The Irish Wolfhound puppy is a giant dog. They are one of the biggest dogs in the world, depending on what measurements you’re taking into account. On their hind legs, they could reach up to 7 feet.
The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of the sighthounds. It looks like a rough-coated Greyhound, but it has a more powerful build. The combination of great speed, power, and size enabled the Irish Wolfhound to run down and overpower his prey. As a result of its size, the breed is elegantly built, with an easy and active gait and a proud head. In order to keep the animal warm and dry, it has a rough coat that is very wiry and long around its eyes and under its jaws.
In the past, due to their great size, the Irish Wolfhound dog breed was used to get people off of horses and chariots. They also hunted large game such as deer, boar, and wolves. Today, this dog is a member of the family who also competes in obedience, tracking, and lure coursing.
Even though these are purebred dogs, some may still end up in the care of shelters or rescues. There is an Irish Wolfhound Club of America, a National Breed Club, that allows owners from all over the US to connect. They are also recognized by the American Kennel Club.
There is a slight size difference between males and females. A male Irish Wolfhound should be taller than 32 inches and weigh more than 120 pounds. Females are usually taller than 30 inches tall and the Irish Wolfhound weigh at least 105 pounds. Many of them are bigger. Males are usually 34 to 35 inches tall and weigh 140 to 180 pounds; females are usually 32 to 34 inches tall and weigh 115 to 140 pounds.
History
These dogs go back to ancient times. By 1500 B.C., these large dogs are thought to have come to Ireland from Greece. As time went on, they got bigger, and some of these beautiful dogs were sent to Rome. Irish Wolfhounds were written about by in Rome in the year 391 AD when Quintus Aurelius was gifted a few. People have always thought the breed was tall and strong. It was so well-known in Ireland that many stories have been told about how brave these pups were in battles.
Cu, a name that means bravery, was used to refer to all big dogs in the past. The breed is called Cu Faoil in Irish. It was a favorite of Irish chieftains who hunted and became known as the best hunter of wolves and elk in Ireland. These dogs look a lot like the Irish Wolfhounds depicted in 17th-century drawings.
Traditionally, the best hounds (sometimes seven at a time) were given to nobles from other countries. This practice, along with the wolf’s extinction in Ireland in the 1800s, led to the downfall of the breed. Irish Wolfhounds were almost extinct in Ireland by the 1800s. The famine of 1845 almost killed the breed.
Captain G. A. Graham set out in 1869 to bring back the Irish Wolfhound. He did this by crossing the few remaining Wolfhounds with breeds like the Scottish Deerhound, Great Dane, Borzoi, and even the Tibetan Wolfdog. When the resurrected Wolfhound was first shown at a dog show in the 1870s, it caused a lot of attention. It still does when it is shown today. It has a powerful look that draws a lot of people in, but the work that comes with owning a big dog lessens its popularity.
Personality of the Irish Wolfhound puppy
Irish Wolfhound puppies are smart and sensitive. They need a lot of interaction with people. When it comes to his family, he’s calm, respectful, and alert. When he’s being trained, he needs positive reinforcement like praise and treats to help him get the hang of it. He won’t be able to talk or do anything if you don’t have positive attitude towards your pup.
When it comes to his job as a watchdog, he’s alert and very brave. The Irish Wolfhound puppy doesn’t have a single aggressive bone in his body. That’s why they aren’t the best guard dogs. But due to their protective traits they will always warn you if there is some type of danger lurking around.
Heredity, training, and socialization all play a role in their temperament. They are excited to meet people and love to jump in everyone’s lap. They often forget how huge they are and see themselves as lap dogs. If you want to get a puppy, look for one that is a pack leader, not one that is bullying his siblings or hiding in the corner.
Always meet at least one of the parents. Usually, the mother is the one who is easier accessible. Make sure they are healthy and well behaved. If you know your dogs parents or siblings you can figure out what your puppy will be like when he or she is an adult.
When they’re young, Irish Wolfhounds, like all dogs, need to be exposed to a wide range of people, animals, sights, noises, and experiences. Socialization is important for your Irish Wolfhound puppy to grow up to be a well-balanced and behaved dog.
Enrolling him in puppy school is a great place to start. All of these things can help him improve his social skills: Invite people over often, take him to crowded parks, dog-friendly stores, and go for walks to meet your neighbors.
Is the Irish Wolfhound a good family dog?
Gentle giant: This is a good way to describe this kind of dog, which is soft-hearted and easy going. The Irish Wolfhound is a good dog to have around the house because it is calm, patient, easygoing, and sweet. The size of this breed doesn’t mean it’s bad with kids, pets, or other dogs. He is friendly to strangers and brave when the time comes.
Small children may be scared or hurt by an Irish Wolfhound because of its size. But you shouldn’t let your bigger kids unsupervised with an Irish Wolfhound puppy either. Kids often think that they can ride these dogs, but they aren’t ponies. They have to be gentle. Never put your kids on your Wolfhound, it could seriously injure him.
There should be no bites or pulling of the ears or tails on either side when dogs and young children are together. This way, both the dog and the child can be safe from danger. Whenever a dog is sleeping or eating, you should teach your child not to touch it. You should also teach your child not to take the dog’s food away. Leaving dogs alone with kids is not a good idea.
If your Irish Wolfhound is socialized and trained early, they should be able to get along with other dogs. Even if your dog is trained and socialized properly, don’t think that he won’t hunt after smaller animals. So if your dog doesn’t chase your family cat, don’t think he also won’t chase the ones outside. You should be careful with him because he’ll think cats and other small animals that live outside are fair game.
Coat and grooming
The Wolfhound has a rough and hard coat. Wiry and long hair grows around and under the jaw. The fact that a pet-quality Irish Wolfhound has a softer or longer coat doesn’t mean he will low maintenance. Their breed colors are gray, brindle, red, black, white, or fawn.
Irish Wolfhounds shed a lot all year. Every week, brush your dog’s coat to keep it healthy. A bath should only happen once or twice a year for him to get clean.
With your thumb and forefinger, gently remove any extra hair from the ears. Then, with thinning scissors or a stripping knife, trim the hair on the feet and the side of the neck to give the coat a neat look .
If you know how, cut the nails once or twice a month. When you can hear them click on the ground, they’re too long. If you cut too much off of your dog’s toenails, they might bleed and your dog might not do what you want the next time the nail clippers are pulled out again. So, if you’ve never cut a dog’s nails before, ask for help from a veterinarian or groomer.
Check his ears once a week for redness or a bad smell, which could mean he has an infection. Keep your dog’s ears clean with a cotton ball that has been wet with a mild, pH-balanced ear cleaner. Do not clean your ear canal. Instead, clean the outside of your ear.
It’s important to start taking care of your Irish Wolfhound as soon as he is a puppy. Dogs have very sensitive paws, and you should keep an eye on his mouth. Make grooming fun for him, with praise and treats, and you’ll set the stage for easy veterinarian tests and other handling when he’s older.
Caring for an Irish Wolfhound puppy
The Irish Wolfhound, despite his size, is a housedog. He enjoys being around people and is at ease indoors. He’d be better off in a home without stairs because they can harm his joints. Their energy level is isn’t that high, and they don’t need that much time running around. Therefore, his exercise needs are pretty moderate.
He’ll be content if he has access to a securely fenced yard where he can run. To keep this breed from chasing other animals, a fence is required.
Adult Irish Wolfhounds require a number of 20-minute play sessions per day where they can run around freely. They’ll also appreciate a stroll.
An Irish Wolfhound puppy will require free play in a properly fenced yard, but only a few minutes of running each day should be allowed. It’s best to wait until they’re at least six months old before taking them on a walk.
This breed necessitates leash walks. They’re sighthounds, so if they notice a running animal, they’ll chase it down regardless of your pleas for them to come. When a sighthound is on the hunt, he will concentrate on his prey rather than traffic, and he is more likely to be harmed or killed. He can also hurt or kill the animal he’s chasing, which won’t help your relationship with your neighbors if it’s their Toy Poodle or Siamese cat.
If you’re consistent and employ positive reinforcement tactics like food rewards and praise, Irish Wolfhounds are intelligent and trainable. They’re usually easy to housetrain, and a crate can help, but it shouldn’t be used excessively. If you decide to invest in a private trainer, the training costs could get pretty high.
Crate training is a terrific way to help your puppy learn to be housetrained while also protecting your valuables and your puppy from your anger because he chewed up your beloved shoes. However, the Irish Wolfhound should not be crated for extended periods of time. Long periods of time in a crate might be harmful to his joints.
Nutrition
The amount of food your adult dog consumes is determined by his size, age, build, metabolism, and degree of activity. Dogs, like people, are unique individuals who require different amounts of food. It practically goes without saying that a dog who is very active will require more than a dog who is sedentary. The type of dog food you buy makes a difference as well; the better the dog food, the more it will nourish your dog and the less you’ll have to shake into his bowl.
4 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals, is the recommended daily quantity.
Rather than putting food out all the time, measure his food and feed him twice a day to keep your Irish Wolfhound in good form.
Health problems of Irish Wolfhound puppies
Irish Wolfhounds are typically healthy, however they are susceptible to some health issues, as are all breeds. Although not all Irish Wolfhounds may contract one or more of these diseases, it’s crucial to be aware of them if you’re thinking about getting one. You have to be aware of the health needs of your puppy. Here are the most common health problems:
Joint dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disorder in which the thighbone does not fit securely into the hip joint. Some dogs indicate pain and lameness in one or both rear legs, but a dog with hip dysplasia may not show any signs of discomfort. Arthritis can occur as a dog aged. Hip dysplasia dogs should not be bred. If you’re buying a puppy, make sure the breeder can provide you confirmation that the parents were tested for hip dysplasia and found to be healthy. Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that can be exacerbated by environmental factors such as rapid growth caused by a high-calorie diet or injuries sustained while jumping or falling on slick flooring.
Elbow Dysplasia is a hereditary disorder that affects large breed dogs. Different growth rates of the three bones that make up the dog’s elbow are hypothesized to be the source of joint laxity. This can result in excruciating lameness. Your veterinarian may suggest surgery to fix the condition, as well as weight loss or anti-inflammatory medicine to alleviate the pain.
Hepatic shunt
A hepatic shunt is a blood flow abnormality between the liver and the rest of the body. This is a concern because the liver is in charge of detoxification, nutrient metabolism, and drug elimination. Neurobehavioral disorders, loss of appetite, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), intermittent gastrointestinal troubles, urinary tract problems, medication intolerance, and stunted growth are just a few of the symptoms. Symptoms commonly emerge before the age of two. A particular diet, as well as corrective surgery, can aid with long-term maintenance.
Heart problems
Irish Wolfhounds are susceptible to heart disease, particularly heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy. When the heart muscle becomes exceedingly thin and fails to contract correctly, it is called dilated cardiomyopathy. Because the heart has to work harder, it expands. This condition causes an irregular cardiac rhythm in dogs, as well as heart failure symptoms such as weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, depression, collapse, difficulty breathing, a quiet cough, and an expanded abdomen. Although there is no cure, relaxation, nutrition, and medicine can provide temporary relief.
Bone cancer
Osteosarcoma is a severe bone cancer that primarily affects large and giant breeds. Lameness is the first indicator of osteosarcoma, but x-rays will be required to determine whether the reason is malignancy. Osteosarcoma is usually treated aggressively, with limb amputation and chemotherapy. Dogs can live for nine months to two years or more with treatment. Fortunately, dogs adjust well to life on three legs and do not have the same chemotherapy side effects as people, such as nausea and hair loss.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
PRA is a degenerative eye disease that results in the loss of photoreceptors in the back of the eye, eventually leading to blindness. Years before the dog shows any signs of blindness, PRA can be detected. Fortunately, dogs can compensate for their eyesight by using their other senses, and a blind dog can live a full and happy life. Simply avoid moving the furniture on a regular basis. Reputable breeders have their dogs’ eyes examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist on a yearly basis and do not breed dogs with the condition.
Bloat
This life-threatening illness affects huge, deep-chested dogs, especially if they are fed one large meal per day, eat quickly, drink significant amounts of water quickly, or exercise furiously after eating. When the stomach is inflated with gas or air, it twists, causing bloat. Because the dog is unable to belch or vomit to expel the excess air in his stomach, blood flow to the heart is obstructed. The dog’s blood pressure falls and he goes into shock. The dog may die if medical help is not provided right away. If your dog has a swollen abdomen, drools excessively, and retches without vomiting up, it could be bloat. He may also be agitated, despondent, sluggish, and feeble, with a fast heart rate. Get your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you observe these symptoms.
Where can I get an Irish Wolfhound puppy?
Despite the fact that these are purebred canines, some may end up in shelters or rescues.
If you decide to get an Irish Wolfhound puppy, be aware that they are expensive dogs.
They consume more food, take up more space, and incur larger vet expenditures. This is frequently bundled into the puppy’s price. A puppy might cost anywhere between $1,400 and $2,500. This presupposes the dog was bought from a reputable breeder. Other vendors may price less for their puppies, but there’s a reason they’re less expensive.
What is the cost of an Irish Wolfhound?
It makes a difference where you buy an Irish Wolfhound. Breeders are frequently the most costly option. This is partly due to the fact that they invest more money in their puppies. You’re footing the expense for the expertise, medical testing, and further vet bills. In the end, you’ll usually wind up with a higher-quality puppy.
Because adoption agencies are non-profit organizations, they usually charge less for dogs. They also saved money because they didn’t have to pay to breed the dog, lowering their operating costs. However, it is uncommon to come across an Irish Wolfhound at an adoption agency.
Other, less desirable choices for getting a dog include purchasing a puppy on Craigslist. When you buy from an unqualified person advertising on local marketplaces, though, you have no idea what you’re receiving.
When you buy a dog on Craigslist, your puppy will usually come from one of two places: puppy mills or backyard breeders.
Puppy mills are primarily concerned in producing as many puppies as possible for as little money as possible. As a result, their puppies are usually less expensive. You should be able to get one of these puppies for less than $1,000.
Although backyard breeders are preferable to puppy mills, you never know what you’ll receive. They don’t always have the requisite knowledge to correctly breed the dogs.
Purchasing a dog from a shelter or a breeder
Irish Wolfhound puppies may occasionally be found in rescues. This is a very rare occurrence, considering this is not a particularly popular breed. Your best bet is to look for breed-specific dog rescues, as your local shelter is unlikely to accept these pets. The main difference that could be a huge problem for many people is that rescues rarely have young puppies.
Because they are non-profits and largely sponsored by contributions, rescues are frequently less expensive than other options. Puppies usually cost between $100 and $500. Some rescues charge more depending on the extent of the puppy’s medical needs. Most ask that the puppy be spayed or neutered before being adopted, and the cost is sometimes factored into the final fee.
Breeder puppies are the most expensive. Typically, they range in price from $1,400 to $2,500. However, there are a variety of reasons why they are so much more expensive.
You’re paying a premium for the breeder’s knowledge. These breeders have experience breeding multiple litters and know what they’re doing. They know what health issues to look out for while breeding and have mastered the art of pairing the right dogs together. Furthermore, they understand the best ways to socialize puppies so that they are less likely to develop behavioral issues later on.