Irish Wolfhound puppies are born with their eyes closed, and they usually don't open them until around 10-14 days old.
Their initial weight is around 2-4 pounds, but they can grow up to 35-180 pounds as adults.
Irish Wolfhound puppies are born with a soft, downy coat that changes to a coarser, wiry coat as they mature.
Irish Wolfhound Puppies
If you're looking for an Irish Wolfhound puppy, consider checking out rescue organizations in the United States. They sometimes have puppies available, often older puppies, and their owners may have loved them but couldn't care for a large dog.
Make sure you have enough space for an Irish Wolfhound before adopting one, as they grow quickly into giants. Even though they start small, they'll soon need room to roam.
If you can't find what you're looking for through rescue organizations, you may need to try a breeder. Ensure you're working with a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health of their Irish Wolfhounds and performs required health screenings.
You can find information on reputable breeders through breed clubs and the American Kennel Club (AKC).
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Breed Overview
The Irish Wolfhound is an exceptionally old breed, with records dating back to ancient Rome. They were first mentioned in 391 C.E.
These gentle giants can weigh between 105-120 pounds, making them a significant addition to any family. They thrive in homes with plenty of room.
Despite their large size, Irish Wolfhounds are known for their patient and sweet temperament, making them a great fit for families with children.
Growth and Development
The breed is known to be a slow maturing breed, taking around 2-3 years to reach full maturity. This means they require more time and patience to develop physically and mentally.
Their growth rate is influenced by genetics, nutrition, and overall health, with proper care and attention allowing them to reach their full potential.
In terms of size, males typically reach a height of around 24-26 inches and weigh between 55-65 pounds, while females reach a height of around 22-24 inches and weigh between 45-55 pounds.
Their bone structure and muscle mass also play a significant role in their overall growth and development, with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise essential for optimal growth.
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History and Origins
The Irish Wolfhound is an exceptionally old breed, with the first written record dating back to 391 C.E. when seven puppies were gifted to Quintus Aurelius Symmachus.
These dogs have a rich history, and it's amazing to think that they were used for hunting big game like wolves, deer, and boar. They even hunted the long extinct and enormous Irish elk.
Despite their ferocious beginnings, the Irish Wolfhound has evolved into a breed known for its patience and gentleness.
Physical Characteristics
The breed's physical characteristics are quite distinctive. They have a muscular build and a sturdy bone structure.
Their coats are typically short and smooth, coming in a variety of colors including black, blue, and fawn.
Their eyes are almond-shaped and slanted, giving them a unique and expressive appearance.
Their ears are erect and triangular, always perked up and alert.
Their tails are long and tapering, carried with a lively expression.
Their average height is between 20 and 24 inches, with males being slightly taller than females.
Their average weight is between 40 and 60 pounds, with a lean and athletic build.
Irish Wolfhound Temperament and Intelligence
The Irish Wolfhound is considered the tallest canine breed, which can make them seem imposing at first glance. However, they are gentle and get along with pretty much anyone.
They're also surprisingly calm, which is a plus for households with kids. Their calm nature means you don't have to worry about them running around the house and knocking things over.
But don't let their calm nature fool you - Irish Wolfhounds are fiercely loyal to their humans and make friends with almost everyone they meet. They're not the best watchdogs because of this, but their vast size can be an automatic deterrent to others.
Personality Traits
The Irish Wolfhound's personality is a unique blend of gentleness and loyalty. They are known to get along with almost anyone, including people, dogs, and even cats.
These gentle giants are surprisingly calm, which makes them a great fit for families with children. They have limitless patience, which is a rare trait in any breed.
You might be surprised to learn that Irish Wolfhounds are fairly clumsy, especially during their first couple of years of life. So, be prepared for some accidental knockovers and messes.
Despite their size, Irish Wolfhounds aren't naturally aggressive, but they are fiercely loyal to their humans. They will make friends with almost everyone they meet, which can make them less effective as watchdogs.
Their bravery and intelligence make them eager to please their people, which is a great trait to have in a pet. With proper training and care, an Irish Wolfhound can thrive as a loving and loyal companion.
Training and Socialization
Irish Wolfhounds are naturally gentle and calm, but they can be wary of strangers due to their independent nature. They require early socialization to become confident and friendly.
Irish Wolfhounds are sensitive to noise and can be easily startled, so it's essential to introduce them to various sounds and environments from an early age. This helps prevent anxiety and fear-based behaviors.
Irish Wolfhounds are intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn at times. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key to successful training.
Irish Wolfhounds are highly intelligent and can learn quickly with proper training, but they also require regular mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average price of an Irish Wolfhound puppy?
The average price of an Irish Wolfhound puppy is around $2,250. Prices may vary based on factors such as breeder reputation, bloodline, and puppy characteristics.
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