Irish Wolfhound

also known as Cú Faoil

Pros History


The Irish Wolfhound, also known as the Cú Faoil, is a majestic and ancient breed of dog that has a rich history dating back to the time of the Celts. The breed was developed by the Celts in Ireland, who needed a large and powerful dog to hunt wolves and other large game. The breed's name, "Irish Wolfhound," is derived from its original purpose of hunting wolves in Ireland.

The Irish Wolfhound is a large breed, with males standing at around 32-34 inches tall and weighing between 120-180 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at around 30-32 inches tall and weighing between 90-120 pounds. They have a shaggy, rough coat that comes in a variety of colors including gray, brindle, black, red, and white. They have a long head, with a long muzzle and a strong jaw.

The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885, and it is also recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) as well as other major kennel clubs around the world.

The Irish Wolfhound is known for its loyalty and affection towards its owners. They are known to be very gentle and good with children. They are also known for their courage and hunting instinct, which makes them a great companion for outdoor activities and sports like lure coursing and weight pulling. They also excel in obedience, agility and as therapy dogs, due to their calm and affectionate nature.

The breed's history is closely tied to the Celts, who were the first to develop the breed for hunting wolves and other large game. The Celts were known to have used the Irish Wolfhounds in battle, as they were prized for their strength and courage. The breed was also used by nobility in the Middle Ages as a status symbol and hunting companion.

Breed Information


Type

Is Irish Wolfhound a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Irish Wolfhounds originally used for?

Coursing, Hunting

Lifespan

How Long Do Irish Wolfhounds Live? What is average life expectancy for an Irish Wolfhound? How long can Irish Wolfhounds live?

6-10 years

The average Irish Wolfhound lifespan is somewhere between 6-10 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Irish Wolfhound Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Irish Wolfhound?

What is the average height of an Irish Wolfhound? How big is an Purebred Irish Wolfhound height? Irish Wolfhound dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 30-32 inches (76.2 - 81.3 cm) 28.0 inches (71.1 cm) 29.0 inches (73.7 cm) 32.0 inches (81.3 cm)
Female 28-30 inches (71.1 - 76.2 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm) 27.0 inches (68.6 cm) 30.0 inches (76.2 cm)
What is the average weight of an Irish Wolfhound? How much should Irish Wolfhounds weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 100-120 pounds (45 - 54 kg) 90.0 pounds (41 kg) 110.0 pounds (50 kg) 120.0 pounds (54 kg)
Female 95-105 pounds (43 - 48 kg) 65.0 pounds (29 kg) 90.0 pounds (41 kg) 105.0 pounds (48 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Irish Wolfhounds get fat easily?

The Irish Wolfhound is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Irish Wolfhounds Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Irish Wolfhound is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is an Irish Wolfhound personality? What are Irish Wolfhound dogs best known for?

Dignified
Loyal
Sweet
Tempered
Intelligent
Generous
Patient
Thoughtful

Shedding Level

Are Irish Wolfhounds heavy shedders? How Much Does an Irish Wolfhound Shed?

Irish Wolfhound dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Irish Wolfhound. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of an Irish Wolfhound dog?

The Irish Wolfhound dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Irish Wolfhounds come from?

Ireland

Ancestry

What are Irish Wolfhounds descended from?

Great Dane, Deerhound

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Irish Wolfhound breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Irish Wolfhound Club Of America

Date of Birth

When were Irish Wolfhounds first bred? How old is the Irish Wolfhound breed?

390 AD

Breed Group

What Breed Group is an Irish Wolfhound?

Hound (AKC:1897)
Sighthounds and Pariahs (UKC)

Irish Wolfhound Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Irish Wolfhound eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Irish Wolfhound nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Irish Wolfhound coat be naturally?

Black
Gray
Red
Cream
Fawn
Silver
Brindle

Coat Length

How long is an Irish Wolfhounds coat?

The coat of an Irish Wolfhound dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Irish Wolfhound Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of an Irish Wolfhound?

Wiry

Litter Size

How many puppies can an Irish Wolfhound have in a litter? How many puppies can an Irish Wolfhound have in her first litter?

6-10 puppies per pregnancy

An Irish Wolfhound can have a litter of 6-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

The adaptability of Irish Wolfhound dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

Irish Wolfhound Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Irish Wolfhounds have a lot of health problems?

The Irish Wolfhound is a very healthy breed, with little need for frequent vet visits. However, it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning an Irish Wolfhound?

Gastric Torsion

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Irish Wolfhounds?

Osteosarcoma
Cardiomyopathy
Hip Dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Irish Wolfhound breed?

Hip
Heart
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Irish Wolfhound Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Irish Wolfhounds have a lot of energy?

Irish Wolfhounds may be a good breed for those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They tend to have a lower energy level than other breeds of dogs.

Social Needs

Do Irish Wolfhounds need socialization? How social are Irish Wolfhounds?

Irish Wolfhounds have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Irish Wolfhounds get?

The Irish Wolfhound dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should an Irish Wolfhound have? Do Irish Wolfhounds sleep a lot?

The Irish Wolfhound breed is known for their relaxed and calm nature and tendency to sleep for long periods of time.

Drooling Tendency

Does an Irish Wolfhound drool a lot?

The Irish Wolfhound is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Irish Wolfhound dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Irish Wolfhounds exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Irish Wolfhound dogs are not known for their protective nature and may not be the best choice as guard dogs. They do not have a strong drive to defend their territory and may not be inclined to provide protection.

Mouthiness

Are Irish Wolfhounds mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of an Irish Wolfhound running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Irish Wolfhound dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Irish Wolfhounds enjoy doing? How do I keep my Irish Wolfhound busy?

Walk, Tug-of-war, Run, Play, Fetch, Cuddle

Activity Level

What is the energy level of an Irish Wolfhound? How much energy does an Irish Wolfhound have?

Medium

Irish Wolfhounds are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should an Irish Wolfhound walk each week? How many miles should an Irish Wolfhound walk every week?

15 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Irish Wolfhound, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much an Irish Wolfhound should exercise a day? How much activity does an Irish Wolfhound need?

60 minutes

In general most Irish Wolfhounds usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for an Irish Wolfhound?

The Irish Wolfhound is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush an Irish Wolfhound?

Weekly

Irish Wolfhound should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Irish Wolfhounds?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does an Irish Wolfhound eat?

4.5 cups

For an average 100-120 pound (45 - 54 kg) Irish Wolfhound feed 4.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does an Irish Wolfhound Cost Daily?

$4.20 - $4.90 / day

The average cost of an Irish Wolfhound is somewhere $4.20 - $4.90 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does an Irish Wolfhound Cost Per Month?

$126 - $147 / month

The average per month expenses of an Irish Wolfhound is between $126 - $147. This makes an average of $1512 - $1764 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Irish Wolfhound Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is an Irish Wolfhound?

Irish Wolfhounds has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Irish Wolfhound is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is an Irish Wolfhound dog?

Irish Wolfhound dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.

Affection Dependance

Are Irish Wolfhound dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Irish Wolfhound do well in apartments? Are Irish Wolfhounds good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Irish Wolfhound in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Irish Wolfhounds living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Irish Wolfhounds good with kids? Are Irish Wolfhounds good around children?

Irish Wolfhounds are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Irish Wolfhounds good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Irish Wolfhounds good with cats? How friendly Irish Wolfhounds are toward cats?

Irish Wolfhounds are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Irish Wolfhound dogs get along with other dogs? Are Irish Wolfhounds OK with other dogs?

Irish Wolfhounds are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Irish Wolfhound dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Irish Wolfhounds friendly with strangers?

Irish Wolfhounds are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Irish Wolfhounds like to play? Are Irish Wolfhounds playful?

Irish Wolfhounds have an average level of playfulness. The Irish Wolfhounds, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Irish Wolfhound easily trained?

Irish Wolfhound dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Rarely barks
    This breed is known for being relatively quiet, making it a good pick for those looking for a more peaceful pet.
  • Personality
    Irish Wolfhound are gentle, friendly and make great companions.

Cons

  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Irish Wolfhound breeds may not do well in a domestic setting.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Due to their non-hypoallergenic nature, Irish Wolfhounds may cause allergic reactions in some people.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Irish Wolfhounds may not be able to handle the distractions of an office.
  • Energy
    Irish Wolfhound are high energy dogs and require regular exercise.
  • Medical concerns
    Irish Wolfhounds, like other breeds, may have a predisposition to certain health issues such as Gastric Torsion, Osteosarcoma, Cardiomyopathy, Hip Dysplasia and Osteochondritis Dissecans.