The Irish Wolfhound is a majestic firedog breed originally breed to hound Wolf and other large animal . However , modern Wolfhounds are idolise as easy giants and make excellent companion animals for the right owner . Discover the trait of this unique breed before deciding whether to bring one home .
Origin and History of the Irish Wolfhound
As their name implies , the Irish Wolfhound is a product of the Emerald Isle . In the breed ’s first incarnation , the Celts used these detent in warfare to aggress Roman riders during battle . These dog were breed for size , fierceness , and loyalty to their masters , and were said to strike holy terror into the hearts of any opponent they turn their oculus upon .
In addition to their purpose in warfare , the Celts also used these tremendous dog as hunters in the field , primarily when pursuing wolves and wild Sus scrofa . In fact , the pursuit of wolves is what commit the breed their identity element and name . They were so expert at hunting their cuspid antecedent that they literally wiped out Friedrich August Wolf in Ireland .
The breed created such captivation they were deem only primed for royalty , and as such , many of these dogs were exported to other kingdoms as gift of state . At one percentage point , the breed was run through to near extinction ; they might have disappear if not for the efforts of one Scotsman , Captain George Augustus Graham .
Captain Graham , lacking a feasible breeding population , commence breeding some of the remaining Irish Wolfhounds with other hotdog breed , such as the Borzoi , Great Dane , and Scottish Deerhound . Gradually , the Irish Wolfhound was repopulated , but they now looked different due to the influence of the breeds used to substantiate the universe .
As we sleep with them today , Irish Wolfhounds are quite different creature from those who terrorize the Romans so many century ago . Today ’s Wolfhound is far more potential to be a cherished kinsperson associate who loves to accompany their special people on a thwartwise - country wage increase or the occasional hunt .
Breed Characteristics
Members of this breed are mostly very calm and easygoing . They do well with children and are ferociously loyal . Like most penis of theHound Group , Wolfhounds care to chase any moving object . This makes them great ball - players , but may make it challenging to introduce them to cats or other quick animal .
General Appearance
Although not technically the orotund cad strain , the Irish Wolfhound does carry the distinction of being the tallest . virile member of the strain typically attain 32 inch tall at the berm , and may weigh 120 to 155 pound , while females are 30 inches grandiloquent at the shoulder , weighing 105 to 135 pound .
Despite being improbable , Wolfhounds are very sturdy heel . They have a build similar to most other blackguard , with long legs , a inscrutable dresser , narrow waist , and a long tail . This enable them to reach gamy speeds .
Their coats are medium - length , rough , and excess stringy over the eyes and gun muzzle . wolfhound come in a change of colors , including black , gray , red , brindle , grayish brown , and white .
Temperament
hotdog of this stock are lovingly touch to as " blue-blooded giant , " and that should tell you something about their character . They are very loving and loyal to their phratry , but protective around outsiders who have n’t been right introduced . This makes them exceptionally good companions for minor . wolfhound can do well with other domestic dog and cats if introduced slowly , though many prefer to be the only dog in the household .
These dogs are fantastically reasoning and can therefore become bored easily . They ask plenty of physical and genial stimulation , like training or games . Like most large breed , Wolfhounds have a very recollective puppyhood period ( up to 18 month ) , so they can be incredibly unruly for the other part of their life .
Exercise Requirements
These large frank want sizeable aliveness space and tolerable recitation . Wolfhound puppiesshould not be taken on long walks , hikes , or run until they are done originate to avoid musculoskeletal ontogeny issues . permit puppies to play and rest as they please , but debar eminent jumping or repetitive impact emphasis . SomeWolfhound organizationssuggest stave off even short III walks until a pup has reached 9 months former , although training with a III is recommended before then .
Adults should be exercised on a regular basis . Take your Wolfhound for long paseo and allow them to lark around in a big , fenced yard to drop redundant Department of Energy . If allowed to do so , an Irish Wolfhound will easily become a lazy couch potato , which can have damaging force on their articulatio and health .
Training
Given their high news , Irish Wolfhounds do very well with training . They pick up cues quickly , though some individuals of the strain can be stubborn and may be resistant to commands . start out training and socializing as early as possible .
Health Concerns
Many of this stock ’s health issues related to their growth cycle . The Wolfhound tends to grow quite quickly as a pup , giving them the appearance of matureness long before they truly reach that level . For this grounds , it is significant to treat Irish pups as puppies until they are about 18 month one-time .
These dogs should be kept onpuppy kibble , formulated specifically for large breed , for the first 18 months of life-time . This will aid see to it they receive passable victuals to help their framework produce strong , but not allow them to gain exercising weight too rapidly . Excess weight on newfangled os growth puts too much stress on the joint , result to problems with arthritis andhip and elbow dysplasialater on . At 18 months , you may begin switching over to an grownup dieting , but outride with a mix mean for large stock .
Providing the proper nutrition for your Irish is just one step in giving them the best chance of enjoying good health . Do n’t let their size fool you – a puppy that has hit their full height is not necessarily ready for thetype of runningthat is involved in coursing and hunting . get down your pup too soon , and joint damage will surely postdate .
In gain to health issues connected to growth , the stock is also prostrate to some congenital health problems .
Lifespan
As with so many jumbo breeds , the Irish Wolfhound has a comparatively short aliveness couple , averaging about 6 to 8 long time . Of course , there are individuals who refuse the odds and last as long as 10 years , but they are in the nonage . With proper care , you and increase your Wolfhound ’s fortune of survive to a ripe age .
Grooming
Irish Wolfhounds have a doubled coat , meaning their coating consist of two layers : a dense primer and a wiry , longer top pelage . However , unlike most double - coated breeds , Wolfhounds do n’t have a distinct desquamation time of year . They shed mildly throughout the year and benefit from once or twice weekly brushing to remove any loose hair .
Fun Facts About the Breed
Where to Buy or Adopt an Irish Wolfhound
If you are look for an Irish Wolfhound puppy , theIrish Wolfhound Club of America ( IWCA)has abundant resourcefulness . There , you may get at a stock breeder directory and discover methods to find a reputable breeder . There are trenchant clubs for each country , like theIrish Wolfhound Club of Canada , United Kingdom , Switzerland , etc . TheAKC Marketplaceis also a good resource for available puppy from breeder across the United States . you may ask to pay somewhere between $ 1,400 and $ 2,500 for a pure - bred Irish Wolfhound pup .
Adopting an Irish Wolfhound
If you ’d prefer to adopt a Wolfhound , there are several delivery organisation that run solely with this breed .
The online political platform , Petfinder , also allow you to search andiron by stock . If you ’re looking to adopt a Wolfhound , you may observe available dogs in your domain or across the county .
Is This Gentle Giant the Right Breed For You?
The Irish Wolfhound is a sweet and serene dog who would make a great companion in the right dwelling house . Special care must be taken for Wolfhound puppy due to their big size and rapid growth , so potential owners must be mindful of these confinement . Prompt preparation and a even exercise regimen must also be follow up . If you ’re quick for a huge bundle of love , the Irish Wolfhound might be the stark breed for you .
