Hound group

Irish Wolfhound

The tallest dog breed — “gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked”.

Irish Wolfhounds are giant, gentle sighthounds with a calm, dignified temperament. They are affectionate and easygoing, but their size, costs and short lifespan need careful thought.

Height
30–35 in76–89 cm
Weight
105–180 lb48–82 kg
Life expectancy
6–8 years
Size
Giant
Group
Hound
Origin
Ireland

Coat: Rough, wiry coat with longer hair over the eyes and jaw. Colours: Grey, Brindle, Red, Black, White, Fawn, Wheaten.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement3.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"4.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability3.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation2.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness4.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive4.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking1.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level3.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden2.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency2.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability2.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Wolfhounds are kind, patient and sociable. They are gentle with children and friendly with strangers and other dogs, and they are rarely aggressive.

They are sensitive and need company. Puppies grow extremely fast and should not be over-exercised. Their chase instinct remains strong despite their calm nature.

Living with a Irish Wolfhound

Exercise

Moderate: daily walks and occasional gallops in a secure area once fully grown. Limit strenuous exercise in puppies.

Grooming

Brush weekly and hand-strip occasionally. Moderate shedding.

Training

Gentle, patient training works best. Lead manners are essential for a dog this size.

Kids & other pets

Excellent with children and other dogs; may chase small animals.

Time alone

Prefers company; needs space and soft bedding for its joints.

Home fit

Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.

Is a Irish Wolfhound right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Irish Wolfhound matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Irish Wolfhound typically lives 6–8 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

    A common and serious heart disease in the breed; annual cardiac screening is recommended.

  • Osteosarcoma

    Bone cancer is a leading cause of death in Wolfhounds.

  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)

    A deep-chested giant breed at elevated risk.

  • Liver shunt

    Puppies should be screened for portosystemic shunt with a bile acid test.

  • Pneumonia

    Wolfhounds are prone to rapid-onset pneumonia; seek care for coughing or lethargy.

Ask a breeder for

  • Cardiac examination (echo and ECG)
  • Liver shunt screening for puppies
  • Hip evaluation

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Irish Wolfhound; Irish Wolfhound Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $2,000–$4,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Giant hounds were prized in Ireland for centuries for hunting wolves and elk and as gifts to royalty. As wolves disappeared from Ireland in the 1700s, the breed declined.

Captain George Augustus Graham revived the breed in the mid-1800s using remaining Wolfhounds, Scottish Deerhounds and Great Danes. The AKC recognised the Irish Wolfhound in 1897.

Did you know?

  • Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest dog breed.
  • The breed motto is “gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked”.
  • The Irish Guards regiment has an Irish Wolfhound as its mascot.

Library guides for Irish Wolfhound owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

How long do Irish Wolfhounds live?
Typically 6–8 years, due to heart disease, cancer and bloat.
Are Irish Wolfhounds good family dogs?
Yes — they are gentle and patient, but their size needs space and planning.
How big do Irish Wolfhounds get?
Males stand at least 32 in and weigh at least 120 lb; many are larger.