Irish Wolfhound Dog Buyer’s Guide – The Irish Wolfhound is a majestic breed, known for its towering stature and gentle nature. Originating from Ireland, these giant dogs have a friendly temperament, making them excellent companions.
Despite their imposing size, they are often described as gentle giants, displaying loyalty and affection to their owners.
Irish Wolfhound Dog Breed Info:
The Irish Wolfhound, a historic breed, originated in Ireland for hunting wolves and guarding homes. Standing as one of the tallest dog breeds, they possess a gentle demeanor.
| Quality | Level |
|---|---|
| AFFECTIONATE WITH FAMILY | Highly |
| GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN | Moderate |
| GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS | Moderate to High |
| SHEDDING LEVEL | Moderate |
| COAT GROOMING FREQUENCY | 2 to 3 times in a week |
| FRIENDLY TOWARD STRANGERS | Moderate |
| WATCHDOG/PROTECTIVE NATURE | Highly |
| ADAPTABILITY LEVEL | Moderate |
| TRAINABILITY LEVEL | Moderate |
| BARKING LEVEL | Low |
Historically, they were prized by nobility, even mentioned in ancient texts. Today, they are cherished for their loyal companionship and majestic presence.
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Physical Appearance
The Irish Wolfhound is a large and majestic breed known for its impressive size and gentle nature. Here are some key physical characteristics:
Size:
IWs are one of the tallest dog breeds. Adult males typically stand at least 32 inches tall at the shoulder, and females are slightly smaller.
Build:
They have a strong and muscular build, with a deep chest. Despite their size, they are known for their grace and athleticism.
Coat:
The coat of an Irish Wolfhound is rough and wiry. The color can be various shades of gray, brindle, red, black, white, or fawn.
Head:
The head is long and narrow, with a slightly domed skull. The ears are small and can be either rose-shaped or half-pricked.
Eyes:
Their eyes are dark in color and have a gentle expression.
Tail:
The tail is long and carried low, with a slight upward curve.
Lifespan:
These dogs are generally not a long-lived breed, with an average lifespan of around 6 to 8 years.
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Temperament and Personality
The Irish Wolfhound is renowned for its gentle, amiable nature and its ability to be a devoted family companion. Here’s a more detailed look at their temperament and personality:
Gentleness:
They are often referred to as “gentle giants.” Despite their towering stature, they are known for being remarkably gentle and kind.
This trait makes them well-suited for families, including those with children. However, due to their size, supervision is crucial, especially around smaller children.
Friendship:
They are generally friendly and sociable dogs. They often get along well with other pets, including dogs and cats.
Their friendly disposition extends to strangers, and they may not be overly protective or aggressive, making them more approachable in social situations.
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Laid-Back Nature:
IW Dogs are not known for high energy levels. While they do need regular exercise to maintain their health, they are not as hyperactive as some smaller breeds.
Their laid-back nature makes them suitable for families or individuals who appreciate a more relaxed pace.
Protective:
Despite their gentle nature, IWs can be protective of their family. Their sheer size alone can serve as a deterrent to potential intruders.
While not aggressive, their protective instincts make them effective guard dogs.
Affectionate:
IWs are known for their affectionate nature. They often form strong bonds with their human family members and enjoy being close to them.
Physical contact, such as leaning against their owners or sitting on their feet, is not uncommon and is a display of their affection.
Sensitivity:
These dogs are often sensitive and responsive to the moods of their owners. They may be attuned to emotions and offer comfort when needed.
Positive reinforcement methods are typically effective in training due to their sensitivity.
Adaptability:
Despite their large size, IWs can adapt well to various living environments, including apartments, as long as they receive adequate exercise and attention.
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Training Tips
IW Dogs are gentle giants that are known for their calm and noble demeanor. However, they are also large and powerful dogs that need to be properly trained. Here are some tips for training your furry friends –
Start early
The sooner you start training your Irish Wolfhound, the better. Puppies are more receptive to training than older dogs, and they are also more likely to learn new things quickly.
Be patient
IWs are intelligent dogs, but they can also be stubborn. It is important to be patient with them and to avoid getting frustrated. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train an Irish Wolfhound.
This means that you should reward your dog for good behavior, rather than punishing them for bad behavior.
Socialize your dog
Irish Wolfhounds need to be socialized from a young age. This means that they need to be exposed to new people, animals, and situations. This will help them to become confident and well-adjusted dogs.
Be consistent
It is important to be consistent with your training. This means that you should always use the same commands and rewards. This will help your dog to learn what you expect of them.
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Keep training sessions short and fun
They can get bored easily, so it is important to keep training sessions short and fun. End each session on a positive note, and give your dog plenty of praise and treats.
Grooming
Irish Wolfhounds are known for their thick, wiry coats that require regular grooming to keep them healthy and looking their best. Here is a basic guide to grooming your Irish Wolfhound:
Brushing
Brushing is the most important part of grooming your Irish Wolfhound. You should brush your dog thoroughly once or twice a week, using a pin brush or a shedding blade. Brushing will help to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair, and it will also help to distribute natural oils throughout your dog’s coat.
Bathing
You should only need to bathe your Irish Wolfhound every few months, unless they get particularly dirty. When you do bathe them, use a mild shampoo and conditioner that is designed for dogs. Be sure to rinse your dog thoroughly to remove all of the shampoo and conditioner.
Nail trimming
You should trim your furry friend’s nails every few weeks. Use a pair of dog nail clippers and be careful not to trim the nails too short, as this can be painful for your dog.
Ear cleaning
You should check your Irish Wolfhound’s ears weekly for dirt and debris. If you see any dirt or debris, you can gently clean the ears with a cotton ball dipped in warm water.
Stripping
Stripping is a process of removing dead hair from your Irish Wolfhound’s coat. This is not necessary for all IWs, but it can help to keep their coat looking neat and tidy. Stripping should be done by a professional groomer.
Teeth brushing
You should brush your IW Dog’s teeth daily to help prevent dental disease. Use a dog toothbrush and toothpaste.
Health Issue
Irish Wolfhounds are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues, including:
Bone cancer (osteosarcoma): This is the most common type of cancer in Irish Wolfhounds. It is an aggressive cancer that can affect any bone in the body.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): This is a heart condition that causes the heart muscle to become enlarged and weak. DCM can lead to heart failure.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists on itself, cutting off blood flow and trapping gas. GDV can cause the stomach to rupture, which can be fatal.
Hip dysplasia: This is a developmental disorder of the hip joint that can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis.
Elbow dysplasia: This is a developmental disorder of the elbow joint that can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis.
Liver shunt: This is a congenital condition that occurs when blood bypasses the liver. Liver shunts can cause a variety of health problems, including liver disease, growth retardation, and seizures.
Von Willebrand’s disease: This is a bleeding disorder that is caused by a deficiency of von Willebrand factor, a protein that helps blood to clot.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): This is a group of degenerative eye diseases that can lead to blindness.
Autoimmune thyroiditis: This is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. Autoimmune thyroiditis can cause a variety of health problems, including hypothyroidism, weight gain, and lethargy.
It is important to be aware of these health issues so that you can catch them early and treat them promptly. With proper care, Irish Wolfhounds can live long and healthy lives.
Irish Wolfhound as a family dog
Irish Wolfhounds are known as gentle giants and can make wonderful family dogs. They are patient, loving, and loyal companions, and they are generally good with children.
However, they are also large and strong dogs, so they may not be the best choice for families with very young children.