The first time you see an Irish Wolfhound in person may shock you. With tall lithe bodies, wiry coats, and dark eyes, you might mistake this breed for a werewolf. These aren’t fairytale creatures come to life – just an Irish Wolfhound going about their day. 

Though large, there’s no need to fear the presence of a Wolfhound dog. They can be quite docile, affectionate, and even patient with children. 

Physical Characteristics

Irish Wolfhounds can grow to the height of a small child, maxing out around 32 inches tall. You may find yourself at eye level with these dogs when they stand on their hind legs. Even a tiny Irish Wolfhound puppy will end up at a human weight of 100 to 180 pounds. 

Wiry medium-length fur is the hallmark of any Wolfhound dog. Grey and black are the most common colors for this breed. But Irish Wolfhounds can have white, brindle, red, or wheaten coats, as well. 

The combination of this breed’s size and scruffy coat is an intimidating sight. But anyone who’s spent time with this breed will tell you these pups are gentle giants. 

Personality Traits

Based on appearance, this breed seems like the ideal guard dog. These dogs were indeed bred to defend their homes and cattle from wild wolves. But today’s Irish Wolfhound is relatively calm and peaceful. 

A Wolfhound dog is quiet in comparison to other breeds. They are keen observers and will only bark if they sense danger or intruders. When that bark happens, get ready for a powerful howl that could rival any wolf. 

Perhaps the most surprising thing about an Irish Wolfhound is their affectionate nature. These pups are loyal and loving to their human family. If you have young kids or other dogs, there’s no need to worry about biting. Do supervise playtime with kids or other pets in case your Wolfhound dog forgets their size.  

Health & Grooming

With a wiry double coat, your Irish Wolfhound puppy only needs brushing every week or so. They shed year-round so there’s no need for annual undercoat maintenance. Their coats are built to survive the outdoors, so all you have to do is keep it clean and free of tangles. 

The main health concern for Irish Wolfhounds is their short life expectancy. Giant breeds like these require a lot of energy to simply exist and it takes a hit on their longevity. Most Irish Wolfhounds only live around 6 to 8 years. 

Keep an eye out for sudden bloat or abdomen swelling as these can be life-threatening for these dogs. Call your vet if you’re concerned about bloat. 

You can extend the lifespan of your Irish Wolfhound puppy by taking them to the vet for annual exams. Your vet will run the necessary tests to ensure your Wolfhound dog is in peak condition. 

Training & Exercise 

Though an Irish Wolfhound puppy may look fully grown, it still takes around 18 months for them to mature. It’s crucial to start obedience training early so Irish Wolfhound puppies don’t hurt themselves or others in the puppy phase. 

Socialize these dogs early on and use positive reinforcement training methods. Irish Wolfhounds are highly intelligent and should take to training relatively fast. Rewarding your pup with a piece of Sundays is always an effective rewarding method. 

Irish Wolfhounds were bred to hunt and ward off threats. If they aren’t getting enough exercise and mental stimulation, your Wolfhound dog may start acting out. Outdoor playtime and daily walks on a leash can go a long way for an Irish Wolfhound. 

Puppyhood

Irish Wolfhound puppies are hardly puppies at all. At 2 months old, an Irish Wolfhound puppy will weigh around 24 pounds. They’ll nearly double in size the next month at 41 to 44 pounds. So if you’re looking for a breed that starts small, Irish Wolfhound puppies may not be for you. 

Most Irish Wolfhound puppies hit the 100-pound mark a few months before their first birthday. This makes training a big priority for parents of an Irish Wolfhound puppy. You only have a few months before their size becomes overpowering, so obedience training is a must. 

What dog food should I give my Irish Wolfhound? 

Irish Wolfhounds should be fed a high-protein dog food that has real meat as the first ingredient. For these dogs, even simple movements like sitting, walking, and standing take a lot of energy. Quality protein sources like beef, chicken, or turkey will provide your Wolfhound dog with the natural energy to thrive. 

Sundays for Dogs is the perfect dog food for an Irish Wolfhound. Each recipe contains 80% or more real meat for packed protein. You’ll also find 100% human-grade fruits, veggies, and whole grains in Sundays’ dog food for complete and balanced nutrition.