The Breed
The Irish Wolfhound is a breed of domestic dog (canis lupus familiaris), specifically a sighthound. The name originates from its historical purpose - wolf hunting - rather than its appearance. Irish Wolfhounds are among the tallest of all dog breeds.
They are known for their swift pace, keen eyesight, and rough coat (grey, wheaten, brindle, red, black, pure white, or fawn, with wheaten and grey being the most common). They have a long head, a strong muscular neck, and a greyhound-shaped body, but on a larger, heavier frame. Wolfhounds typically stand around 34 inches at the withers, a trait that can be a disadvantage when attracting owners who are unaware of the breed’s special needs. As with all breeds, ideal measurements vary slightly between standards, and individual dogs may fall outside these ranges. Generally, breeders aim for males to stand 33 - 36 inches tall, with females 2 - 4 inches shorter. Minimum acceptable weights are approximately 120 pounds for males and 105 pounds for females.
Although Wolfhound puppies may appear adult-sized by seven months, they are not considered mature until the age of 18-22 months, depending on the breeder.
Irish wolfhounds do not have exceptionally long lifespans. Published estimates range from 6 to 8 years, though some live to 12 or older. Heart disease and bone cancer are the leading causes of death, and like all deep-chested breeds, they are prone to gastric torsion (bloat). The breed is also affected by hereditary intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.
By 8 months, of age, Wolfhounds often look fully grown, leading some owners to over-exercise them. This can cause serious issues such as Carpus Valgus. Wolfhounds need at least 15 months - after their growth plates have closed - before participating in lure coursing, running sports, and other strenuous activities.
Wolfhounds should not receive additional supplements when fed a high -quality dog food. It is generally accepted that they should be fed a large - breed puppy food until six months of age, then transitioned to a large - breed adult food. Most breeders recommend avoiding supplements to slow rapid growth. Wolfhounds will reach their height regardless, but at a safer, more controlled rate. Puppies around 10 weeks old typically grow about one inch per week and gain roughly one pound per day.
Irish Wolfhounds are among the tallest dog breeds, along with their close relatives, the Great Danes. Because of their size, they may struggle in small homes and require adequate space to move and exercise comfortably.
Irish Wolfhound History
The Irish Wolfhound is an ancient breed, possibly dating back to the 1st century BC or earlier. Originally bred as war dogs by the ancient Celts -who called them Cú Faoil- they were also used to guard homes and protect livestock.
Although many modern texts claim Irish Wolfhounds were used for coursing deer, contemporary pre-revival sources such as Oliver Goldsmith’s Animated Nature (1796) state clearly that the original animal was a poor coursing dog. Their remarkable size, speed, and intelligence made them far better suited for hunting wild boar and wolves, and many were exported for this purpose. They may have been too effective, as both boar and wolf eventually became extinct in Ireland.
Irish Wolfhounds were exhibited in ancient Rome, where they caused great excitement. Accounts mention that the dogs amazed and terrified spectators so thoroughly that they were transported only in cages. Some stories claim that in the arena, the original Wolfhound was the equal of a lion. Historical descriptions also note that when hunting, the wolfhound would bite the neck and crush the spine of its quarry, killing it instantly.
Due to extensive exportation - often as a gift to royalty - and laws restricting ownership to nobility, the breed nearly vanished by the mid-19th century. Building on the work of Richardson and others, Captain Graham revived the Irish Wolfhound using the few remaining hounds and careful outcrossing. The ancient breed (often referred to as the Irish Wolfdogge in historical accounts) existed in both smooth and rough-coated varieties. Descriptions of its appearance, temperament, and working style place it closer to the flock-guardian breeds than the modern Wolfhound.
The historical Wolfhound was celebrated for its loyalty, discernment, solemn nature, and aggression. In contrast, the modern breed has been significantly mellowed. Today’s Wolfhounds are often called "Gentle Giants", and the traditional motto of the breed remains: "Gentle when stroked. Fierce when provoked."
Although sometimes regarded as Ireland’s national dog, no breed has ever been officially designated as such. The Irish Wolfhound did, however, appear on the old Irish sixpence and was frequently depicted alongside the Round Tower and the Harp of Tara as symbols of Ireland.