Irish WolfhoundCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says Irish Wolfhounds were already well known in Ireland in the 1st century AD, and the first written mention dates from 391. Wikipedia says that in that year the Roman consul Quintus Aurelius Symmachus received a gift of seven “canes Scotici” for fights with lions and bears, and wrote that “all Rome viewed them with wonder”.

Throughout history the breed appears alongside the great kings of Ireland. The Dublin dog show of 1879 had the first classes for the Irish Wolfhound, and in 1885 the first standard was written and the breed club was formed. It is a living symbol of Irish culture, with heritage status granted by the Irish government.

How the breed developed

• 1st century AD – Irish Wolfhounds are already well known in Ireland.
• 391 – The first written mention: Symmachus receives seven dogs in Rome.
• 1879 – The first classes for the breed at the Dublin show.
• 1885 – The first standard and the breed club.
• 1902 – It becomes the mascot of the Irish Guards regiment.
• 26 April 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as the largest and tallest of the sighthounds, a rough-coated dog of very great size and commanding appearance, very strong and muscular, yet gracefully built. The AKC says a male can stand almost 91 cm at the withers and weigh up to 82 kg.

General appearance

The long head is carried proudly. The coat is rough and hard on the body, legs and head, and the hair over the eyes and the beard are especially wiry. The long tail is carried low, with a slight curve towards the tip.

The only recognised colours are grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn and wheaten. White markings are accepted only on the chest, on the toes (not the whole foot) and at the tip of the tail.

The standard describes it as a sighthound that is gentle, kind and loyal, friendly with people and with other dogs: “a lamb at home and a lion in the chase”.

The AKC says puppies need 18 months or more to mature and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. Early socialisation and puppy classes using positive methods are recommended.

Tips for effective training

• Let it off the lead only in fenced areas. The AKC says it has a strong chasing instinct.
• Do not push the puppy. The AKC says: no forced exercise for puppies.
• Do not leave it alone for long. Puppies can become destructive.
• Use positive methods. It is gentle and sensitive.

The AKC says it needs exercise throughout its life. Left to itself, an adult can become lazy, but long walks or regular play keep it fit. As a sighthound, it should be let off the lead only in well-fenced areas, and walks should be on the lead.

Tips for a balanced life

• Avoid strenuous exercise before and after meals.
• You need a house, car and bed to match its size.
• It is not suitable for a flat.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says it has a double coat, with a harsh topcoat over a soft undercoat. It sheds all year round, but not excessively. A thorough brushing once a week removes dirt and dead hair.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed is generally healthy, but, as with all giant, deep-chested dogs, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Trim the nails regularly.
• Check the ears and teeth weekly.
• Have its heart checked regularly.

The AKC recommends good-quality food for large and giant breeds. Because of bloat, strenuous exercise is avoided before and after meals.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Divide the food into two or three meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Puppies should grow slowly, on food for giant breeds.
• In a sighthound at the right weight, the ribs are easy to feel.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. Very large breeds become adults only at around 2 years.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. The puppies grow very fast, so they need growth food suited to large breeds. Socialisation starts in the first weeks.

• The tallest sighthound. The FCI standard calls it the largest and tallest of the sighthounds.
• A symbol of Ireland. It is one of the five official symbols of Ireland.
• The Guards' mascot. Since 1902 it has been the mascot of the Irish Guards regiment.
• It amazed Rome. In 391, Symmachus's dogs “amazed all Rome”.
• Lamb and lion. The standard describes it as “a lamb at home and a lion in the chase”.

A symbol of Ireland

The FCI standard says the Irish Wolfhound is a living symbol of Irish culture, one of the five official symbols of Ireland, with heritage status granted by the Irish government. Wikipedia says that its size has inspired literature, poetry and mythology, and that since 1902 it has been the mascot of the Irish Guards regiment.

How big does an Irish Wolfhound get?

Males should desirably be at least 79 cm and 54.5 kg; the AKC says they can reach almost 91 cm.

Is it aggressive?

No. The standard describes it as gentle and friendly with people and dogs.

Can it live in a block of flats?

No. It is a giant and needs space.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 6–8 years.