Pet Wiki

Irish Wolfhound

Also called Cú Faoil, Wolfhound

A kindly, even-natured giant that tends to be relaxed indoors and devoted to its family.

SizeGiant
Weight40.5 to 54.5 kg (89 to 120 lb)males from 54.5 kg, females from 40.5 kg123
Height71 to 86 cm (28 to 34 in)males 79 to 86 cm, females from 71 cm12
Lifespan6 to 10 years342
CoatRough, harsh medium-length coat
OriginIreland (breed restored in the 19th century in Britain)12
GroupSighthounds (FCI group 10)
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
gentle and friendly with people and other dogs
calm and dignified in the home
loyal, quiet companion that rarely barks
13

Personality what they are like

A kindly, even-natured giant that tends to be relaxed indoors and devoted to its family. It is usually polite with visitors and patient with children, prefers peace to commotion, and responds best to calm, consistent, reward-based training.134

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Irish Wolfhound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

rough, harsh medium-length coat

A tough, rough-textured coat covers the body and legs, turning noticeably wiry over the eyes and along the beard. The overall picture is a huge, muscular yet graceful sighthound that carries its head proudly and moves with an easy, active stride.124

Coloursgreybrindleredblackpure whitefawnwheaten12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Sources differ: the Royal Kennel Club lists more than 2 hours of exercise a day, while Hill's suggests around 45-60 minutes of relaxed walks, hikes and low-key play. As a sighthound it should run only in securely fenced areas.43

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush the rough coat at least weekly (RKC: more than once a week) to lift loose hair; bathe only occasionally so the coat keeps its weather resistance. Check ears weekly and trim nails regularly.43

Home where they are happiest

Best suited to a large house with a large, securely fenced garden; its height means kitchen counters and coffee tables are within easy reach.43

Company who they like around

A people-oriented hound that bonds strongly with its family and is generally friendly toward other dogs; it does best living closely with its household rather than being left alone for long stretches.12

The story where it all began

Large rough-coated hounds were prized in Ireland for hunting wolves, deer and wild boar, and a Roman consul wrote of receiving some as gifts in 391 AD. After the last Irish wolves disappeared in the late 1700s the breed dwindled, until Captain George Augustus Graham rebuilt it in the later 1800s using remaining Irish stock plus Scottish Deerhound and Great Dane blood. The first breed standard followed in 1885.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The FCI standard calls it the largest and tallest of all the sighthounds.1

  2. 2

    Its traditional motto describes it as a lamb at home and a lion in the chase.1

  3. 3

    The breed has served as the regimental mascot of the Irish Guards since 1902.2

  4. 4

    The FCI standard notes the wolfhound is counted among Ireland's national symbols.1

  5. 5

    Despite its size it is a notably quiet dog that seldom barks.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Irish Wolfhound' comes from its historical use in Ireland for hunting wolves, with 'Cú Faoil' meaning 'hound of the wolf' in Irish.5

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

GiantFinnBranCúMollyOscarSaoirseTitanNiamhCianGentleLiam

A day in the life told by an Irish Wolfhound

I rise slowly, stretching my long legs, and pad softly to the kitchen. My human smiles and pats my head. I rest my chin on the table, watching the morning unfold. A gentle walk in the meadow is my favorite, where I can lope beside my human, my tail brushing the tall grass. At home, I lie by the fireplace, a giant cushion of calm. Children visit and I let them lean on me. I am a mountain of love, asking only for quiet company.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 160, Group 10 (Sighthounds), Section 2 (Rough-haired Sighthounds); current standard published 10 Apr 20261
The Royal Kennel Club
Hound Group; listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed4
AKC
Hound Group; recognised 18973

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Irish Wolfhound, and at what times?

Feed adult Irish Wolfhounds at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. The exact times can be set to fit your daily routine, but consistent meal times help digestion. For amounts, always follow the food label and check with your vet.7

What should an Irish Wolfhound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for large breeds. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for the best diet plan.8

How often should I bathe an Irish Wolfhound?

Bathe only occasionally so the coat keeps its weather resistance. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can adjust based on how dirty your dog gets. More frequent baths may be needed if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors.439 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Irish Wolfhound need brushing?

Brush the rough coat at least weekly, and more than once a week is recommended to lift loose hair. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days. Regular brushing keeps the coat healthy and reduces shedding.43 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Irish Wolfhound's nails, and how often?

Trim nails regularly, about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.439 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Irish Wolfhound need?

Exercise needs vary: the Royal Kennel Club suggests more than 2 hours a day, while Hill's recommends around 45-60 minutes of relaxed walks and low-key play. As a sighthound, it should only run in securely fenced areas. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play.43 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Irish Wolfhound's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears weekly and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal. Pet Wiki's plan suggests ear checks every 2 weeks and teeth brushing every 2 days.439 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Irish Wolfhound live?

Irish Wolfhounds typically live between 6 and 10 years. Senior years usually start around age 6, so regular vet check-ups become especially important then.342 Pet Wiki plan

Is an Irish Wolfhound good with children and other pets?

Yes, this gentle giant is patient with children and usually polite with visitors. It is generally friendly toward other dogs and does best living closely with its family. However, always supervise interactions with young children and other pets.1342

Can an Irish Wolfhound be left alone?

This people-oriented hound bonds strongly with its family and does best living closely with them rather than being left alone for long stretches. If you must leave it alone, provide plenty of enrichment and consider a dog sitter. The exact time varies; ask your vet or a good breeder for advice.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard No. 160 Irish Wolfhound fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Wikipedia: Irish Wolfhound en.wikipedia.orgused for history, heights, colours, Irish Guards mascot
  3. Hill's Pet: Irish Wolfhound hillspet.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, temperament, AKC year, fun facts
  4. The Royal Kennel Club: Irish Wolfhound royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, home size, lifespan, vulnerable status
  5. nature.com nature.com
  6. iwfoundation.org iwfoundation.org
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.