Irish Wolfhound for Sale

About Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhound is a remarkable dog breed known for numerous great qualities. For starters, it is one of the tallest dogs, and due to this, pet lovers admire it for its commanding size and strength. Also, it is gentle and loyal to its family and has a graceful and elegant appearance.

For more amazing facts about this dog breed, read on. In case you want to add this dog breed to your family, consider checking the ads above for Irish Wolfhound for sale near me.

History and Lineage of the Irish Wolfhound Dog Breed

The Irish Wolfhound is an ancient breed with a rich history. Its origin is in Ireland and goes back as far as 2000 years ago. The Irish nobility designed it for hunting and warfare, and it became very popular before the 18^th century.

With time, this breed was no longer needed, and its numbers started to decline. It almost faced extinction in the 19^th century. Luckily, Captain George Augustus Graham and his colleagues revived the breed, and in 1897, the AKC acknowledged it. Today, it remains a beloved breed known for its size, gentle temperament, and historical significance.

Overview of the Irish Wolfhound Dog Species

Physical Characteristics of the Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is a majestic breed with distinctive physical features. Namely:

• Size: Irish Wolfhounds reach a height of 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 110-180 pounds. The Black Russian terrier is another dog breed that comes close to this size.
• Body: Irish Wolfhounds have long, lean bodies covered by a rough, wiry Albeit their size, they have a graceful gait, exhibiting a sense of dignity and strength. The typical Irish Wolfhound colors are red, brindle, gray, white, black, and fawn.
• Head: Irish Wolfhounds have a large, noble head with a long muzzle and dark, almond-shaped eyes. Their ears are small and folded back against the head.

Irish Wolfhound Personality and Temperament

Irish Wolfhounds have unique personality traits and temperaments that set them apart from other breeds.

• Gentle and friendly: Irish Wolfhounds are typically good-natured, patient, and blend well with people, including children and other animals. Their affectionate nature makes them excellent family pets and companions.
• Loyal and devoted: Irish Wolfhounds form solid connections with their owners, often becoming profoundly attached to them.
• Alert and protective: Although they are sighthounds, they are also good watchdogs and guard dogs. Irish Wolfhounds are protective of their families and territories. In any case, other breeds classified under sighthounds are Azawakh and Whippet.
• Adaptable: Irish Wolfhounds are suited for various living situations and lifestyles. Their calm and serene demeanor makes them fit for apartment living as long as they get their exercise needs. Their moderate energy needs make them suitable for families with varying activity levels.

How Do You Care for an Irish Wolfhound?

1. Diet and Nutrition

The diet of an Irish Wolfhound should be carefully managed because of its gigantic size and specific nutritional needs. Stick to high-quality, balanced dog food designed for large breeds. The diet needs to comprise lean protein sources, like fish or meat, and complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables.

It is essential to track the food portion sizes to prevent obesity, as excess weight can strain your Irish Wolfhound’s joints. Also, constant access to fresh water is important. Consult a veterinarian or dog nutritionist to better understand your Irish Wolfhound’s diet.

2. Training and Exercise Needs

Irish Wolfhounds are generally trainable dogs but can have a stubborn streak where they want to be independent. Early socialization and training, consistency, and patience, coupled with positive reinforcement, are essential in streamlining training. Harsh methods or excessive force can be counterproductive.

Irish Wolfhounds have moderate exercise needs. While they are a huge breed, they are not overly active. Regular daily exercise, such as walks, playtime, and supervised off-leash activities in secure areas, is necessary to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

Excessive exercise at a young age can potentially harm their developing bones and joints. Avoid strenuous activities if your Irish Wolfhound is less than 12 months old. It's vital to strike a balance to make sure they receive enough exercise without overexertion.

3. Grooming and Cleaning

You need to pay close attention to the grooming and cleaning of an Irish Wolfhound. Brush its wiry coat at least once weekly to clear loose hair and stop matting. Bathe it when necessary using a mild dog shampoo. Thoroughly dry it immediately after bathing to avoid skin issues.

Grooming does not only deal with the coat, but also other regions such as ears, dental, and nails. So, clean your Irish Wolfhound’s ears frequently and check for signs of infection. Brush the teeth and trim overgrown nails.

Overall, consistent grooming and cleaning practices will help keep your Irish Wolfhound's coat and overall hygiene in good condition.

What are the Typical Health Concerns in an Irish Wolfhound?

Below are some of the health conditions that primarily affect Irish Wolfhounds.

• Dilated Cardiomyopathy: It is a heart-related condition that impairs the heart's capability of pumping blood proficiently.
• Bloat: It is a severe and potentially life-threatening disorder where the stomach coils, blocking blood flow. It is also termed gastric dilation-volvulus or gastric torsion.
• Osteosarcoma: A form of bone cancer that is more typical in large breeds, like the Irish Wolfhounds, and others such as Rottweilers and Mastiffs.
• Hip Dysplasia: A hereditary disorder where the hip joint doesn't develop correctly, leading to discomfort and mobility problems.
• Hypothyroidism: A hormonal illness that impacts the thyroid gland, leading to various symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.

Some good measures to control these risks are regular vet checkups, a healthy diet, and frequent exercise.

Pros and Cons of Having an Irish Wolfhound Dog

Irish Wolfhound Cost

You will likely find Irish Wolfhound breeders selling puppies rather than full-grown Irish Wolfhounds. On average, the price for an Irish Wolfhound puppy ranges between $1,500 to $3,000. If you are searching for an Irish Wolfhound puppy for sale near me, preview the ads at the top of this page.

You can find all types of this dog breed, like:

• White Irish Wolfhound
• Red Irish Wolfhound
• Grey Irish Wolfhound

For those on a budget, you can consider Irish Wolfhounds for adoption, as they cost way lower than buying from a reputable breeder. The USA's adoption fees usually range between $200 and $500.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Big Is an Irish Wolfhound?

Irish Wolfhounds can get as tall as 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh as high as 180 pounds.

2. What Is the Lifespan of an Irish Wolfhound?

An Irish Wolfhound's lifespan is 6-8 years.

3. What Are the Similarities and Differences of an Irish Wolfhound vs a Great Dane?

The key similarity between an Irish Wolfhound and a Great Dane is that they are giant dogs. The differences can be seen in their coat and their lifespan. Irish Wolfhounds have long, wiry coats, while Great Danes have short, dense coats. In terms of lifespan, the life expectancy of an Irish Wolfhound is shorter than that of the Great Dane.

4. Do Irish Wolfhounds Shed A Lot?

Irish Wolfhounds have moderate shedding and don’t have heavy seasonal shedding.

5. How Much Does an Irish Wolfhound Cost?

The mean Irish Wolfhound price is around $1,500 to $3,000.

Bottom Line

An Irish Wolfhound is one of the oldest and one of the largest dog breeds. It belongs to the Hound group, specifically the Sighthound. People love it because of its many distinctive qualities, like elegance, adaptability, and protective and gentle nature. This article focuses on this dog breed, so go through it to understand more about the Irish Wolfhound.

Additionally, if you want to purchase it, check out the ads at the top of this page. The ads are for Irish Wolfhounds for sale.