Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is a large dog breed originating from Ireland. They are known for their strong, muscular build and long legs, making them one of the tallest dog breeds. They are affectionate, gentle and intelligent, making them a popular pet for families and individuals.

General details

The Irish Greyhound is a large breed of dog that usually weighs between 45 and 68 kg and can measure between 71 and 86 centimeters at shoulder height. They have a life expectancy of 7 to 10 years. According to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, they belong to Group 10 which includes sighthounds.

Breed history in brief

The Irish Wolfhound is believed to have originated in Ireland over 2,000 years ago and was used to hunt wolves and other large prey. It is known that the Gaelic people used hounds as hunting dogs in the years 600-900. However, the dog of those years, from skeletons that have been found, would be smaller than the current breed. Dogs of the breed became popular as gifts among royalty and other important ranks, while the population was maintained for use as wolf control. In 1786 the last wolf in Ireland was finally killed, and the remaining wolfhounds held by some noble families went from being used for hunting to being considered a status symbol. By the 19th century, the breed was almost extinct and very mixed, but Captain George Graham brought it back through selective breeding. Today, they are bred primarily as companion animals and are prized for their gentle and affectionate nature. They have also been used as guard dogs and have been a symbol of Irish heritage for centuries.

Breed characteristics

The Irish Wolfhound has a distinctive appearance, with a strong, muscular build, long legs and a large head. They have a deep chest and long tail, and their ears are folded back when relaxed and alert when awake. Their eyes are dark and intelligent, and they have a kind and affectionate expression. They have two layers of hair, a rough, fibrous outer coat and a soft undercoat. It is one of the dog breeds that have a wide variety of colors. The most emblematic is gray, but they can also present reddish, brindle, white, black and fawn. The Irish Greyhound is known for its gentle and affectionate nature. They are patient and gentle with children and other animals, and are generally good-natured and friendly. They are also intelligent and trainable, making them a great pet for families. However, they can sometimes be independent and stubborn, and require constant training and socialization from an early age.

Common health problems

Like all dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is susceptible to certain health problems. Some of the most common health problems in the breed include dilated cardiomyopathy, volvulo-gastric dilatation, portosystemic derangement, osteosarcoma and hip dysplasia. In addition to the above conditions, the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends a cardiac (minimum age 24 months) and eye screening exam, as well as a bile acid test at 9-10 weeks of age.