Dog Breed Guide

Irish wolfhound

Profile

Size

Extra Large

Country of origin

Ireland

Origin

Ancient

Bred for

Hunting wolves and deer

Height

male 79cm (31in) and over, female 71cm (28in) and over

Weight

male 54.5kg (120lb) and over, female 40.5kg (89lb) and over

Life span

7 - 9 years

The tallest of all dog breeds. Standing on its hind legs, it can top 2m (6ft 7in). A rough, harsh coat and a face with a beard and eyebrows are its hallmarks. Colors include gray, brindle, red, black, white and fawn.

Far more gentle, kind and patient than its huge size would suggest, the Irish Wolfhound is the very model of a gentle giant and is tolerant of family and children. It is not very aggressive even with strangers, so it is no watchdog.

It grows very fast, so puppies should avoid strenuous exercise to protect their joints. Its life span is short, and it is known to be prone to heart disease, bone cancer and bloat. Food and veterinary bills are large as well.

Good to know

Since ancient times it has been known as a fearless hunter of wolves and the Irish elk, a giant deer, and it was prized as a gift for royalty and nobility. Wales has a sad legend about Prince Llywelyn, who saw his dog Gelert's mouth covered in blood, assumed the dog had killed his baby and killed Gelert, only to discover that the dog had actually killed a wolf that had attacked the child.

When the last wolf in Ireland disappeared in 1786, the dog lost its quarry and its numbers fell, and by the 19th century it was thought to be extinct. The man who revived the breed was Captain George Graham of the British Army. Starting around 1862 and over some 20 years, he crossed the few remaining dogs with the Scottish Deerhound and other breeds and brought it back to its present form.

Today it is the mascot of the Irish Guards regiment of the British Army, and every year on Saint Patrick's Day in March it proudly leads the regiment's parade.