If you are thinking of owning a dog that is both impressive and charming, the Irish Wolfhound may be an excellent choice. This article will provide you with complete information about this breed, from its history, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, to health and grooming. Get ready for a fascinating journey into the world of the world’s tallest dogs.
What do you find in the article?
- Irish Wolfhound – description and appearance of the breed
- Character of the Irish Wolfhound dog breed
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Irish Wolfhound – Health, diseases and grooming
- History of the Irish Wolfhound dog breed
- Irish Wolfhound breed dog pattern
- Irish Wolfhound – interesting facts about the breed
- Summary
Irish Wolfhound – description and appearance of the breed
The Irish Wolfhound, also known as the “long-legged Gentleman,” is one of the tallest dogs in the world. He is characterized by a long, slender body, and his height at the withers often exceeds 80 cm. The coat of this dog is hard and rather short, usually in shades of gray, although other colors can also occur.

Character of the Irish Wolfhound dog breed
Skills – what should you know?
Despite its imposing appearance, the Irish Wolfhound is gentle and calm by nature. It has natural hunting abilities, but is also an excellent family dog, especially if properly socialized from an early age.
What kind of personality does it have?
The Irish Wolfhound is a true gentleman in the dog world – calm, gentle and very friendly. This dog is intelligent, patient and rarely shows aggression, which makes him an excellent companion for children.
Irish Wolfhound – how to train and raise?
Like any dog, the Irish Wolfhound requires proper training and socialization from an early age. They are intelligent, so learning basic commands should not cause major problems.
Who is the Irish Wolfhound suitable for?
The Irish Wolfhound is a family dog that will do best in a house with a garden, where it will have plenty of room to run around. It is ideal for people who lead an active lifestyle and want a dog that will accompany them.
Irish Wolfhound – price
The price of the Irish Wolfhound depends on a number of factors, such as the reputation of the kennel, the quality of the pedigree, as well as the demand for this breed. On average, you can expect a price in the vicinity of 4,000-8,000 zloty for a puppy.

Advantages and disadvantages
Disadvantages
When you’re considering owning an Irish Wolfhound, it’s helpful to know the potential challenges that may arise.
- High need for space: Due to its size, the Irish Wolfhound needs plenty of room to run around and exercise. Living in an apartment building may not be suitable for him.
- Health: This breed is prone to various health problems, especially those related to their large build, such as hip dysplasia and stomach torsion.
- Short life span: Unfortunately, like many large dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound has a relatively short life span, often between 6 and 10 years.
- Maintenance costs: Because of their size, Irish Wolfhounds can generate higher upkeep costs – from food to health care to a larger bed and toys.
Advantages
Despite the potential challenges, the advantages of owning an Irish Wolfhound are numerous.
- Friendly nature: Irish Wolfhounds are generally gentle, friendly and sociable. They are excellent family dogs and get along well with children.
- Intelligence: They are highly intelligent dogs that learn new commands and tricks quickly. Their intelligence also makes them excellent dogs for various activities, such as agility and retrieving.
- Appearance: the Irish Wolfhound is an extremely impressive dog. Its elegant appearance attracts attention and is always memorable.
- Fidelity: They are very loyal dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. Their gentle but protective natures make them excellent guard dogs.
Irish Wolfhound – Health, diseases and grooming
Nutrition
Like all dogs, the Irish Wolfhound needs a balanced diet to stay healthy and fit. Due to their size, these dogs often require more food than smaller breeds. Many owners opt for a high-quality food specifically designed for large breeds, which is high in protein and contains adequate amounts of fats and carbohydrates. However, remember to always monitor your dog’s weight to avoid obesity, which can lead to additional health problems.
Grooming
Grooming the Irish Wolfhound is relatively simple, but requires regularity. Their short, coarse coat should be brushed at least once a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Regular brushing will also help keep your dog’s skin healthy by stimulating the production of natural oils. Although Irish Wolfhounds are not an intensely shedding breed, they do periodically shed more hair, especially during the hair transition between seasons. It is worth spending more time brushing then.
Also, be sure to clean their ears regularly, especially if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, and maintain their dental health through daily brushing or special chew treats.
Diseases
Irish wolfhounds, like many large breeds, are prone to certain health problems. Hip and elbow dysplasia are diseases that large dogs often suffer from, which can cause pain and mobility problems. Another serious condition they may suffer from is gastric dilatation, a rapid expansion of the stomach that can lead to a life-threatening condition known as gastric torsion.
Because of the potential health problems, regular veterinary checkups are key to maintaining the health of your Irish Wolfhound. It is also important that your veterinarian regularly monitor your dog’s weight and diet to ensure that he is maintaining a healthy body weight. Obesity can lead to a number of health problems, including an increased risk of joint and heart disease, so maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to your dog’s health.
The Irish Wolfhound can also suffer from heart disease, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, which is common in large dog breeds. Regular heart checkups can help detect this condition at an early stage and prevent its progression.
While the list of potential health problems may seem overwhelming, it is important to remember that every dog is different and not all Irish Wolfhounds will experience these problems. The best way to ensure your dog’s health is through regular veterinary care, proper diet and exercise.
Accessories and equipment or how to prepare for this breed?
Due to the size and activity of this breed, strong leashes and collars are necessary, as well as a large, comfortable bed. The Irish Wolfhound also requires toys to help him burn off energy.

History of the Irish Wolfhound dog breed
Origins
The history of the Irish Wolfhound dates back to pre-historic times. This breed is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, and its presence in Ireland is dated to about 7,000 years ago. Illustrations depicting dogs similar to today’s Irish Wolfhounds appear as early as on ancient Celtic coins, suggesting that the breed was respected and valued at the time.
In ancient and medieval times, Irish Wolfhounds were fighting and hunting dogs, used to hunt wolves and giant Irish deer. Their strength and courage, as well as their impressive size, made them ideal dogs for such tasks.
Development of the breed
In the 17th and 18th centuries, when wolves became an extinct species in Ireland, Irish Wolfhounds ceased to fulfill their original role. They began to be bred mainly as companion dogs, becoming popular with Irish and European nobility.
By the 19th century, however, the breed was close to extinction, mainly due to lack of interest and breeding. Thanks to Captain George Augustus Graham, who began a program to restore the breed in 1862, Irish Wolfhounds were saved. Graham crossed the few existing Irish Wolfhounds with Deerhounds and, possibly, with Borzoi and German Hounds to restore the breed to its former size and strength.
Currently
Today, Irish Wolfhounds are prized for their gentleness, intelligence and impressive appearance. They are popular show dogs, but above all, they are sociable and loving family members.
The Irish Wolfhound is now recognized around the world and is appreciated not only for its size, but especially for its character. They are dogs full of dignity, calm, but at the same time cheerful and full of energy. Although they are far from their hunting ancestors, they still retain their magnificent conformation and elegance.
Irish Wolfhound breed dog pattern
The Irish Wolfhound is undoubtedly one of the most majestic dog breeds. Their appearance and posture make them extremely impressive and impossible to miss.
Size and body weight
As one of the largest breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is a true giant. Males of this breed reach an average of 81 to 86 cm at the withers, and can weigh between 54 and 70 kg. Females are slightly smaller, reaching 76 to 81 cm at the withers and weighing between 40 and 55 kg.
Body structure
The Irish Wolfhound has a strong, well-built body. Despite their size, these dogs are proportionate and harmonious. Their head is long, but well-proportioned to the rest of the body, with a sharp foot and slightly pronounced eyebrow arches.
The eyes of these dogs are dark, with a wise and gentle gazing expression. The ears are medium in size and carried backwards, although when the dog is alert, they can be raised upward.
Coat and coloration
The Irish Wolfhound’s coat is rough, providing some protection from the weather. The coat can come in various shades of gray, from light silver to dark steel, as well as brown and black.
Characteristic features
The Irish Wolfhound’s movements are smooth and elegant, which only adds to their majestic appearance. Despite their size, they are incredibly balanced and agile, meaning they are able to move with remarkable ease and grace.
Irish Wolfhound – interesting facts about the breed
- World’s tallest dog: the Irish Wolfhound is considered the tallest dog breed in the world. The record holder, a dog named Zeus, measured as much as 111.8 cm at the withers!
- History in literature: The Irish Wolfhound is no stranger to literature. The breed appears in many works, from the epic “Song of Roland” to the novel “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” by J.K. Rowling.
- Combat role: Irish wolfhounds were used in battles to terrify enemy troops. Their impressive size and strength were often used for intimidation purposes.
- Royal pet: Irish wolfhounds were popular with aristocracy and kings. For example, King Henry VIII had these dogs in his collection, which were donated to him by various dignitaries.
- “Giant Boy”: Despite its size, the Irish Wolfhound is known as “the biggest boy in the dog world.” They are extremely gentle and loving dogs who, despite their impressive size, are true gentle giants.
- Breeding of the breed: The Irish Wolfhound is a breed that is almost extinct, but was saved thanks to the efforts of Captain George Augustus Graham in the 19th century.
- Famous Irish Wolfhounds: One of the most famous Irish Wolfhounds was a Wolfhound named Gelert, whom the Welsh Prince Llywelyn the Great allegedly killed, thinking he had killed his son. When he discovered that Gelert had defended the child from the wolf, Llywelyn was so distraught that he never spoke a word again.
Summary
The Irish Wolfhound is a remarkable breed that is stunning in both its appearance and character. Although it requires the right attitude and care, for many people it is the best friend and companion. Remember, however, that the decision to adopt an Irish Wolfhound should be well thought out – this is a breed that deserves the right conditions, care and love.
Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.