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Irish Wolfhound

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Irish Wolfhound (Side View, Muzzle)
Side View, Muzzle

Breed Information

Popularity

2022: #89

2021: #85

2020: #74

2019: #76

2018: #76

2017: #73

2016: #73

2015: #69

Name Irish Wolfhound
Other names Cú Faoil
Origin

Belgium

Ireland

Breed Group

Hound (AKC:1897)

Sighthounds and Pariahs (UKC)

Size Giant
Type Purebred
Life span 6-10 years
Temperament

Dignified

Generous

Loyal

Patient

Sweet-tempered

Thoughtful

Intelligent

Height 28-35 inches (71-90 cm)
Weight 90-150 pounds (40-69 kg)
Colors

Black

Blue

Cream

Gray

Red

Silver

Wheaten

White

Litter Size 3-4 puppies
Puppy Prices

Average $1500 - $2500 USD

An Irish Wolfhound puppy taken from decent breeders will cost you approximately $1,500 to $2,500 normally. If you choose a show-quality puppy, then be ready to pay around $3,000 or more. Additionally, Irish Wolfhounds are famous for their athletic skill, particularly in endurance running.

Breed Characteristics

Adaptability

4 stars

Apartment Friendly

2 stars

The Irish Wolfhound is not recommended for apartment life. It is relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. This is a giant breed that needs some space. It may not fit well in a small or compact car.

Barking Tendencies

2 stars

Occassional

Cat Friendly

3 stars

Child Friendly

4 stars

Good with Kids: This is a suitable dog breed for kids. It is also friendly toward other pets and friendly toward strangers.

Dog Friendly

5 stars

Exercise Needs

3 stars

These giant dogs need lots of space to run, but do not need any more exercise than smaller breeds. They need a daily walk where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the human holding the lead. Never in front. Like many other giant breeds it is important to remember that too much forced, vigorous exercise is not good for a young dog's growth and development, so watch your puppy for any signs, but they still instinctually need a daily walk.

Grooming

3 stars

Moderate Maintenance: Grooming should be performed regularly to keep its fur in good shape. Occasional trimming or stripping needed.

Health Issues

5 stars

Hypoallergenic: No

Intelligence

4 stars

Ranking: #41 Full Ranking List

Playfulness

3 stars

Shedding Level

3 stars

Moderate Shedding: The double coat sheds moderate amounts year-round but doesn’t go through a heavy annual or biannual shed. A bath is rarely necessary.

Stranger Friendly

3 stars

Trainability

4 stars

Moderately Easy Training: Training won't require too much attention and effort, though it won't be easier than other breeds. Expect results to come gradually.

Watchdog Ability

3 stars

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Irish Wolfhound (Gray, Face)
Gray, Face

Irish Wolfhound Names

Rank Boy Names Girl Names
01 Max Molly
02 Hunter Roxy
03 Bear Sugar
04 Tank Ella
05 Oliver Sasha
06 Jake Lulu
07 Luke Belle
08 Samson Winnie
09 Oscar Nala
10 Gizmo Allie
100 Cute Puppy Names ›

Overview

The tallest of the sighthounds, the Irish wolfhound resembles a rough-coated greyhound, although of more powerful build. Great size is especially valued in the breed. This combination of speed, power and size enables the Irish wolfhound to run down and overpower large prey. Despite its size, the breed should be gracefully built, its gait easy and active, and its head held proudly. The rough coat, which provides protection against the cold and damp, as well as its opponents' teeth, is especially wiry and long over the eyes and under the jaw.

Aptly known as the gentle giant, the Irish wolfhound is a soft-natured, easygoing breed. It is calm around the house, sensitive, patient, easygoing and sweet. Despite its great size, it is good with children, pets and other dogs. It is reserved with strangers and courageous when the need arises.

History

The present-day Irish Wolfhound owes its existence to R.D. Richardson and Captain G.A. Graham who, in the 1840's, helped restore this almost extinct, ancient breed to its former state. The original Irish Wolfhound is thought to be a very ancient breed, being documented as early as 393 A.D. The intelligence, strength and courage of the breed are legendary, and they were valued as guardians, hunters and war dogs. The Irish Wolfhound Club was founded in 1885 and it was recognized by the AKC in 1897.

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