The Giant Irish Grey Wolfhound is an ancient breed with a rich history that dates back to the 15th century.
They were originally bred as hunting companions for Irish nobility, specifically to hunt large game such as wolves and deer.
Their impressive size and strength made them a formidable hunting partner, with some males reaching up to 35 inches in height and weighing over 100 pounds.
One of the distinctive characteristics of the Giant Irish Grey Wolfhound is its gentle and even-tempered nature, making them a popular choice as family pets.
Irish Wolfhound Basics
Irish wolfhounds need plenty of exercise, but they also require lots of love. They thrive best if given lots of walks and lots of attention every day.
A well-trained adult wolfhound may enjoy being petted and scratched behind the ears, but young ones should never be handled roughly. The more affectionate the owner, the better.
Irish wolfhounds need a lot of space to move freely without bumping into things, so you should think carefully about where they'll be living.
Irish Wolfhound Height
The Irish Wolfhound is an impressive breed, and one of its most notable features is its towering height. An adult Irish Wolfhound can reach an incredible 7 foot tall if standing upright on its back legs.
They are the tallest breed of dog in the world, which is quite a distinction. Their average height is 30-35 inches, making them a large dog breed.
Their weight is equally impressive, ranging from 105-180 pounds.
Irish Wolfhound History
The Irish Wolfhound is an ancient breed with a rich history that dates back to the 5th century. They were bred to hunt large game such as wolves, elk, and deer.
Their original purpose was to protect the Irish people from these predators, and they were highly valued for their bravery and loyalty. The Irish Wolfhound was also a favorite of Irish nobility.
The breed's name, "Irish Wolfhound", refers to their original purpose and the fact that they were used to hunt wolves. They were known for their speed, agility, and strength.
In the 15th century, the breed's popularity began to decline, and they were almost wiped out by the Irish government's hunting laws. However, a few enthusiasts worked to preserve the breed.
The Irish Wolfhound was recognized as a distinct breed by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1885.
Expand your knowledge: How to Train a German Shorthaired Pointer to Hunt
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish wolfhound is a large dog, with an average height of 30-35 inches, and an average weight of 105-180 pounds.
They are the tallest breed of dog in the world, and an adult male Irish wolfhound standing upright on its back legs could reach an incredible 7 foot tall!
Irish wolfhounds need plenty of exercise, but they also require lots of love. They thrive best if given lots of walks and lots of attention every day.
A well-trained adult wolfhound may enjoy being petted and scratched behind the ears; however, young ones should never be handled roughly.
An adult dog needs a minimum of 2 hours exercise per day, as recommended by the PDSA.
They need an awful lot of space to move freely without bumping into things, so think carefully about where your Irish wolfhound is going to be living.
You should brush them around twice a week to keep their coat in good condition and stay on top of the dead hairs.
Irish wolfhounds get their characteristically shaggy appearance from their wiry fur, and shouldn’t need to be professionally groomed or clipped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do giant Irish Wolfhounds shed?
Irish Wolfhounds are low shedders, requiring occasional brushing and nail trimming to maintain their coat. They don't shed seasonally like some breeds, but regular grooming is still essential.
Sources
- The Irish Wolfhound- Get to know the Legendary Gentle Giant (celtictitles.com)
- Irish Wolfhound Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- One of these dogs has a clearly larger than life presence, whose mere physicality, elevated by an extreme amount of self confidence, intimidates any would be intruders and provides a sense of security for the entire household. The other one is an Irish Wolfhound. #measuringup Enoch and Englebert (instagram.com)
- A post shared by Murphyirishwolfhound (@murphyirishwolfhound) (instagram.com)
- A post shared by The Cindy (@midwest_irishwolfhounds_ranch) (instagram.com)
- The Massive Irish Wolfhound (irishwolfhounds.org)
- Fact Check: Real, Vintage Photo of a Giant Irish Dog? (yahoo.com)
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