Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhound Breed Information 2022

The Irish Wolfhound is a fascinating breed with history traces back thousands of years. You can easily spot these dogs anywhere thanks to their large size. Most Irish Wolfhound dogs have a height that ranges from 32 - 34 inches. Trust us, you’ll never lose this dog in a crowd.

Along with the size, a few key characteristics of this breed are its coat and its body type. Most Irish Wolfhounds have a hard, wiry coat that can be in a range of colors. The dog’s body should be very muscular and long necked.

When it comes to the breed's personality, they are quite introverted. These pups are happy to spend time alone and won’t follow you from room to room in the home… unless you have treats of course. The Irish Wolfhound is a very intelligent breed. This is, in many ways, thanks to their roots as working dogs. If you have kids, fear not. These pups are gentle giants who are very easygoing with others and can handle anything you throw their way.

At Spot Pet Insurance, we believe that pets make us better people. That’s why we are dedicated to helping you give them the long, happy and healthy life they deserve. Keep reading to learn more about this breed to see if it could be a good fit for you!

Irish Wolfhound: Introduction to the Breed

As you plan to introduce a new pet into your home, keep in mind that it’s just as big of a change for the animal as it is for you. It’s crucial for you to do your research and reflect on what you want before buying an Irish Wolfhound puppy. Think about which attributes you’d love in your future pup, and which traits you could live without. Here are a few things you need to know before welcoming an Irish Wolfhound into your family.

Irish Wolfhounds are generally,

Are you looking to get a dog for your children? Pets are a great way to teach kids the values of responsibility, empathy and love. The good news is that the Irish Wolfhound is great with kids. It may be surprising, given their large stature, but these pups are gentle giants who can handle anything a child brings their way.

One really cool attribute of the Irish Wolfhound is its loyalty to its family. These dogs develop a very strong bond with their owners. If you’re lucky enough to be one of this breed’s special people, the dog will have your back. You’ll have a friend for life.

However, this strong bond can have a drawback. Although the Irish Wolfhound is an introverted dog, this breed doesn’t like to be left alone for long periods of time. This can lead to separation anxiety and destructive, boredom-induced behaviors. Returning home and checking in on your dog will help them with this stress.

What are the Origins of the Irish Wolfhound?

The known history of the Irish Wolfhound dates back to the year 391. This is when seven of the dogs were gifted to a powerful man in Rome. They were used for fighting lions and bears. The man wrote, "All Rome viewed (them) with wonder.”

In Ireland, where the dogs were bred, they were known for their strength and loyalty. Often the dogs were used as sighthounds. The only people who owned them were those of importance or power.

Today, the breed remains a symbol in Ireland. It’s the mascot for sports teams and can even be seen on their stamps.

What Are the Considerations for the Irish Wolfhound?

As with many large dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound has a relatively short lifespan. One of the main health issues these dogs struggle with is Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). This is when the heart weakens and cannot pump blood throughout the body. Thankfully, there is a medication that can help with this disease and keep your dog safe.

Other Irish Wolfhound health problems include:

Although there are some ways to help prevent sickness in your pet, not everything can be avoided. Unfortunately, sometimes pets just get sick. That’s why it’s important for you to be prepared for the things you can’t prevent.

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