|
© Ncn18 (Nancy Dressel) | Dreamstime.com
|
Irish Wolfhound
Breed origin: Ireland
Original purpose: Fierce hunters of wolves and the oversized Irish elk.
AKC recognized: 1897
AKC group: Hound
Size:
Weight: males at least 120 lbs;
females at least 105 lbs
Size: Height: males at least 32 inches;
females at least 30 inches
|
© Karinvanklaveren (Karin Van Klaveren) | Dreamstime.com
|
Color: Gray, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn or any other color that appears in the Deerhound.
Life span: 6 to 8 years.
General characteristics/temperament: The Irish Wolfhound is athletic, powerful, fast, sensitive, gentle yet fearless. They are the tallest of dogs, but not the heaviest. They have a strong prey drive, and must have a very large fenced yard to allow them to gallop. They are not guardians by nature, but sometimes their size alone is enough to be a deterrent.
|
© Foto-front (Waldemar Dabrowski) | Dreamstime.com
|
Good with children? Yes
Good with other dogs? Yes
Good with cats? No
Good watchdog? No
Protective? No
OK for inexperienced owners? No
OK in apartments? No
|
© Melastmohican (Mariusz Jurgielewicz) | Dreamstime.com
|
Energy/Activity Level: Moderate
Good jogging partner? Yes
Suitable canine sports/activities: conformation, obedience, lure coursing
Exercise requirement: They are adaptable, but love long walks and a securely fenced area where they can romp freely.
Grooming requirement: Brush or comb weekly or bi-weekly. They shed year-round.
Known health problems: Dilated cardiomyopathy, cancer, gastric dilatation volvulus, intrahepatic portosystemic shunts, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand's disease, osteochondrosis dissecans, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, megaesophagus, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy.
Additional photos of Irish Wolfhound
Recommended books for further reading:Show more books
Other websites for additional information:
American Kennel Club breed page
Irish Wolfhound Club of America
Wikipedia breed information page
Irish Wolfhound National Rescue Directory
DogBreedMatch
