Irish Wolfhound
Gentle, towering, and deeply loyal, this breed brings calm companionship to any home. Known for their patience and affectionate nature, they thrive as loving family members.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
81–86 cm (male)
71–81 cm (female)
WEIGHT
54–70 kg (male)
48–61 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
6–8 years
Irish Wolfhound: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Irish Wolfhound isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Irish Wolfhound's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
Irish Wolfhounds are gentle, calm, and friendly, often displaying a patient and affectionate demeanor with family members and being generally good-natured with children and other dogs.
Key Personality Traits
Gentle and friendly with people and dogs
Quick learner, responds well to training
Calm, prefers relaxed activity and walks
Enjoys play but not overly boisterous
Adjusts well to calm, spacious environments
Strengths
- Gentle with children and family members
- Calm and even-tempered in the home
- Minimal aggression toward people or animals
- Loyal and devoted to owners
- Quiet, rarely barks excessively
Challenges
- Short average lifespan of six to eight years
- Prone to heart and bone health issues
- Needs ample space due to large size
- High food and veterinary care costs
- Susceptible to joint and mobility problems
Protect your Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhound can develop hip dysplasia and heart disease. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Irish Wolfhounds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and learns quickly, though they may show some independence and respond best to gentle, consistent training methods with positive reinforcement.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
Irish Wolfhounds have moderate exercise needs, benefiting from daily walks and opportunities to stretch their legs, along with some mental stimulation to keep them content and healthy.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Irish Wolfhounds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Irish Wolfhound would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Their size and needs require experienced, confident handling and socialization
Apartment Living
Their large size and exercise needs make apartments impractical
Active Lifestyle
They enjoy moderate exercise but are not overly energetic
Kids
Usually calm and tolerant but may accidentally knock over small children
Multiple Pets
Tend to get along with other pets if socialized early
Being Left Alone
Dislike being alone and may develop separation anxiety if left too long
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Irish Wolfhounds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Irish Wolfhound
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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