--- title: "Irish Wolfhound" id: "191438" type: "breeds" slug: "irish-wolfhound" published_at: "2022-07-02T04:19:10+00:00" modified_at: "2026-10-17T04:32:16+00:00" url: "https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/irish-wolfhound/" markdown_url: "https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/irish-wolfhound.md" excerpt: "If you’re looking for a gentle giant, the Irish Wolfhound may just be the perfect addition to your family. Known for their impressive size and majestic appearance, these noble dogs have been around for centuries, originally bred in Ireland to..." taxonomy_breed_group: - "Hound Group" taxonomy_breed_size: - "Large" --- [Back to Breeds](https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/) Giant breed # Irish Wolfhound Puppies Originally used as a war dog to drag men down from their chariots and horses, as well as for hunting purposes, the Irish Wolfhound is known to be the tallest of all dog breeds. The breed has however adapted into a loving and obedient family companion today, and the Irish people cannot love it less. Discover more about our [Irish Wolfhound puppies for sale](/puppies-for-sale/) below! - Great with kids - Active breed - Alert watchdog - Quiet [Ask about Irish Wolfhound puppies](#pb-ask) We do not have Irish Wolfhound puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well. - Adult weight 90–150 lbs - Height 30–34 in - Lifespan 6–8 years - Exercise 30 min a day ![Irish Wolfhound](https://www.petlandashland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/irish-wolfhound-1-600x600.jpg) Share[https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.petlandashland.com%2Fbreed%2Firish-wolfhound%2F](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.petlandashland.com%2Fbreed%2Firish-wolfhound%2F) [https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.petlandashland.com%2Fbreed%2Firish-wolfhound%2F&description=Irish%20Wolfhound%20puppies](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.petlandashland.com%2Fbreed%2Firish-wolfhound%2F&description=Irish%20Wolfhound%20puppies) ## About the Irish Wolfhound [Stay Connected Via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandashland.com) If you’re looking for a gentle giant, the Irish Wolfhound may just be the perfect addition to your family. Known for their impressive size and majestic appearance, these noble dogs have been around for centuries, originally bred in Ireland to hunt wolves and protect their homes. Despite their history as fierce hunters, Irish Wolfhounds are incredibly affectionate and make wonderful companions for families. They are especially good with young children and tend to get along well with other dogs, making them a fitting choice for those who want a friendly canine presence in their lives. Read more about the Irish Wolfhound Show less Irish Wolfhounds are not overly energetic, which means they enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, requiring moderate exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Daily walks and some playtime in a yard can easily meet their needs, making them suitable even for those living in a cozy space. This adaptable nature can bring joy to families with various activity levels; however, they do appreciate a good cuddle session on the couch just as much as a stroll in the park. When it comes to grooming, these dogs do not demand excessive care, as a monthly grooming session is generally sufficient to keep their coat looking its best. You may find they shed a little, but their low-maintenance grooming needs make them easier to manage than many other breeds. Additionally, Irish Wolfhounds exhibit a commendable level of trainability, quickly learning commands, particularly when those lessons are wrapped in positive reinforcement and lots of love. In the heart of Petland Ashland, Kentucky, you might discover that the Irish Wolfhound is not just a dog but a member of your family. Their presence radiates warmth and loyalty, rendering them a perfect friend for both children and adults. If you’re ready to embrace the companionship of this gentle giant, you will find that life is enriched in countless ways by their loving nature. [Stay Connected Via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandashland.com) ## Irish Wolfhound breed profile Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse. ### Temperament - Affection Devoted - Playfulness Calm - With strangers Friendly - Territorial Relaxed - Prey drive Moderate ### Family & other pets - Young children Good - Older children Good - Other dogs Sociable - Cats Needs care ### Energy & exercise - Energy Relaxed - Mental stimulation Light ### Training - Trainability Willing learner - Intelligence Bright - Stubbornness Biddable ### Care & upkeep - Shedding Light - Drooling A drooler - Barking Occasional ### Home life - Apartment living Needs real space - Time alone Short periods - Cold weather Comfortable - Warm weather Needs shade ### A good match for - First-time owners Some experience helps - Senior owners Good - Running partner Short distances - Hiking Short walks - Therapy work Possible - Guarding Low ## Living with a Irish Wolfhound ### Breed History The Irish Wolfhound has always been a highly valued dog in all of its history. They originated from Ireland and were originally allowed to be owned by only the rich and noble Irish men. The breed was used as a war dog for the purpose of pulling riders off their war chariots and horses. They were also used as hunting dogs, and they hunted games as big as boars, elks, and wolves. At a time, the breed started to reduce in number and would have gone to extinction, but for the activities of Major H. D. Richardson who started to breed Irish Wolfhounds in the 1800s with breeding programs based on Glengarry Deerhounds. In 1885, the Irish Wolfhound Club was founded by Captain George Augustus Graham, who was another Irish Wolfhound advocate. The breed was recognized by England’s Kennel Club in 1925 and 1927, the Irish Wolfhound Club of America was established. Today, the breed is recognized as number 77th in AKC’s list of 155 breeds and varieties in America. ### Temperament Although they come in huge sizes and have a history of violence, the Irish wolfhound is a calm, gentle and dignified breed with high intelligence and a huge passion for human company. They are also very sensitive to their owners’ attitude towards them. For this, it is important to consciously train the breed with constant positive reinforcements like rewards and praises. Harsh treatment towards this breed often makes them shut off. You might want to spend a lot of your time with the Irish Wolfhound if you own one, seeing that they value this kind of relationship. ### Environment Not minding their huge size, the Irish Wolfhound is mostly a house dog. They are more relaxed and enjoy better health in a yard with enough space to run, alongside firmly built fence to stop them from chasing other animals. They also enjoy staying indoors, especially in the company of their owners and family. However, it is not advisable to live with them in houses that have stairs as they might damage their joints while running the stairs, plus, it could be difficult to carry them down the stairs in cases of emergency because of their huge size and weight. Space, where they can easily run around, is crucial to their mental and physical health, and they might be negatively affected if they do not have this space. ### Exercise Irish Wolfhounds do well with about 20 minutes of playtime every day in an open space where they can be free to run around. It is, however, important to keep this playtime an hour before, or two hours after their mealtime. This is to help them minimize the risk of having bloats or gastric torsions. Daily walks to nearby destinations, about an hour or two is also recommended, but while at it, it is a must to use leeches, so as to prevent the dog from chasing other animals and injuring them or itself. Irish Wolfhounds are naturally a huge breed and they require frequent exercise to keep fit. It is however advised not to overdo exercises so that it does not lead to joint-related conditions. ### Grooming The Irish Wolfhound needs frequent grooming to keep it healthy and in good shape at all times. It has a rough and hard coat and sheds consistently round the year calendar. You need to brush them weekly to help keep the coat clean and healthy. They do not require baths too frequently and can go for one year with just two to three baths. Our **Irish Wolfhound**puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than 20% of all breeders in the country. The unregulated breeders who are selling outside of the USDA regulations and without a license are what we consider to be “Puppy Mills.” We are committed to offering **Irish Wolfhound**puppies who will grow up to become important members of your family. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. ## Caring for a Irish Wolfhound GroomingMonthly brushing Grooming costAverage Monthly foodHigh Outdoor spaceA yard is recommended Allergy friendlyNot considered hypoallergenic ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do Irish Wolfhounds require frequent exercise? Yes. Irish Wolfhounds require consistent exercise to stay healthy. ### How long should Irish Wolfhounds exercise time last? About 40 minutes to 1 hour every day is ok. ### Are Irish Wolfhounds heavy? Yes. Because of their build and size, the Irish Wolfhound is quite heavy. ### Are Irish Wolfhounds suitable for apartment living? An apartment is not the most suited environment for the Irish Wolfhound. ### Are Irish Wolfhounds friendly to humans? Yes. Irish Wolfhounds are quite friendly and obedient to humans. ### Do Irish Wolfhounds live long? Unfortunately, the Irish Wolfhound does not live really long. ### How long do Irish Wolfhounds live? The average life expectancy of the Irish Wolfhound is about 6 to 8 years. ### Are Irish Wolfhounds prone to any health challenge? Yes. They are prone to some health issues, but these issues can be managed. ### Can Irish Wolfhounds be used as guard dogs? No. They do not do well as guard dogs. ### How often do Irish Wolfhounds feed? Two times every day is perfect. If what you want is a strong and powerful but yet calm and loving dog breed to keep you company, the Irish Wolfhound is exactly for you. ## Similar Breeds ![Beagle](https://www.petlandashland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/beagle-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Beagle](https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/beagle/) 1 available ![Afghan Hound puppies breed overview](https://www.petlandashland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/afghan-hound-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Afghan Hound](https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/afghan-hound/) ![American Foxhound](https://www.petlandashland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/american-foxhound-1-300x300.jpg) ### [American Foxhound](https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/american-foxhound/) ![Find Basset Hound Puppies Near Ashland, Kentucky](https://www.petlandashland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/basset-hound-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Basset Hound](https://www.petlandashland.com/breed/basset-hound/) ## Ready to Meet Them? Call us to check current availability or to arrange a visit with a Irish Wolfhound. - [Ashland, KY (606) 329-0357](tel:6063290357) ## Ask About Irish Wolfhound Puppies Our pet counselors are ready to help you find your new best friend. "*" indicates required fields ``` Petland Ashland 750 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Robinlee Eversole Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Staff is very friendly and helpful. It's clean and well cared for, we love to see whats new Posted on Google Katelyn Smith Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I loved petland they helped me so much with getting my summer she is so loving her life with getting spoiled lol and sleeping in bed with her mommy Posted on Google Kathy Horsley Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience! Friendly & knowledgeable staff. 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