Irish Wolfhound
Family: Sighthound, Southern (sighthound)
Area of origin: Ireland
Original function: coursing wolves and elk
Average size of male: Ht: >32, Wt: >120
Average size of female: Ht: >30, Wt: >105
Other names: none
Irish Wolfhound Dog Temperament
Aptly known as the gentle giant, the Irish Wolfhound is a soft-natured, easygoing breed. He is calm around the house, sensitive, patient, easygoing and sweet. Despite his great size, he is good with children, pets and other dogs. It can be reserved with strangers and courageous when the need arises.
Irish Wolfhound Dog Care
The Irish Wolfhound enjoys a long walk and a chance to stretch its legs, so he needs daily exercise. At home the Wolfhound needs ample room to stretch out on a soft surface and should not be required to live in cramped quarters. He can develop callouses if allowed to lie on hard surfaces too often. His coat needs to be brushed or combed once or twice weekly, plus occasional slight scissoring to neaten up straggly hairs. Dead hairs should be stripped twice a year.
Irish Wolfhound Dog Health
Major concerns: gastric torsion
Minor concerns: cardiomyopathy, OCD, osteosarcoma, CHD
Occasionally seen: none
Suggested tests: (hip), (heart)
Life span: 5-7 years
Note: sensitive to anesthesia; prone to tail-tip injuries
