Irish Wolfhound

Temperament

The FCI standard describes the Wolfhound as gentle, kind and loyal, friendly toward people and other dogs: "a lamb at home, a lion in the chase." The AKC rates its affection for family as high as it goes and its tendency to bark as low as it goes. Eukanuba notes that it likes almost everyone, so it makes a poor guard dog, though its sheer size discourages uninvited visitors. At home it's calm and enjoys long naps, but in open spaces the sighthound wakes up: the sight of a fleeing cat or deer can set off a chase. It's sensitive and can't stand rough handling, and it learns willingly if training starts early, before the dog gets too big to hold back.

Energy

calmvery energetic

Affection

independentvelcro pet

With children

not idealgreat

With other pets

difficultgreat

Trainability

stubborneager to learn

For first-time owners

for experienced ownersyes

With strangers

waryoutgoing

Playfulness

dignifiedeternal puppy

Shedding

minimalheavy

Grooming

easydemanding

Being left alone

strugglescopes well

Apartment living

needs a house and yardgreat in a flat

Barking

quietvocal

With other dogs

difficultgreat

Protectiveness

lowhigh

Drooling

hardly anya lot

Cold tolerance

feels the coldexcellent

Heat tolerance

strugglescopes well

Scores of 1–5 compare the breed with other breeds of the same species, based on the sources at the bottom of the page. Every animal is different. How we score traits

Who is the Irish Wolfhound for?

The Irish Wolfhound suits calm people or families with older children who have a large house with a yard, a station wagon and the budget for a giant dog. It will be appreciated by anyone looking for a gentle, quiet companion for long walks. It's not for people in small apartments, those wanting a guard dog, homes with cats that haven't been introduced gradually, or anyone who would struggle with such a short time together.

Size and looks

Care and exercise

The Royal Kennel Club puts an adult Wolfhound's exercise needs at more than two hours a day, but that mainly means long, easy walks and the chance to run freely in a fenced area, not strenuous workouts. Puppies grow extremely fast, so throughout the growth period avoid long hikes, stairs and jumping. The rough coat needs brushing several times a week and gentle plucking of dead hair. A Wolfhound needs a big house, a soft bed that protects its elbows and a car it can fit into. Split food into two or three meals and don't let the dog run wild right after eating. The cost of food, medication and vet care grows along with the dog. Let it run free only in securely fenced places, because a sighthound in pursuit doesn't hear a recall.

Health and breed-related conditions

In this breed, a short life is a fact: the AKC gives 6–8 years, and VCA anywhere from 6–8 to 8–10 years. The Royal Kennel Club classifies it as living less than 10 years. The most common problems are heart disease, including cardiomyopathy and rhythm disorders, bone cancer, bloat, pneumonia and liver shunts in puppies. The AKC recommends a yearly exam with an ECG plus hip and elbow X-rays, an eye exam and bile acid testing, and VCA also lists hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Ask the breeder how old the puppy's grandparents were when they died.

• dilated cardiomyopathy and heart rhythm disordersThe AKC recommends a yearly exam with an ECG, ideally by a vet familiar with sighthounds.
• osteosarcoma (bone cancer)Listed by VCA and the AKC among the cancers typical of the breed.
• bloat (GDV)A risk typical of large, deep-chested dogs.
• portosystemic shunt (liver shunt)A defect of the liver's blood vessels in puppies; detected with a bile acid test.
• pneumoniaThe AKC lists it among the health problems breeders watch for.
• hip and elbow dysplasiaThe AKC recommends hip and elbow X-rays for breeding dogs.

This is general breed information, not a diagnosis. If something worries you, talk to your veterinarian.

Breed history

According to the FCI standard, wolfhounds were well known in Ireland by the 1st century AD, and the first written mention of them dates from 391. The AKC recounts the story of seven dogs given that year to a Roman consul, which "all Rome viewed with wonder." The dogs hunted the Irish elk, and by the 15th century they had specialized in hunting wolves. When wolves were wiped out in Ireland in the late 18th century, the breed nearly disappeared. From 1862, a British army captain, George Augustus Graham, rebuilt it by tracking down the last remaining dogs across the country. The first classes at a Dublin show were held in 1879, and in 1885 the standard was written and a club founded.

Fun facts

• The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of the sighthounds; the FCI minimum height for males is 79 cm.
• The first written mention of the breed dates from the year 391.
• The breed is one of Ireland's five official symbols and has national heritage status.
• The FCI standard sums up the breed's character with the saying "a lamb at home, a lion in the chase."

Frequently asked questions

This breed also appears in

• Large dog breeds

Sources

1. 1FCI standard nr 160 – Irish Wolfhoundfci.be
2. 2AKC – Irish Wolfhoundakc.org
3. 3Royal Kennel Club – Irish Wolfhoundroyalkennelclub.com
4. 4VCA – Irish Wolfhoundvcahospitals.com
5. 5Eukanuba – Irish Wolfhounddog.eukanuba.eu

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.