The Irish Wolfhound is the largest breed of dog. They are gentle and friendly. This giant breed requires plenty of space within the home and outside of it.

Physical Characteristics

• Coat: Rough, shaggy hair
• Wiry, bushy eyebrows
• Coat colors are gray, fawn, brindle, red, black or white
• Tail hangs with slight curve
• Ears are carried back
• Average height: 30-35 inches
• Average weight: 105-120 pounds
• Average lifespan: 6-8 years

Temperament

• Kind, patient, agreeable, even-tempered, loyal
• Interaction with people: Good with children; friendly toward strangers
• Level of attention needed: Needs significant human interaction and companionship
• Training: Responds best to firm, yet gentle, training. Slow to mature; may take two years before this breed becomes full-grown

At Home

• Not recommended for apartments
• Needs large yard with fence or acreage
• Needs daily walks and plenty of exercise
• Owners need a large home and car to sufficiently house this giant breed
• Do not over-exercise as puppies
• Needs experienced owner

Grooming

• Average shedder
• Regular grooming required; combination of brushing and combing works best
• Pluck coat bi-annually to remove dead hair

Brief History

• Irish wolfhound was once a popular gift for royalty
• Descendents of a giant, shaggy breed historically used for wolf, elk and wild boar hunting
• Used in battle to wrench enemies off horseback
• Became nearly extinct after the famine of 1846, but was re-established later by a Scottish officer in the British army

Fido's Facts

• Tallest of all dogs; can grow to be the size of a small pony
• "Irish Wolfhound" is the most modern name for this breed, which is also known as "Irish dogs," "big dogs of Ireland," "greyhounds of Ireland," and "wolfdogs"
• Brought to Ireland by the Celts around 1500 B.C.
• Puppies can weigh up to 100 pounds