Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhound Facts

Irish Wolfhound Information

Irish Wolfhound Description:

Irish Wolfhound Care & Grooming:

Irish Wolfhound Health Problems:

Group:	Hound
Size:	Large
Life Span:	6-8 years
Height:	Male: 32-34 inches
	Female: 30-32 inches
Weight:	Male: 110-130 lbs
	Female: 100-110 lbs

Coat :	Hard, rough and wiry
Gait :	Powerful
Color(s) :	Gray, brindle, black, red, fawn, white etc
Living Area :	Large
Hair Length:	Medium
Exercise Need :	Daily walk
Recognized By :	(CKC) Canadian Kennel Club (FCI) Fï¿½dï¿½ration Cynologique Internationale (AKC) American Kennel Club (UKC) United Kennel Club (KCGB) Kennel Club of Great Britain (CKC) Canadian Kennel Club (ANKC) Australian National Kennel Council (NKC) National Kennel Club (NZKC) New Zealand Kennel Club (APRI) America Pet Registry, Inc. (ACR) American Canine Registry (DRA) Dog Registry of America
Date of Origin :	Ancient
Place of Origin :	Ireland
Todays Use :	Companion Dog
Originally Used :	Hunting Wolves
Other Name :	Cu Faoil

The exact origin of the Irish Wolfhound is unknown. However, what is known is that this is one of the oldest dog breeds known, with historical excavations of a breed resembling the Irish Wolfhound dating back to many centuries ago. As the name suggests, it was primarily used for hunting wolves and other big animals such as bears, foxes etc. However, after the number of wolves declined, the popularity of the breed declined and it was put on the verge of extinction. It was during the latter part of the 19th century that a man named George Graham resurrected this breed by crossbreeding with the Great Dane and the Deerhound. The Irish Wolfhound was first recognized by the AKC in 1897.

The Irish Wolfhound is a large dog with a sturdy, well built frame. It is one of the tallest dog breeds known. It has a long head; small eyes which are dark in color; small ears which are carried slightly away from the head; black nose with flared nostrils, a long, tapering muzzle with no snippiness; taut lips which are black in color with teeth which meet in scissors bite. It has a long tail which is set low and is feathered. The tail is strong at the base and tapers slightly towards the end. It is carried downwards at all times. This breed has long legs which are strong and straight with large, rounded feet. It has a hard, rough and wiry coat which is medium in length. The color of the coat can be gray, red, brindle, black, fawn, white etc.

The Irish Wolfhound is a patient and an obedient breed. It is good with kids as well as other pets, including dogs. It is an easy to train breed. However, training should start at an early age when the dog is in a manageable size. It is friendly with strangers and hence, does not make a very good watchdog or a guard dog. However, given the size of the dog, it can be a deterrent for many. This large dog requires plenty of space to move around comfortably. Hence, it is not well suited to an apartment life.

The Irish Wolfhound is an average shedder. Its hard and medium length coat does not require much grooming. The coat needs to be brushed 3-4 times a week to maintain a healthy looking coat. Plucking of the coat is essential at least couple of times a year. It should be bathed only when necessary and must be dried properly after each bath. Its eyes and ears need to be cleaned properly to avoid any infection. The hair around its eyes, ears and paws, and nails should be trimmed regularly.

It is a laidback breed which does well with moderate amount of exercise. Daily walks are essential to satisfy the dog’s natural tendency to walk. However, excessive exercising should be avoided when the dog is young to prevent any injuries or malformations of the bone. It tends to gain weight easily so should not be overfed.

Grooming:

Shedding:

Energy Level:

Protection:

Watch Dog:

The Irish Wolfhound is prone to some health issues like Cancer, Bloat, PRA, Von Willebrand disease, hip and elbow Dysplasia etc.

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