Irish Wolfhound — breed guide
The tallest of all breeds, and one of the shortest-lived.
At a glance
- Group
- hound
- Size
- Giant
- Weight
- 48–82 kg (106–181 lb)
- Life span
- 6–8 years
- Coat
- Rough, harsh, wiry
Living with a Irish Wolfhound
- Moderate energy — a proper walk every day.
- Regular grooming — brushing a few times a week.
- Moderate shedding.
- Quick to learn.
- Very quiet.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Sensitive to heat; keep summer walks short.
- Handles cold well.
Temperament
Gentle · Dignified · Patient · Quiet
Health to watch
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Bloat
- Bone cancer
- Liver shunt
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Irish Wolfhound good with kids?
Generally yes. Irish Wolfhounds are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Irish Wolfhound good with cats?
It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.
How much exercise does a Irish Wolfhound need?
A real walk every day, around 30–60 minutes.
Can a Irish Wolfhound handle hot weather?
It is sensitive; avoid the midday heat.
Leash Life keeps a Irish Wolfhound's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.