhounds will mostly get along with other dogs, they may have some issues. They can typically be dealt with by socializing them with other dogs.
Do Irish Wolfhounds bark a lot?
Irish Wolfhounds don't bark very often of may never bark. Most barking is trained or in extreme situations.
Do Irish Wolfhounds shed a lot?
Irish Wolfhounds shed a medium amount. They will have seasonal shedding, but aren't terrible to clean up after.
Do Irish Wolfhounds need a lot of grooming?
Irish Wolfhounds don't require very much effort for grooming. You'll just need to provide typical maintenance and baths.
Do Irish Wolfhounds need a lot of exercise?
A Irish Wolfhound will need a moderate amount of exercise to be happy. You'll need to plan some basic walks or fetch during the day.
Are Irish Wolfhounds easy to train?
Most Irish Wolfhounds are stubborn and will take extra work to train. They can still learn trained behaviors, but will take more effort.
Can Irish Wolfhounds handle cold weather?
Irish Wolfhounds do well in cold weather. You may need to protect their paws, but they'll do well in colder climates.
Can Irish Wolfhounds handle hot weather?
Be careful with Irish Wolfhounds in the heat. They don't do well in hot climates for long periods.