The True Cost of Irish Wolfhound Ownership

Irish wolfhound ownership can be a costly endeavor, with expenses ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for the initial purchase price alone.

The average lifespan of an Irish wolfhound is 6-8 years, which means you'll need to factor in veterinary bills and potential health issues that may arise during this time.

Irish wolfhounds are prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, and other health problems, with estimated annual costs ranging from $500 to $1,000 for medical expenses.

Regular grooming is also essential, requiring a monthly investment of around $50-$100 for nail trimming, ear cleaning, and coat maintenance.

Explore further: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health Issues

The Irish Wolfhound price can vary depending on where you purchase from.

Breeders are often the most expensive option because they invest more money into their puppies, covering expertise, health testing, and extra vet bills.

You're essentially paying for a higher-quality puppy when buying from a breeder.

Adoption agencies charge less due to lower operational costs since they don't have to breed dogs themselves.

It's rare to find an Irish Wolfhound at an adoption agency.

Owning an Irish Wolfhound can be a costly endeavor. The annual costs add up quickly due to their large size and higher needs.

These dogs eat more food than smaller breeds, which increases your expenses over time. You'll need to budget for high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional requirements.

The first year of ownership will cost around $5,000, primarily due to initial purchases like beds and dog bowls, as well as increased vet bills for vaccinations and visits.

Annual costs after the first year are significantly lower, at approximately $2,000 per year. This covers expenses such as food, grooming, and annual vet visits.

It's essential to factor in potential health issues that may arise, which can add to your yearly costs even further.

Irish Wolfhound puppies can be found through breed-specific dog rescues, which may receive these dogs occasionally. They are often cheaper than other sources and usually cost between $100 to $500.

Rescues provide proper health care for the puppies, including vaccinations and vet checks. This means you'll pay less in vet bills the first year. They're also upfront about any health problems the puppy might have.

Health clearances are important when purchasing an Irish Wolfhound puppy. All our Irish Wolfhound pups are liver shunt tested and heart tested every six months, with parents cleared for breeding by a Veterinary Cardiologist.

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect from reputable breeders:

Irish Wolfhound puppies can cost anywhere from £3,500 to purchase and around £65-£100 per month to keep.

Rescues are often a great option for getting an Irish Wolfhound puppy, and they're usually cheaper than buying from a breeder. You can expect to pay between $100 to $500.

Irish Wolfhounds from rescues often have unknown beginnings, but they receive proper health care after being turned over to the rescue. They'll also be spayed or neutered before adoption, which is included in the final price of the dog.

All reputable breeders will test their puppies for liver shunts and heart problems. They should provide certificates from a Veterinary Cardiologist.

Irish Wolfhound puppies are vet checked regularly, including tests for heart, lungs, mouth, eyes, and general health. Vaccination cards and results from these checks are usually included in the puppy pack.

Micro-chipping is also standard practice among responsible breeders.

Here's what you can expect to pay for an Irish Wolfhound puppy:

Keep in mind that owning an Irish Wolfhound requires careful consideration and attention to their sensitive nature. They can be prone to injuries when young, so it's essential to do your homework and find the right environment for them.

The Irish Wolfhound is a great addition to many families due to its moderate energy level and relatively low playfulness.

They require regular exercise, but not as much as some other breeds, which makes them suitable for households with smaller yards.

Irish Wolfhounds are known for their affectionate nature, often forming close bonds with their family members.

However, they can be wary of strangers at first, so it's essential to socialize them properly from an early age.

These dogs are generally good with other pets and children, but as with any breed, supervision is always a good idea when introducing them to new family members.

They're not the most demanding breed in terms of training, but consistent and patient teaching methods work best for them.

A different take: Bernese Mountain Dog Family

The Irish Wolfhound is an ancient breed with a rich history dating back over 2,000 years.

They were originally bred for hunting large game such as deer and wild boar, using their incredible speed and agility to chase down prey.

Irish Wolfhounds are known for being gentle giants, with adults typically weighing between 105 and 180 pounds.

Puppy adoption through rescue is a great option for many people.

Rescues often have Irish Wolfhound puppies available, but this is quite rare since it's not a popular breed.

You can find these rescues by checking breed-specific dog rescues.

They're usually cheaper than other sources because they're non-profit and partially funded by donations.

Puppies from rescues typically cost between $100 to $500.

Some rescues charge more depending on the level of vet care the puppy required.

Most rescues require the puppy to be spayed or neutered before adoption, which is often included in the final price.

Rescues provide proper health care for the puppies after they're turned over.

They usually give vaccinations and vet checks that the puppy needs.

This means you'll pay less in vet bills during the first year.

Rescues are also upfront about any health problems the puppy may have.

You might enjoy: Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Issues

The Irish Wolfhound has a rich and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. Dogs of great size were believed to have come to Ireland from Greece by 1500 b.c.

These massive dogs became even more imposing in Ireland, where they were highly valued for their fighting ability and hunting prowess. The breed was so renowned that it became the subject of many legends recounting its valor in battle and chase.

The first definite mention of the Irish Wolfhound occurred in Rome in a.d. 391. The breed's impressive stature and fighting ability made it a favorite among Irish chieftains for the hunt.

Traditionally, seven of these hounds at a time were given to foreign nobility as gifts, which contributed to the decline of the breed's numbers. By the nineteenth century, Irish Wolfhounds were almost extinct in Ireland due to a combination of factors, including the extinction of wolves and the devastating famine of 1845.

Captain G. A. Graham worked tirelessly to resurrect the breed by crossing the few remaining Wolfhounds with other breeds like Scottish Deerhound and Great Dane. The reborn Wolfhound created a sensation when first exhibited at a dog show in the 1870s, drawing many admirers with its commanding appearance.

The physical appearance of Irish Wolfhounds is quite striking. They have a coarse, textured coat that comes in various colors.

One of the most distinctive features of this breed is its double coat. You can find them in colors like blue, black, brindle, white, cream, gray, and many more.

Irish Wolfhounds are often mistaken for Scottish Deerhounds due to their wiry coat and large size. But if you look closely, you'll notice some key differences.

Here are the physical characteristics that can help identify a purebred Irish hound:

If you ever come across a true white-colored Irish Wolfhound, consider yourself lucky - it's the rarest coat color found on this breed.

The Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant, known for its soft-natured and easygoing temperament.

This breed is calm around the house, which makes it perfect for families with children who want a pet that can keep up with their energetic lifestyle.

They are sensitive dogs that require patience and understanding from their owners.

Despite their great size, Irish Wolfhounds are good with children, pets, and other dogs, making them an excellent addition to any family.

Irish Wolfhounds are expensive dogs that can cost a lot to purchase and take care of over the years.

Having an emergency fund is crucial, especially since they're prone to certain illnesses that require costly medical attention. We recommend setting aside at least $7,000 for unexpected vet bills.

Their large size necessitates more exercise, nutrition, and potential medical bills than most breeds, making it essential to have a 'fat wallet' as a new owner.

Owning an Irish Wolfhound means being prepared to afford excellent medical care, which can be very expensive at times. From puppyhood, consider obtaining health care coverage for your hound to ensure they receive the necessary medication and treatment throughout their lifespan.

Their weight typically ranges from 75 pounds during 12-weeks of age to 140-200 pounds as adults, requiring larger doses of medications such as antibiotics and heartworm medicines.

Recommended read: Shih Tzu Puppy Care