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
how to spot oneIrish Wolfhound coat and colours
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
Comes ingreybrindleredblackpure whitefawnwheaten12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
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
how busy a day looksIrish Wolfhound exercise needs
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
where they are happiestIrish Wolfhound at home
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
who they like aroundIrish Wolfhound with people and other pets
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 hands-on bitsIrish Wolfhound grooming and care
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
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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.5
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.6
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.437
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
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.437
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
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.437
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
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.
what to watchIrish Wolfhound health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Irish Wolfhound. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
A disease of the heart muscle that weakens the heart and is one of the main causes of early death in the breed; breeding dogs should have regular heart screening. Irish Wolfhound breed clubs run heart testing schemes; named on Wikipedia and Hill's ↗
Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
An aggressive bone cancer that is much more common in giant breeds and a leading cause of death in Irish Wolfhounds. Named for the breed on Wikipedia and in vet references ↗
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
A life-threatening twisting of the stomach that needs emergency surgery; deep-chested giants like the Wolfhound are at high risk. Named for the breed on Wikipedia and Hill's ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat an Irish Wolfhound costs
Running costs for an Irish Wolfhound, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Irish Wolfhound legal where you live?
2 of the 61 countries we check have a rule that names the Irish Wolfhound. Check the law before you travel or move, the details change.
Insurance requiredCabinet of Ministers resolution 'Deiaki pytannia shchodo nebezpechnykh porid sobak' (10 Nov 2021) lists 51 breeds and their mixes as dangerous: owners must hold compulsory liability insurance when registering, and use a leash and muzzle where the dog may endanger people.
RestrictedAnnex to Ministry of Agriculture and Food Resolution No. 40 of 12 Dec 2001 lists 40 potentially dangerous breeds (Russian names as in the FAOLEX copy, English in brackets). Importing them needs permission from the Main Veterinary Directorate, and owners must complete a special course at a dog club within three months. The Law of 1 April 2024 No. 361-Z on responsible treatment of animals replaced the term with 'dogs requiring special owner responsibility'; a new list is in a draft Council of Ministers resolution not yet adopted as of Aug 2026, so the status of the 2001 list is uncertain.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Irish Wolfhound tip
Wolfhounds are at risk of bloat, so give food in several small portions and avoid exercise right before or after eating. Keeping them lean protects their joints, so treats should stay small and counted.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
The FCI standard calls it the largest and tallest of all the sighthounds.1
2
Its traditional motto describes it as a lamb at home and a lion in the chase.1
3
The breed has served as the regimental mascot of the Irish Guards since 1902.2
4
The FCI standard notes the wolfhound is counted among Ireland's national symbols.1
5
Despite its size it is a notably quiet dog that seldom barks.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The name 'Irish Wolfhound' comes from its historical use in Ireland for hunting wolves, with 'Cú Faoil' meaning 'hound of the wolf' in Irish.8
stars of the breedFamous ones
Dauphine Her genome was sequenced to create one of the best dog genome assemblies, aiding research into breed health.9
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.
for a film nightOn screen
Films and series picked by Oskar, who made Pet Wiki.
Outlander2014 · TV series
Rollo, a huge wolfhound mix, travels with the Frasers in colonial America.
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
Scottish Deerhound
Borzoi
Great Dane