All breeds › Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhound
One of the tallest breeds, a rough-coated sighthound bred to hunt wolves and elk.
♥ Swipe on the Irish WolfhoundQuick facts
- Origin
- Ireland
- Size
- Giant
- Energy
- Medium
- Bred for
- Hunting wolves
- Lifespan
- 6–8 years
- Temperament
- Gentle, dignified, thoughtful
- Exercise
- 60 min/day
- Grooming
- Medium
- Shedding
- Medium
- Training
- Moderate
- With children
- Great
- Apartment
- No
Where the Irish Wolfhound comes from
Irish Wolfhounds were used in Ireland to hunt wolves and elk, and were prized as gifts for royalty. Near extinction in the 1800s, the breed was rebuilt by a Scottish officer, Captain Graham.
Personality and daily life
Gentle, dignified and thoughtful. Wolfhounds are calm indoors, good with children and surprisingly sensitive.
Wolfhounds are the tallest breed, calm indoors and quick outdoors. They need lots of space and have a short lifespan.
Exercise, grooming and health
Daily walks and the chance to run in a secure area. The rough coat needs brushing weekly. They have short lives (6 to 8 years) with heart disease, cancer and bloat risks.
Is a Irish Wolfhound right for you?
Owners with space who can accept a short lifespan.
- Needs space, so not ideal for small apartments
- Great with children
Similar breeds
Profiles are general guides. Individual dogs vary, so always meet the dog and talk to a breeder, shelter or vet.