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The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest and tallest of dogs in the world. By the age of six months they can weigh as much as ninety pounds and do not reach maturity until twenty to twenty-four months. Despite their great size, they are the very gentle in nature. Known as the gentle giant, they are a perfect gentleman who show no signs of aggression. Irish Wolfhounds are willing to please their owners and make a good family dog for those who have adequate space and a lifestyle to feed them as they are rather expensive to look after.
Height: 28 - 35 inches
Weight: 90 - 120 lbs.
Colors: Gray, steel gray, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn or wheaten.
Coat: Rough and harsh.
Temperament: Irish Wolfhounds are gentle, friendly, intelligent
With Children: Yes, wonderful around children.
With Pets: Yes
Special Skills: Hunting dog and family pet.
Watch-dog: Medium to Low, but their great size can scare intruders.
Guard-dog: Medium to Low, may greet a intruder with love and affection.
Care and Training: Require regular grooming their hard, wiry coat or it will become matted. Comb daily. Trim around the eye and ears with blunt scissors. The Irish Wolfhound does not require as much exercise as one would think for their great size, but they do need daily walks or runs or they will be inclined to be lazy. Rearing of young Irish Wolfhound puppies is critical because of their rapid growth rate. Do not take them on long walks as they can damage their joints.
Learning Rate: High to Medium
Activity: Moderate
Living Environment: Recommended that you have a large house and fenced big backyard.
Health Issues: Heart problems, hip dysplasia, cancers such as lymphoma, bone and kidney disease.
Life Span: 8 - 10 years
Litter Size: 3 - 4
Country of Origin: Ireland
History: Irish history has many references to the Wolfhound. It is said that the Celts took their hounds to Ireland around 1500 B.C. Known then as the "Cu" their name used to imply bravery and many warriors would prefixed their own names with the word. Other names they have been called by are the Irish Hound and Irish Wolfdog. Currently in Ireland they are called the Cu Faoil. They were used in battle to pull men off of horseback and at times to hunt wolves. The Irish Wolfhound breed was almost lost in 1845 when a famine nearly destroyed them. It is said that a British officer by the name of Captain Graham set out to revive the breed.
First Registered by the AKC: 1897
AKC Group: Hound
Class: Hound
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 10), KC (GB), UKC
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