Irish Wolfhound Adoption: Care and Responsibility

Adopting an Irish Wolfhound requires a significant commitment to providing proper care and attention.

They are massive dogs, with males weighing up to 180 pounds and standing over 35 inches tall.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but their large size means they need regular exercise to stay healthy.

A daily walk of at least 30 minutes is essential for Irish Wolfhounds, as well as regular playtime in a securely fenced yard.

The adoption process for Irish Wolfhounds can be a bit involved, but don't worry, we've got you covered.

If you're from the south of the US and looking to adopt an Irish Wolfhound, you'll want to check out the Irish Wolfhound Rescue of the Mid South. They have a thorough application process that ensures these gentle giants go to homes where they can thrive.

To apply for adoption with them, simply visit their website at https://www.iwams.org/rescue and follow the prompts. Someone from their team will contact you fairly quickly to discuss your application and answer any questions you may have.

The Irish Wolfhound Rescue of the Mid South has a strict policy of not adopting out dogs without fenced yards, as these dogs need a safe place to run and exercise.

Irish Wolfhounds are gentle giants and need plenty of exercise and space to stretch out. They thrive off company and can get upset if left alone.

You'll want a large, secure garden for your Irish Wolfhound as they have lots of energy and love to run around. Their large size means they might be tricky to groom at home, so it's best to take them to a professional if you need to bathe them.

Irish Wolfhounds shed throughout the year, but this is relatively minimal compared to longer-haired dogs. Brushing them twice a week should keep their coat in good condition and help with dead hairs.

Irish Wolfhounds are considered gentle giants and can make great pets in the right household.

They need plenty of exercise and space to stretch out, so a large, secure garden is essential for their well-being. You'll also want to ensure you have enough room for your dog to run around safely.

Irish Wolfhounds thrive off company and get upset if left alone, which can lead to destructive behavior as they try to relieve stress.

You might find that your Irish Wolfhound sheds throughout the year, but it's minimal compared to longer-haired dogs. Brushing them twice a week should keep their coat in good condition and prevent shedding from getting out of hand.

A fenced yard is also crucial for large dogs like Irish Wolfhounds - many rescues require potential adopters to have one before allowing adoption. This provides the space your dog needs for running around safely.

Brushing your Irish Wolfhound twice a week should be enough to keep their wiry fur in good condition and prevent matting.

Irish Wolfhounds are likely to make noise, but they're not known for being big barkers.

Their barks can be fairly loud and they'll use them to let you know if they're unhappy. If your Irish Wolfhound is barking excessively, it's best to seek the advice of an accredited behaviourist.

Irish Wolfhounds are highly social dogs that get along well with other dogs if they're properly socialized from a young age.

They might welcome new canine friends with open arms, but it's essential to introduce them slowly and carefully to avoid any potential conflicts.

In fact, they have such a high prey drive that we wouldn't recommend keeping them with smaller pets.

The Irish Wolfhound requires regular exercise and training to maintain their physical and mental health.

With a lifespan of 6-8 years, these gentle giants need consistent training from an early age to develop good behavior and prevent unwanted habits from forming.

A well-trained Irish Wolfhound is essential for ensuring the dog's safety and happiness in its new home.

Irish Wolfhounds are prone to certain health problems due to their breed.

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV), also known as 'bloat', is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. It's essential to be aware of this risk if you're considering bringing an Irish Wolfhound into your family.

Some breeds, including Irish Wolfhounds, are at higher risk for certain cancers. Regular check-ups and health screenings can help identify any potential issues early on.

Cardiomyopathy is a type of heart disease that affects Irish Wolfhounds, causing their heart to become enlarged and not function properly. Annual heart testing schemes approved by the Irish Wolfhound Club can help detect this condition.

Irish Wolfhounds may also develop Generalised retinal progressive atrophy, which leads to progressive loss of sight over several months or years. This is a serious condition that requires monitoring and veterinary care.

Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt) is a birth defect where the blood bypasses the liver, leading to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream. Fortunately, testing is available for this condition, and responsible breeding practices can help minimize its occurrence.

Here are some common health problems that Irish Wolfhounds may face:

Irish Wolfhounds need gentle and positive handling from a young age.

They respond well to reward-based training methods, but consistency is key - negative reinforcement can be ineffective with this breed. This means you'll need to be very patient when training your Irish Wolfhound due to their sensitive nature.

Forming strong ties with families is one of the many wonderful qualities of Irish Wolfhounds - they thrive on social interaction and love spending time with people and other dogs, as long as they've been socialised from a young age. This breed excels at forming deep bonds with owners.

However, this attachment can also lead to separation anxiety in Irish Wolfhounds, making it difficult for them to cope when left alone - even for short periods of time. You may need to train your dog that it's okay to be alone, but keep in mind they shouldn't be left unattended for more than four hours.