They are known for their huge size and are the tallest of all breeds of dogs. They generally live on foods meant for most other dog breeds. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2022 (101DogBreeds.com). Which is why weve rounded up the essential facts youll want to know about this hound before jumping headfirst into puppy ownership. Irish wolfhounds sport a. In the hoary past, they were used by their masters in hunting and guarding purposes. With the proper motivation (think: yummy treats) and a positive, upbeat approach, training an Irish wolfhound puppy shouldnt be especially difficult. A lazy wolfhound is bound to pack on the pounds, which puts unwanted strain on his joints. Thankfully, there are many resources out there to help you find a rescue or a breeder who offers healthy, ethically-sourced Irish wolfhound puppies. Be aware, and reach out to different online forums for conversations about getting your future furry family member. According to the AKC, most shelters report that the majority of their rescue dogs come from individual owner surrender due to a lifestyle change or an incompatibility with the dog. Be sure to ask questions, and make arrangements to meet the parent dogs or mother. These. Weve gathered all the important information about this breed to help you decide if an Irish Wolfhound puppy could fit into your life. My Irish WolfHound puppy is amazing. Sadly, there are many puppy mills posing as reputable breeders along with many online scams. The historical motto of the Irish wolfhounds describes it as gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked. In such cases, blue wolfhound puppies were put down during birth or the moment their color became distinct. If youre not deterred by a wolfhounds size or exercise needs, youre in for a loveable and loyal companion. Be sure to start training from a young age, so you can get your pup off to a good start in life. All rights reserved. The daily quantity recommended is 4 to 8 cups of healthy and good-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals. Ideally, an Irish wolfhound will find himself in a home with a large fenced-in yard where he can safely blow off steam. Wolfhound males can reach a height of 32 inches, while females will usually be around 30 inches tall. This breed thrives on human companionship, and they get along beautifully with children and other pets. Our website uses cookies. You may also find an Irish wolfhound mix that has all the traits you want from the breed, but with a little extra thrown in. Your email address will not be published. The first step is to do your research. Whether you find an ethical breeder or are planning to adopt, prepare yourself for a sweet-tempered and friendly addition to your household. It is also important to be sure from the breeders that, the dog to be bought possesses a sound temperament. They are a very intelligent and generous breed of dogs with the virtues of patience, kindness and loyalty to the owner and family. The name of these domestic dogs are derived from the purpose of their past wolf-hunting skills, and not for their outward appearance. This means you may end up with a dog whos already been housebroken and doesnt need these common medical procedures. These sensitive souls make wonderful playmates for children, although a wolfhounds immense size and playfulness could prove troublesome for a wobbly toddler. hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiomyopathy (an enlarged heart), von Willebrands disease (a bleeding disorder), and eye problems. To put a check to this, the military man and political leader refused allowing the export of any more of this breed from Ireland. After you find the right Irish wolfhound puppy, its time to prepare your home! Unless you plan on having your wolfhound perform in the show ring, you wont be overworked by a demanding grooming regimen. Do you have the space to let him run and do you have the budget to feed him? They are said to be guardians rather than guard dogs. For getting a healthy dog, it is advisable never to buy a puppy from any pet store, puppy mill, or an irresponsible breeder. While theres plenty to love about this unique and immense hound, hes not a perfect match for every household. While they certainly appear intimidating, Irish wolfhounds are famously gentle, patient, and rarely aggressive. The AKC also offers resources for finding a breeder, with fairly strict guidelines on who they let participate. And yet, they still manage to pull off a graceful air that reminds us of a sleek Greyhound. Finding a wolfhound rescue can be as simple as searching the internet. These dogs are born-trained, or in other words, born with the instinct to guard and protect their master and the whole family. Here are a few resources to get you started. Irish Wolfhound is a type of sighthound. If youre considering bringing home one of these amicable giants, youll need to brush up on your research first. She lives with her daughter and massive kitty, Floyd, in a very cold city. Knowing what youre in for when you get an Irish wolfhound puppy is an important step in being a responsible pet owner. Considering their giant size, this could pose some serious problems. Size-related health issues are something else to consider. To that end, were here to help! Weve got two words for you: think big. The benefit, however, is that most are mandated to only adopt out dogs that have been microchipped and spayed/neutered. Your email address will not be published. She is 2 & 1/2 months old, today all of a sudden she is in the peeing position, straining to go and small amounts come out and then she seems to have to go and postures frequently. Wolfhounds commonly suffer from bloat, a life-threatening stomach condition, and they have a heartbreakingly short lifespan. However, they do best in a home with a large fenced yard. According to the American Kennel Club, puppyhood in this breed can extend well beyond one year. Liz is a freelance writer specializing in the pet industry. Hence, they get along well with other dogs, and even with other animals. Be prepared to share your furniture with this canine as wellPetMD points out that a wolfhounds large and bony body can suffer from calluses if they arent given a soft place to rest. To see what cookies we serve and set your own preferences, please review our Cookie Policy. Tips, stories, and reviews for people who love dogs, powered by Rover.com, the world's largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers. Of course, every breed has its own set of pros and cons. It may come as a surprise, but adopting a wolfhound puppy is possible. A reputable breeder is always desirable, who tests the breeding dogs in order to make sure they dont carry any genetic diseases, which might in turn pass on to the baby wolfhounds. A simple stroll through the neighborhood should suffice, but if youre up to it, Irish wolfhounds also love competing in obedience, tracking, lure coursing, and agility. Unfortunately, the staggering size of an Irish wolfhound accounts for a few health problems seen in the breed. Irish Wolfhound is a very old breed of dog, said to be as old as 7000 BC, the time when they had been brought to Ireland. They are easy-going animals but during danger, they show their fearless nature. She is eating, drinking, playing, this behavior is different. Sign up now and stay updated for all the latest news. You can check out the Irish Wolfhound Club of America to find local rescues. On average, males weigh somewhere in the neighborhood of 120 pounds, and females typically clock in at 105 pounds. The Irish wolfhound was saved by Oliver Cromwell as their numbers dwindled. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. They always try to please and impress their master and greet everyone in a friendly manner. How Do Dogs Choose Their Favorite Person? These dogs do shed, but only moderately, and they dont go through any major seasonal sheds like most double-coated breeds. If youre unsure about your patience when it comes to mischievous puppy antics, you may want to pass on Irish wolfhound. Whatever your preference, just dont neglect his exercise needs. These giant hounds are tall, muscular, and can weigh up to 180 pounds! Always a lover and never a fighter, wolfhounds have no trouble making friends with anyone they meetwhether its the family cat or the stranger walking his dog across the street, a wolfhound will always be polite and friendly. These towering giants are one of the largest breeds in the canine kingdom. Irish Wolfhound Puppies: The Complete Lowdown on these Giant Dogs, How to Survive the First 24 Hours with Your New Puppy. They tend to guard the individuals rather than guarding just the owners house or belongings. The main difference between a breeder and a rescue is that a rescue may not always have young puppies to choose from. Required fields are marked *. In the end, you must follow your gut. AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, FCI, DRA, NAPR, ACA, CKC, ANKC, NKC, IWCA, NZKC, APRI, ACR, Originally, these dogs were war dogs that were used to pull men down off horseback or off chariots. What this means for you: there may be adoptable purebred dogs and puppies out there who are looking for a new forever home. This is a highly intelligent breed, and theyre typically fast learners. This easy-going dog is the very definition of a gentle giant.. These dogs can suffer from bloata sudden and often fatal swelling of the stomachas well as hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiomyopathy (an enlarged heart), von Willebrands disease (a bleeding disorder), and eye problems. Captain George Augustus brought the Irish wolfhounds back from being extinct in the mid 1800s, as he cross-breeded wolfhounds with otherbreeds like mastiffs, great danes and deerhounds. Shes also an enthusiastic Rover sitter, so when shes not writing, you can find her smooshing her face into fur. If theres one thing we can say about Irish wolfhounds, its that these dogs definitely stand out from the crowd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. A mainstay at Saint Patricks Day parades nationwide, the Irish wolfhound may look imposing, but he couldnt be sweeter. If something seems wrong at a breeder you visit, or the wolfhound puppy seems too good to be true, theres probably something fishy going on. Sadly, the average lifespan of an Irish wolfhound is a short 6-8 years. She just saw the vet but this behavior doesnt seem right. They need a lot of both. Compared with a small- or medium-sized dog, a wolfhound can be demanding in terms of space and nutrition. 3 Frozen Dog Treats You Can Make in Less Than an Hour [Recipe], 15 Dog-Safe Plants You Can Add to Your Garden Right Now, TLC From B.C. Check her out at LizWritesForYou.com. In the breed of these hounds, color blue was one rare color, which was considered impermissible. This is a giant breed. For one thing, youll need to get perfectly honest with your ability to take care of such a large animal. Rescue Turns Fierce Feral Cats Into Calm Kitties, 19 Best Pug Gifts for People Who Love Em, What You Need to Know to Prevent Heatstroke in Dogs, Arborist Brothers-in-Law Start Nonprofit to Rescue Cats From Trees [Video]. The decision to adopt or to work with a breeder for your new wolfhound puppy is a personal choice that requires research. They are also popularly known as C Faoil, which implies to different names like Irish hound, or simply hound, or, wolf dog and war dog, wherein c refers to a respected prefix used for warriors and kings, which implies to how respectably they were treated in the past. Sadly, Irish wolfhounds dont have longevity on their side, and the average life expectancy of one of these dogs is capped at around 7 years. If a fierce watchdog is what you seek, you may want to reconsider bringing home one of these puppies. Regular exercise is a must for this breed. Otherwise, for their intelligence and alertness, Irish wolfhounds are able to pick up tricks easily, and can readily perceive what is asked of them, and are eager to please their owners. Quite the opposite, youre looking at a reasonable once-a-week brushing schedule. They thrive on human companionship, so adopting one of these pups means youll have a devoted friend for life. Precisely, this breed of hounds is more than just watchdogs. Or, more accurately, they stand above it! Youll need to ask yourself if is this something youre willing to face as your hound gets older.