Dog Breed Irish Wolfhound: Friendly Giant
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the →largest dog breeds in the world. In its homeland Ireland, it was originally used for the hunting of wolves, deer, and bears. Its muscular but still elegant physique and long legs make it a powerful runner.
Today, the friendly giant enjoys a peaceful life as a member of a family. When cuddling with its owner, the Wolfhound often forgets its size and becomes a lap dog in giant format.
Do you think this dog breed is something for you? Find out more about the Irish Wolfhound now!
The Irish Wolfhound in Portrait
Origin: Ireland
Height: 71-79 cm
Weight: 45-54 kg
Life Expectancy: 6-10 years
Character: loyal, patient, good-natured, people-oriented
Character and Nature
Within the large body and under the rough, somewhat wiry coat of the Irish Wolfhound lies a gentle and loving character. Its patient side particularly shows in →interaction with children. It remains unfazed by commotion and is a loyal →family dog.
The Irish Wolfhound does not leave its owner’s side. The large dog can assess threatening situations well and dares to protect or defend the family in danger.
With its social nature, the Irish Wolfhound is also suitable as a companion and therapy dog. If you are not feeling well, the people-oriented, sensitive furball notices it quite quickly.
Training and Care
A →consistent training is particularly important for the Irish Wolfhound due to its size and strength. If it →follows commands well, it can be granted more freedoms. Blind obedience cannot be expected from the quite stubborn former hunter and runner. Patience and love are as important for successful training as perseverance. The →early socialization of the puppy helps to establish positive behavior patterns from a young age.
Like many →very large dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is unfortunately quite prone to →diseases. Therefore, the dog has a comparatively low life expectancy, with only a few dogs living beyond 8 years. Fortunately, today, serious breeders prioritize the health of the dog breed over speed or size. As a dog owner, you can positively influence your dog's health with the right →care and →healthy nutrition full of vitamins and proteins.
Gesund unterwegs - mit dem besten Futter!
In terms of care, the Irish Wolfhound is low-maintenance and patiently adapts to everyday situations. As a sighthound, however, it wants to be able to sprint extensively at least once a day. It loves to run and play, and its hunting instinct can be quite pronounced. Therefore, it is better to keep it on a leash when cycling. As a →apartment dog, the large dog is not suitable.
