Irish Wolfhound
One of the tallest dogs in the world, the Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant: calm, patient and very sociable.
History and origins
The Irish Wolfhound descends from the great hunting and war hounds of ancient Ireland, used to hunt wolf and deer. After the wolf disappeared from Ireland, the breed nearly died out.
It was rebuilt in the 19th century and remains an Irish national symbol.
Temperament
Gentle, patient and calm, the Irish Wolfhound is affectionate with the whole family and usually friendly with other dogs. It is not a guard dog.
It learns through gentle training; its size means good leash manners must be taught from an early age.
Health
Like many giant breeds, it has a short life expectancy. It is prone to heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy), bone cancer and gastric torsion (bloat).
Regular veterinary follow-up, including heart checks, is recommended.
This is general information. For any question about your dog's health, consult a veterinarian.
Feeding
Giant-breed food over several meals suits it; puppy growth should be slow and supervised.
No exertion just before or after meals.
Exercise
It needs daily walks and the chance to run in a large enclosed area, without overdoing it while growing.
Indoors, it is very calm.
Its size makes it poorly suited to apartments; it needs a house with a garden.
Grooming
Its wiry coat needs weekly brushing; light hand-stripping keeps it tidy.
Provide thick bedding to protect its joints.
