Irish Wolfhounds are known for their gentle nature, often described as "sweet" and "affectionate." They thrive on human interaction and can become depressed if left alone for extended periods.
Their calm demeanor makes them an excellent choice for families with children, as they are patient and tolerant. In fact, Irish Wolfhounds have been referred to as "nannies" due to their nurturing instincts.
Irish Wolfhounds are also intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training. They can be independent at times, but consistency and clear communication can help them understand what is expected of them.
As one of the tallest breeds in the world, Irish Wolfhounds have a unique perspective on life – literally! Their height often gives them an advantage when it comes to seeing things from afar, which can make them more aware of their surroundings.
Irish Wolfhound Personality
Irish wolfhounds are giant puppies who don't act their age, taking several years to mature and outgrow youthful energy and temperament.
These dogs require daily exercise and plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom and stress, which can lead to frustration if unmet. They tend not to bark much, but will make their feelings known if their needs aren't met.
As family companions, Irish wolfhounds are affectionate with human and animal family members, but their massive size necessitates caution around children, who should always be supervised during interactions with these gentle giants.
Personality
Irish wolfhounds are affectionate with human and animal family members, making them great companions.
They're generally easygoing, but their massive size means they can unintentionally hurt children, so it's essential to supervise interactions between kids and these gentle giants.
As they mature slowly, Irish wolfhounds may take several years to attain full size and outgrow youthful energy and temperament. This means they often retain a playful, puppy-like demeanor well into adulthood.
Despite their large stature, Irish wolfhounds don't tend to bark much, but if their exercise needs go unmet, they may express frustration in other ways.
Every dog is an individual, so it's crucial to get to know your Irish wolfhound and tailor your approach to meet their unique needs as they grow and mature.
Irish Hound
The Irish Hound is a gentle giant, known for its calm and even-tempered nature.
Irish Wolfhounds are often described as "sweet" and "gentle", which makes them an excellent choice as family pets. They are also highly social dogs that thrive on interaction with their human family members.
In terms of size, Irish Hound adults typically weigh between 100 and 150 pounds (45-68 kg), making them a significant but not overwhelming presence in the home.
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Care and Training
Irish wolfhounds are highly intelligent and responsive to training if you form a trusting bond with them early on.
They're fast learners, but it's your job to keep up - so establish a strong foundation of training early on. Irish wolfhound puppies tend to do well in puppy training classes.
Remember to reward the behaviors you want, and make training fun for your Irish wolfhound. Let them feel good about how the sessions have gone, and expect positive things to happen when they come to you.
Irish wolfhounds need at least 2 hours of exercise per day as adults, according to the PDSA. They thrive on lots of walks and attention every day, so be prepared for a lot of quality time with your furry friend.
For another approach, see: Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy Training
Training
Irish wolfhounds are highly intelligent and eager to please if you form a trusting bond with them early on.
You'll want to establish a strong foundation for training early on, as Irish wolfhound puppies tend to do well in puppy training classes.
Rewarding desired behaviors is key, making sure the sessions feel fun for your Irish wolfhound. Expect positive outcomes when they come to you.
Irish wolfhounds are slow to mature, but fast learners - just remember to keep up with them! A crate can be helpful with potty training and separation anxiety, but make sure it's big enough for them to stand up, lay down, sit, and stand comfortably.
Caring For Your
Caring For Your Irish Wolfhound is a big responsibility, but with the right approach, you and your furry friend will thrive.
They need plenty of exercise, so be prepared to take them on long walks every day. A minimum of 2 hours of exercise per day is recommended for an adult dog by the PDSA.
Irish Wolfhounds are huge dogs that require a lot of space to move around freely without bumping into things. This size difference can make training difficult, but it's not impossible with patience and consistency.
Wolfhounds crave attention and affection from their owners, so be prepared to give them lots of love and scratches behind the ears - just be gentle when handling young ones!
History and Comparison
The Irish Wolfhound has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years, with evidence suggesting they were first bred by the ancient Celts to hunt wolves and guard royalty.
These gentle giants have been highly valued throughout history for their loyalty and protective nature, often serving as companions to kings and nobles. They're also known for being one of the tallest dog breeds in the world!
Despite their size, Irish Wolfhounds are surprisingly sensitive souls who thrive on affection and attention from their family members.
Breed History
The Irish wolfhound is an ancient breed with a rich history that spans centuries.
References to large Irish hounds date back to 391 AD, when Roman statesman Quintus Aurelius Symmachus received several as a gift. This marks one of the earliest recorded mentions of the breed.
Over time, the Irish wolfhound earned its reputation as a fearsome warrior and skilled big-game hunter. They were capable of bringing down elk and could pursue smaller game with ease.
Their name suggests their ability to hunt wolves, but it's worth noting that the elk and wolves in Ireland eventually became extinct. This had a significant impact on the breed's population.
Captain George Augustus Graham is credited with reviving the Irish wolfhound breed in the mid-1800s. He established a breeding program using Scottish deerhound and Great Dane bloodlines, which he believed were derived from early Irish wolfhounds.
JFK and Herbert Hoover Compared
Herbert Hoover was the president before John F. Kennedy took office.
Both presidents had Irish Wolfhounds as pets, a gift from friends for President Kennedy's dog and a family pet that became Patrick to President Hoover's wife.
Interestingly, both dogs were named after Irish heritage, with President Kennedy's being simply named Wolf.
Not Ideal Guardians
They aren't naturally suspicious of strangers, which can make them a bit too trusting.
The modern Irish Wolfhound isn't known for being a guardian dog, and they won't be aggressive toward visitors. They look imposing, but that's where their guard-like qualities end.
As a result, you shouldn't rely on your Irish Wolfhound to defend your home or family from unwanted guests. They're not at all equipped for this kind of job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an Irish Wolfhound a good family dog?
Yes, Irish Wolfhounds are well-suited as family dogs due to their loyal and affectionate nature. They thrive on human companionship and enjoy being part of a loving family.
What are the behavior problems with Irish Wolfhounds?
Irish Wolfhounds may exhibit dominant or aggressive behavior towards dogs of the same sex and have strong instincts to chase small animals. Proper socialization and training are crucial to manage these natural tendencies
Are Irish Wolfhounds cuddly?
Irish Wolfhounds are surprisingly cuddly despite their large size. They thrive on affection and enjoy spending time with their owners.
Why get an Irish Wolfhound?
Get an Irish Wolfhound for a loyal companion with a calm nature, perfect for experienced owners who have space in their larger home
What are the traits of an Irish Wolfhound?
Known for their gentle nature, Irish Wolfhounds are loyal and calm companions. However, they have a strong prey drive that requires careful management
Sources
- The Irish Wolfhound Breed Guide: History, Personality, ... (thefarmersdog.com)
- Irish Wolfhound Dog Breed Profile - Dog Training & Obedience (k9obedience.co.uk)
- The Irish Wolfhound- Get to know the Legendary Gentle Giant (celtictitles.com)
- Irish Wolfhound Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- Wolf (presidentialpetmuseum.com)
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