Irish Wolfhound – Gentle Giant

The first evidence of giant hounds dates back to the 1st century AD. The origins are believed to be in ancient Egypt. In Europe, it was the Celts who valued his fearlessness when hunting deer. From the Middle Ages to the 17th century, an Irish wolfhound was considered a prized gift among the nobility. It was then that his career as a wolfhound literally began. Almost disappeared in the meantime, the gray giant from the north experienced a renaissance in the 19th century and was revived as a breed by crossing Borzois and Great Danes. Today he is one of the rare but extremely popular companion dogs.

The Irish Wolfhound is considered frugal and balanced – if the upbringing is right. He should have had early contact with people and animals. Because sometimes puppies show an amazingly tender and skittish little soul. As a guard dog, he is less good. And when it does, it frightens unwanted guests with its size. His barking sounds very rarely, which in turn pleases the neighborhood. Despite this, the Irishman is only a family dog ​​to a limited extent in terms of upbringing and daily demands. Unlike a Labrador or Golden Retriever, he doesn’t always blend in uncompromisingly with the pack. Ideally, it has its place before a child comes into the family, or the children are already older.

“A sheep at home, a lion on the hunt” – this quote from the breed club for Irish Wolfhounds says a lot about the impressive dog breed. The powerful sight hunter cannot deny his talent. That is why a consistent upbringing is very important right from the start – even more so when children live in the family. Because the Irish wolfhound is not always aware of its size and strength, especially in the boorish months up to around the second birthday. However, if the basis of the first few months is right, you can rely on lifelong loyalty. The Irish don’t need more exercise than other dogs, but love to go for a walk in all weathers. A sufficient range of motion at home is absolutely necessary due to its size. A fenced yard is recommended. Take an inexplicable drop in performance seriously: His stoic calm does not reveal a battered condition at first glance.

The rough coat needs regular brushing. Claw care should be part of the upbringing at an early age. In the first two years of life, high-quality (and plenty of) food is part of healthy growth. After that, the breed is content with astonishingly small amounts of food, which must be adapted to the activity in order to build muscle. Because the Irishman weighs heavily on his size and the heart performs at its best – not always without impairment. Rarely does a Wolfhound live to be ten years old, like most large dog breeds? Therefore, choose an experienced, competent breeder who values ​​health rather than the maximum size.