Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is a giant sighthound from Ireland — one of the tallest breeds in the world, and a gentle one despite a fierce history.

History

It is an ancient breed, kept to hunt wolves and elk and prized as a war dog and royal gift, so valued that its export was once restricted. When the wolf was gone from Ireland it nearly vanished too, before a Victorian revival brought it back.

Temperament

The breed is known for being calm, dignified and gentle — a giant with a mild, affectionate nature that is patient with its family and slow to aggression. Its size alone makes early, gentle training essential.

Care and training

It needs moderate daily exercise and room to stretch, with care not to over-work a growing giant whose joints are still forming. The rough coat needs regular brushing and occasional stripping.

Health

Great size comes with heavy costs: bloat, heart disease and bone cancer are known tendencies, and it has one of the shortest lifespans of any breed. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.