Irish Wolfhound Breed description: Character & Co

What are typical characteristics of the Irish Wolfhound?

• gentle

• friendly
• good-natured
• balanced
• sensitive
• prudent
• endearing
• loyal
• adaptable
• people-oriented

Irish Wolfhounds are described as gentle giants. They are regarded as well-balanced, level-headed and lovable. They are loyal, adaptable and loving towards their owners. They are very people-oriented and like to be in close contact to their people. Despite their stately size, they like to lie on the sofa and love extensive cuddling. These dogs feel comfortable when they can live in the house with their humans. A life lived just being in the garden, yard or kennel is not enough for them. These huge dogs are amazingly sensitive. They tolerate harsh treatment even less than other dog breeds. But you should not forget that they have an innate hunting instinct and once could take on wolves. These able-bodied hunting dogs can make decisions independently. Sometimes the breed tends to be stubborn when dealing with its humans. Nowadays, they are often kept as family dogs. Dogs of this breed are well compatible with other dogs and animals. The Irish Wolfhound is less suitable as a guard dog, however. Although the giant acts as a deterrent to burglars, it usually greets strangers in a friendly manner.

What are typical diseases of an Irish Wolfhound?

Irish Wolfhounds have an increased risk of developing

• stomach twists or
• heart disease.

Other typical diseases are

• Tumours, especially bone cancer
• Osteochondrosis (malformation in bone growth)
• Epilepsy and
• Portosystemic shunt (malformation of liver vessels).

In the first year of the life of an Irish Wolfhound puppy you have to pay special attention to its feeding. An Irish Wolfhound puppy grows very fast. Food that is too high in energy would be of harm to it. On the other hand however, it needs to receive important nutrients for the growth of its bones. A balanced diet is important. During its growth, the young Wolfhound should not climb stairs and, for example, not be allowed to jump out of the car. Even adult dogs should not climb stairs to protect their joints and spine.

Irish Wolfhound breeding: What should be considered when breeding an Irish Wolfhound?

Since Irish Wolfhounds do not have a high life expectancy, the highest breeding goal should be health. The VDH (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen) demands from its breeders that they have a heart examination every two years for parent dogs. Anyone who purchases a Wolfhound should therefore only take a dog with VDH papers. In addition, only parent animals with all the good qualities of the breed should be chosen for breeding. These Wolfdogs are gentle, balanced, level-headed and lovable. Funfact: Heidi Klum and her husband Tom Kaulitz decided to get an Irish Wolfhound in 2019 and now they have a sweet giant living with them in Los Angeles.