Hound group · Ireland
Irish Wolfhound
Also called Wolfhound, Cu Faoil.
Giant dog, moderate energy, trains well with consistency.
- Gentle
- Dignified
- Patient
- Courageous
- Calm
- Size
- Giant
- Weight
- 48 to 82 kg105 to 180 lb
- Lives
- 6 to 8 years
- Energy
- Moderate
- Trains
- Moderate
- Barks
- Low
Training
Training an Irish Wolfhound
Hound breeds. Recall is the whole game. Build it on a long line before you trust it, and never punish a slow return.
Train While Small
Start here
Puppies grow incredibly fast. Establish lead manners and basic commands before they outweigh you.
Short Lifespan Reality
Know that the breed typically lives only 6-8 years. Early heart screening and quality time together matter most.
Gentle Giants
Despite their size, these are sensitive dogs. Positive reinforcement works best; harsh methods cause lasting emotional damage.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Irish Wolfhound and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, on video with Atlas and Shango.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to hunt by scent or sight, often far from the handler. Independent, with a nose or eyes that override you.
Gets on with
- ChildrenHigh
- Other dogsHigh
- StrangersModerate
- CatsModerate
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 30-60 minutes daily. Moderate exercise as adults; limit jumping in puppies to protect growing joints.
- Grooming
- Moderate maintenance. Weekly brushing of wiry coat, occasional stripping.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Rough, Wiry, Medium lengthGrey, Brindle, Black, White, Red, Fawn
- In a flat
- Needs more space than a flat gives.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Severe
Heart disease is extremely common and often fatal in this breed
Osteosarcoma
Severe
Bone cancer affects many giant breeds, including Irish Wolfhounds
Bloat (GDV)
Severe
Deep-chested giants are at high risk; preventive gastropexy recommended
Where they come from
History
Ancient Celtic war and hunting dogs bred to hunt wolves and elk. Nearly extinct by the 1800s, revived by Captain George Graham. The tallest of all dog breeds.
- Fang · Hagrid's loyal companion in the Harry Potter series
