Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound dog breed is double-coated, which means they have a soft undercoat and a wiry overcoat. Unlike many double-coated breeds, Irish Wolfhounds don’t blow their coats (AKA shed heavily) during any particular season. Instead, they shed lightly all year round. But those wiry coats become matted if you don’t brush them at least weekly.

A rake brush keeps their hair from tangling and is an essential grooming tool. After brushing with the rake brush, follow with a pin brush/a> to keep their coat healthy.

You should plan to bathe your Irish Wolfhound every four to six weeks and can usually trim their nails  on the same schedule. Brushing your dog’s teeth is beneficial in preventing dental issues—start when they’re puppies to get them used to the feeling. Brush them two or three times a week and work your way to daily. And be sure to schedule an annual visit with your vet to have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned.

Here’s a good rule when training Irish Wolfhounds: Start early. Irish Wolfhounds aren’t always easy to train, but that’s not because they lack intelligence (they don’t)—it’s due to their size. They can be physically challenging to control. Teaching leash manners is much easier with a 60-pound puppy than with a 140-pound dog. Even so, training an Irish Wolfhound puppy of that size is no small feat. The best way to convince them to follow your lead is through positive reinforcement—reward their good behavior with treats, toys and praise.

Irish Wolfhounds are smart, but without consistent obedience training, their independence may win over their intelligence and get them into mischief. Commands like sit, stay and come, and how to walk nicely on a leash are good places to start. You may also want to add “off” to the list; having your puppy on your couch with you now may be nice, but do you really want a 100-plus-pound adult dog on your couch later?

Remember that giant breeds are slow to mature, so training for specific sports like agility should begin when an Irish Wolfhound puppy is at least 18 months old.

In addition to obedience training, you’ll want to ensure they are appropriately socialized. Socialization (getting them used to new people, situations, and other animals) while they’re puppies helps them be okay with new experiences as they grow up. Keep those public outings short yet frequent, and keep them positive so your Irish Wolfhound has good associations with those experiences. Consider enrolling your extra-large puppy in puppy school. They’ll learn to play nicely with other puppies and meet new people.

Irish Wolfhounds typically do well on high-quality commercial dog food. Be sure to factor in your dog’s age and choose a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult, senior).

Adult Irish Wolfhounds can quickly become overweight, which can be especially hard on them as they age. Extra weight can stress their joints and lead to heart issues. You may need to adjust your dog’s food and diet depending on their specific exercise routines.

Proper nutrition is essential for Irish Wolfhound puppies when they are growing, and if you decide to supplement beyond a balanced diet, consult your vet. Too much of certain nutrients (like calcium or fish oil) may damage their growing bones and joints. (Irish Wolfhounds stop growing around 2 years old.)

Consult your pet’s veterinarian when making your Irish Wolfhound’s diet plan. They’re in the best position to help you pick the right food for your dog based on their needs.

With a stride that could be 10 feet, Irish Wolfhounds need plenty of opportunities to stretch those legs of theirs. An hour or two of exercise daily is necessary to keep them healthy. An Irish Wolfhound’s need for speed can top them out at 30 miles an hour—yep, they’re faster than you’re typically allowed to drive in a suburban neighborhood— but their galloping ways and occasional “zoomies” are more for short jaunts rather than long distances. Shorter walks of one or two miles are ideal for Irish Wolfhounds for daily exercise.

Exercise is important, but growing Irish Wolfhound puppies need special consideration. When puppies are still growing and maturing, do not force exercise. Avoid jogging with them until they’re at least 16 months old—giant dog breeds, like the Irish Wolfhound, are prone to joint issues, and strenuous exercise can damage their joints before they fully mature. Strive for a balanced approach: allow puppies to play on their terms, but make sure they don’t overdo it.

Irish Wolfhounds have long legs that need to stretch. So, if you have a small home or apartment, think long and hard about bringing this breed home. They do best with ample space and a fenced-in yard with plenty of room to open up and run when the mood strikes… and an extra-large couch. Irish Wolfhounds like to punctuate their days with multiple naps when they’re not out playing.

Since Irish Wolfhounds are so tall, they may not be the best choice for homes with young kids. Your Irish Wolfhound might accidentally play too hard or bump them with a (massive) paw. That said, the Irish Wolfhound’s temperament is well-suited to life with older children. They can also be very good with other dogs, provided they were socialized when they were young. But as with all sighthounds, homes with cats or other small pets might not be as suitable because of the dogs’ higher prey drive.

If you’re an active, experienced pet parent who enjoys frequent walks, an Irish Wolfhound is an ideal companion—though you may have trouble matching them stride for stride!