Irish Wolfhound
A gentle giant from the age of wolves — the tallest, kindest hound of all.
Vital stats
| Size | Giant · 71–86 cm |
| Weight | 40–55 kg |
| Life expectancy | 6–8 years |
| Energy | Moderate — 40–60 min/day |
| Shedding | Moderate, year-round |
| Coat | Rough, wiry · grey, brindle, red, black, fawn, white |
| Group | Hound · FCI №160 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred to course wolves and giant Irish elk, the Wolfhound spent its ferocity centuries ago; what remains is a serene, sweet-natured companion that leans on the people it loves. It rarely barks, rarely guards, and mostly wants a soft bed within sight of you — until something runs, and the sighthound wakes.
Habits & quirks
The lean
Wolfhounds show affection by resting their considerable weight against your legs.
Lap dog delusions
Forty-five kilos will still attempt to fit on the sofa beside you, and partly succeed.
The gallop
A few times a day the couch potato remembers it's a sighthound and flies across the garden.
Counter surveillance
Its head clears the kitchen worktop without jumping — nothing edible is truly out of reach.
Care
| Exercise | Gentle daily walks plus a safe, fenced space to gallop; never over-exercise a fast-growing puppy. |
| Health | Heart disease, bloat and bone cancer shadow the breed — choose health-tested lines and learn the signs of bloat. |
| Feeding | Slow, steady puppy growth on a giant-breed diet; split adult meals to reduce bloat risk. |
| Space | Not a flat dog: it needs room to turn around, a large car, and furniture it's allowed on. |
Common questions
How long do Irish Wolfhounds live?
Sadly only 6–8 years on average, as with most giant breeds. Good breeding, lean weight and heart screening give you the best odds of more.
Are Irish Wolfhounds good family dogs?
Wonderful — they are famously gentle and patient with children. Supervise around toddlers simply because of sheer size, and give the dog a quiet retreat.
Do Irish Wolfhounds need a lot of exercise?
Less than you'd think: an hour of gentle walking plus the odd free run suits an adult. Puppies must be exercised sparingly to protect growing joints.