Irish Wolfhound
CourageousDignifiedCalm
Ireland · 6–8 years
About the Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of all dog breeds, with males standing at least 32 inches at the shoulder and often reaching 35 inches or more. Originally bred in Ireland to hunt wolves, elk, and wild boar, these gentle giants have been revered for centuries in Irish culture and mythology. Despite their imposing size, Irish Wolfhounds are calm, dignified, and remarkably gentle. They are often described as 'gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked' — a breed of great courage and quiet nobility.
Breed stats
- Height
- 30–35 in
- Weight
- 105–180 lbs
- Lifespan
- 6–8 years
- Group
- Hound
- Coat
- Rough, wiry, medium length
- Origin
- Ireland
Coat colors
- Gray
- Brindle
- Red
- Black
- White
- Fawn
- Wheaten
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
40–60 min
per day recommended
Daily food
4–8 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
- Liver shunt
- Pneumonia
Not every Irish Wolfhound will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Irish Wolfhounds eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Irish Wolfhounds unfortunately have one of the shortest lifespans of any breed, averaging just 6 to 8 years. This is largely due to their giant size — very large dogs age faster at the cellular level and are more susceptible to certain health problems. The primary causes of death are dilated cardiomyopathy (heart disease), osteosarcoma (bone cancer), and bloat. Responsible breeders screen for heart and bone conditions, but the breed's giant size inherently limits longevity. Prospective owners must be prepared for this shorter time together.
- Irish Wolfhounds are among the most expensive breeds to maintain. Their enormous size means everything costs more — food bills typically run $150 to $300 per month for high-quality kibble, as they eat 4 to 8 cups daily. Veterinary costs are higher due to larger medication doses and higher anesthesia requirements. They need extra-large beds, crates, and accessories. Annual costs typically range from $2,500 to $4,500 or more. The initial purchase price from a reputable breeder ranges from $1,500 to $3,000.
- Irish Wolfhounds are remarkably gentle with children despite their enormous size. They have a calm, patient temperament and seem instinctively careful around small family members. However, their sheer size poses an unintentional risk — a wagging tail can knock a toddler over, and an excited Wolfhound puppy (which can weigh 100+ pounds by 6 months) can easily bowl over small children. Supervision is always recommended, not because of aggression concerns, but simply because of the size difference. They are best suited for families with older children.
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