Everything You Need to Know About Irish Wolfhound Size and Care

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Posted Oct 19, 2024

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Irish Wolfhounds are a large breed, with males reaching up to 35 inches in height and weighing between 180-220 pounds.

They require regular exercise to maintain their physical health, but their joints can be prone to injury if over-exercised too early or too often.

A daily walk of at least one hour is recommended, but it's also essential to avoid excessive jumping or strenuous activities that may put unnecessary strain on their joints.

Their large size means they need plenty of space to move around and stretch out.

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Irish Wolfhound Size

At six months, a male Irish Wolfhound will weigh anywhere from 80 to 110 pounds.

The average weight for males is about 96 pounds. Females typically weigh less, ranging from 79 to 107 pounds, with an average of around 92 pounds.

In terms of height, females measure an average of 28 inches at six months. Males are slightly taller, averaging 29.6 inches at this stage.

Irish Wolfhounds will continue to grow a bit over the next few years, but much of their height is reached by six months.

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Pet Growth Expectations

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Irish Wolfhounds can grow quite large, with males typically standing between 34 and 35 inches tall and weighing 140 to 180 pounds.

Their size is determined by many genetics, so it's not always a guarantee that larger parents will produce bigger puppies.

Females are slightly smaller, measuring 32 to 34 inches in height and weighing 115 to 140 pounds. Some females can even weigh as little as 105 pounds.

Irish Wolfhounds grow extremely fast from birth to six months of age, gaining weight rapidly due to their high caloric needs during this period.

By one month, they typically weigh around 8 pounds, which is an eightfold increase from their birth weight. Most of this growth occurs on their mother's milk alone.

At eight weeks old, Irish Wolfhounds usually tip the scales at about 23 pounds and continue to grow thereafter.

It's essential to provide a balanced diet that supports healthy growth in puppies and maintains long-term wellness in adulthood.

Irish Wolfhound puppies may not reach their full size until 18 months of age, so it's crucial to avoid overfeeding them during this period to prevent musculoskeletal problems later on.

Weight and Measurement

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The Irish Wolfhound is an enormous dog breed, and its size can be overwhelming at first glance. They typically stand between 30-35 inches (76-89 cm) tall at the shoulder.

Their weight range is quite broad, usually falling between 105-180 pounds (48-82 kg). This makes them one of the heaviest breeds in the world.

Irish Wolfhounds are a giant breed and their size requires special care. They have a deep chest and well-sprung ribs, which allow for an impressive lung capacity.

Their length is often longer than their height, with some males reaching up to 35 inches (89 cm) in height and 40 inches (102 cm) or more in length.

Care and Maintenance

The Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant and requires regular care to maintain its size and health. They need daily exercise, such as a 30-minute walk, to keep their massive frames active.

Their large paws can be prone to cracking if not properly cared for, so make sure to trim the hair between their toes regularly. This will help prevent any potential issues.

To ensure they stay at an ideal weight, feed them a balanced diet with two to three meals per day, as excessive weight gain can put unnecessary strain on their joints.

Weight Calculator & Tracker

Irish Wolfhound Dog on Lakeside
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As you monitor your Irish Wolfhound's growth, you'll notice they can seem a bit skinny during their 2nd year.

Their weight gain is often uneven, with muscle mass and fat building up over time.

Most Irish Wolfhounds reach their full height by two years old, but may add another inch or two in the following year.

They typically don't reach their full weight until they are around 3 to 3.5 years old.

Females tend to finish growing before males as they are generally smaller overall.

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Feeding Your Dog

Feeding your dog requires careful consideration to ensure they receive a complete and balanced diet that supports their growth and long-term wellness.

Irish wolfhound puppies may not reach their full size until 18 months of age, so it's essential to provide balanced nutrition to support healthy development without overfeeding.

Rapid growth in large and giant breed puppies can put them at risk for musculoskeletal problems in adulthood, making it crucial to monitor their weight and calorie intake.

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Dogs that are overweight or obese can live up to 2.5 years shorter than those with a lean body condition, highlighting the importance of controlling meal portions and calorie intake.

A fresh-food plan makes it easy to feed the right amount of food for your dog's age, size, and activity level, helping you maintain their weight and overall health.

Balanced omega-3 fatty acids found in a fresh diet can help keep joints healthy, which is especially important for dogs that are prone to joint issues.

Exercise

The Irish Wolfhound needs regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

A daily walk of about 40 minutes is a good starting point for these gentle giants.

They're not built for marathon running, so high-energy activities are best avoided.

In fact, too much stimulation can be bad for their joints, which can lead to problems later on.

If you have a fenced area in your yard, it's a great idea to let them run around there - it'll keep them happy and safe.

Suitable for:

Irish Wolfhound
Credit: wikimedia.org, Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhounds are best suited for families with adults and older children, as they can accidentally knock down little kids due to their large size.

They require a spacious living area that can accommodate their needs, making apartments or small homes unsuitable for this breed.

You'll need to keep food properly stored away to prevent them from snatching snacks off your kitchen table.

Breed Information

The Irish Wolfhound is a breed known for its impressive size. Males typically stand at 34 to 35 inches and weigh between 140 to 180 pounds.

They are also known as "lions in the chase" due to their courage and strength, but are also gentle and affectionate at home. This unique combination of traits makes them a beloved companion for many dog owners.

Irish Wolfhounds have a muscular build, with a proportionate length of body that is desired to be around 32-34 inches. They should not be too heavy or massive like the Great Dane, but rather more so than the Deerhound, which they generally resemble in type.

Breed History

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The Irish wolfhound is an ancient breed that dates back to 391 AD, when Roman statesman Quintus Aurelius Symmachus received several as a gift.

References to large Irish hounds can be found all the way back to this time period, showcasing the breed's long history.

In Ireland, these hounds earned their reputation as fearsome warriors and talented big-game hunters. They were known for hunting wolves and larger game like elk.

Their size and speed made them well-suited for bringing down prey much larger than themselves.

After the elk and wolves in Ireland were hunted to extinction, the Irish wolfhound nearly disappeared.

However, thanks to Captain George Augustus Graham's efforts, the breed was revived.

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Basic Breed Facts

The Irish Wolfhound is a majestic breed that commands attention with its massive size and commanding appearance.

On average, they stand at 30 to 32 inches in height and weigh up to 180 pounds.

Despite their significant size, Irish Wolfhounds are agile and capable of great speed.

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They have a shaggy coat that can be gray, black, white, brindle, red, or fawn (grayish brown) with a harsh, wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat.

Irish Wolfhounds don't go through seasonal periods of increased shedding, but they do benefit from weekly brushing to prevent matting and tangling.

The breed is often described as gentle giants due to their calm nature.

Tips and Advice

If you're considering bringing an Irish Wolfhound into your family, keep in mind that they can grow up to 35 inches tall at the shoulder.

Irish Wolfhounds are a large breed and need plenty of space to move around, so make sure you have a spacious home with room for them to stretch out.

They typically weigh between 105-180 pounds, which means they require regular exercise to stay healthy.

To ensure your Irish Wolfhound gets enough physical activity, aim for at least two hours of exercise per day, including walks and playtime in the yard.

Feeding an Irish Wolfhound is a big job, as they can eat up to 6 cups of food per day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Great Dane bigger than an Irish Wolfhound?

While Great Danes are generally considered the tallest breed, Irish Wolfhounds can be a close match in terms of height. However, when considering both height and weight, the English Mastiff is often the largest overall.

Are Irish Wolfhounds the biggest dogs in the world?

No, Irish Wolfhounds are not the biggest dogs in the world, but they hold the record for tallest breed. They can reach an impressive 7 feet tall on their hind legs.

Which is bigger a Great Dane or Irish Wolfhound?

While Great Danes are generally considered the tallest breed, Irish Wolfhounds are often a close second. However, height alone doesn't tell the whole story when comparing these two breeds.

Are Irish Wolfhounds the tallest dog?

Yes, Irish Wolfhounds are indeed the tallest dog breed. Their impressive height is just one of their notable characteristics.

Why get an Irish Wolfhound?

Irish Wolfhounds are ideal for families with experienced owners who have plenty of space in their home. They make loyal and calm companions due to their gentle nature.

Íris Nobre

Junior Copy Editor

Íris Nobre is a detail-driven professional with a passion for language and storytelling. With a keen eye for grammar and syntax, she has honed her skills as a Copy Editor through extensive experience in publishing and media. Iris brings a unique blend of creativity and precision to every project she undertakes, ensuring that written content is not only error-free but also engaging and effective.