The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dog breeds, a gentle giant with a calm, easygoing nature and a soft spot for its family. Owners most often struggle with the sheer size of the dog, leash pulling during growth, chasing moving things, and planning for health and costs that come with a giant breed.
Irish Wolfhound at a glance
- Size: giant; among the tallest breeds, often well over 100 pounds.
- Energy level: moderate as adults; puppies need careful, gentle exercise.
- Shedding level: moderate; the wiry coat sheds steadily and needs weekly brushing.
- Barking tendency: low; most wolfhounds are fairly quiet.
- Good for first-time owners: with work; the size and health planning take preparation.
- Time alone tolerance: moderate; tends to prefer company and a comfortable bed.
Common Irish Wolfhound problems and solutions
Why does my Irish Wolfhound pull on the leash?
A young wolfhound grows fast and may not understand its own strength yet. Start loose-leash training early, stop when the leash tightens, reward your dog for walking beside you and use a well-fitted harness. Our guide on how to stop a dog pulling on leash covers the basics.
Why does my Irish Wolfhound chase cats and squirrels?
Wolfhounds are sighthounds, so fast movement can trigger a strong chase instinct. Keep your dog on leash in open areas, practice “look at me” around distractions and only allow off-leash running in secure, fenced spaces. Spotting triggers before your dog does, and moving away early, keeps walks calmer for both of you.
Will my Irish Wolfhound come when called?
Many sighthounds have selective recall once they spot something running. Practice with high-value rewards in a fenced area, use a long line elsewhere and never punish a slow return. See how to teach a dog to come when called.
Do Irish Wolfhounds shed a lot?
They shed a moderate amount, and on a dog this size that still adds up. Brush weekly with a pin brush and comb, and hand-strip or tidy the coat a few times a year if you like a neater look. Read the best ways to control dog shedding.
How do I keep my car clean with an Irish Wolfhound?
Fitting a giant dog in a vehicle takes planning. Use a washable cargo liner, a ramp to protect joints and a quick brush before trips. Our guide on removing dog hair from car seats has easy tricks.
Why does my Irish Wolfhound counter-surf?
When your dog is tall enough to rest its chin on the kitchen counter, food is an easy target. Keep counters clear, push food far back, reward your dog for lying on a mat during cooking and use a gate to block the kitchen when you cannot supervise. Every successful snack makes the habit stronger, so prevention is the key.
Why does my Irish Wolfhound lean on people?
Leaning is often a sign of affection or a wish for reassurance. It is sweet, but it can knock over children or older visitors, so teach a “sit” or “stand” cue for greetings and reward calm, four-paw contact.
Why does my Irish Wolfhound puppy chew everything?
Giant puppies teethe for months, and their reach is longer than you expect. Puppy-proof high shelves as well as low ones, give plenty of sturdy chew toys and redirect calmly. See how to stop a puppy chewing furniture.
How much exercise does an Irish Wolfhound need?
Adults usually do well with daily walks and a chance to stretch out and run in a safe, fenced area. Puppies should avoid forced running, long jogs and lots of stairs while they grow; ask your vet for an age-appropriate plan. Short sniffing walks, gentle play and calm training sessions are great ways to tire a young wolfhound without stressing its joints.
Is my Irish Wolfhound sad when I leave?
Many wolfhounds are mellow alone, but some become anxious or restless. Practice short absences, provide a big soft bed and a chew, and build time slowly. Read how to help a dog with separation anxiety if your dog seems stressed.
How expensive is it to own an Irish Wolfhound?
Everything costs more for a giant dog: food, beds, crates, vehicle space and vet care. Plan ahead and read how much owning a dog costs before bringing one home.
Why does my Irish Wolfhound take up the whole couch?
Wolfhounds love comfort and often claim the softest spot in the house. Give your dog its own extra-large, thick bed in the living room, reward it for choosing that bed and decide early whether furniture is allowed, then stay consistent.
Training tips for an Irish Wolfhound
- Start manners early, before your puppy becomes too big to manage physically.
- Use gentle, reward-based training; this sensitive breed shuts down with harsh handling.
- Keep sessions short and calm, and use soft, tasty treats.
- Teach “settle” on a mat for kitchens, doorways and busy rooms.
- Practice loose-leash walking daily with a well-fitted harness.
- Build recall with a long line and plenty of rewards, but accept that open areas may never be safe off-leash.
- Socialise calmly with people, kids, small dogs and new places so your gentle giant stays confident.
Health questions owners ask
Why do Irish Wolfhounds have shorter lifespans?
Giant breeds in general tend to have shorter lives than small dogs. Regular checkups, a healthy weight, gentle exercise and a good relationship with your vet help you make the most of your years together. Talk to your vet about a senior care plan early, since giant dogs often reach their senior years sooner.
Is bloat a risk for Irish Wolfhounds?
Deep-chested giant breeds are often discussed in relation to bloat. Learn the warning signs, such as a swollen belly or unproductive retching, avoid heavy exercise around meals and talk to your vet about prevention.
Are Irish Wolfhounds prone to heart problems?
Heart health is a commonly discussed topic for this breed. Ask your vet whether regular heart screening makes sense for your dog and watch for tiredness, coughing or breathing changes.
How should I protect my wolfhound puppy’s joints?
Fast growth puts stress on young bones and joints. Feed a diet suited to large-breed puppies, keep your puppy lean, use non-slip rugs on slippery floors and avoid long runs and jumping. Talk to your vet about growth checks and the right time to increase exercise.
Is an Irish Wolfhound right for you?
Can an Irish Wolfhound live in an apartment?
Some calm adults manage with daily outings, but stairs, small elevators, narrow hallways and tight spaces make it hard. A home with room to stretch out on a large bed and a securely fenced yard for safe running is usually much easier for everyone.
Are Irish Wolfhounds good with kids?
They are often gentle and patient, but their size alone can knock a child down. Supervise all play and teach children not to climb on or ride the dog.
Do Irish Wolfhounds get along with other pets?
They are usually friendly and relaxed with other dogs. Small pets that run, like cats or rabbits, can trigger chase, so introductions should be slow and supervised, ideally with animals raised together from puppyhood. Give each pet a safe space to retreat to.
Is an Irish Wolfhound good for first-time owners?
It can work for a calm, well-prepared first-time owner who has the space, budget and time for a giant breed and its health needs. Meeting adult wolfhounds before you commit is a great way to see what daily life with one is really like.
Related guides
- Leash problems and solutions
- Dog shedding guide
- Reactive dog on walks
- Why does my dog follow me everywhere?
- How to get dog hair off a couch
- Walking gear for big dogs
Share your Irish Wolfhound experience
Living with a gentle giant? Share what helps with leash manners, space and health planning in our dog owner community, or compare other big breeds like the Great Dane in our breed guides.