Irish Wolfhounds are a unique and majestic breed, but they come with specific needs that potential owners should understand before bringing one home. At Westover Wolfhounds, we’ve dedicated years to breeding healthy, well-socialized Irish Wolfhounds, ensuring families find the perfect companion. Here are 10 key facts to know about the breed, along with why choosing a reputable breeder matters.

1. They’re the Tallest Breed—Space Is a Must

Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest dog breed, with males standing 32-34 inches at the shoulder and weighing 120-180 pounds. Females are slightly smaller but still require ample room. A spacious home with a securely fenced yard is essential, as they need space to move and play. When selecting a breeder, ensure they prioritize placing puppies in homes suited for the breed’s size—Westover Wolfhounds carefully screens families to match our puppies with appropriate living environments.

2. Puppyhood Lasts Up to Two Years

Irish Wolfhounds remain puppies for 18-24 months, growing rapidly to 100+ pounds in their first year. During this phase, they can be clumsy and energetic, requiring careful management to avoid injury to their developing joints. At Westover Wolfhounds, we provide new owners with detailed growth-stage guidance and recommend controlled play to support healthy development. Our puppies are raised with early socialization to ease their transition into family life.

3. Temperament: Gentle and Sensitive

Known as “gentle giants,” Irish Wolfhounds are calm, affectionate, and great with children and other pets when properly socialized. However, their sensitive nature means they thrive in calm households and may become stressed in chaotic environments. We at Westover Wolfhounds focus on temperament, breeding dogs with stable, loving dispositions and ensuring early socialization to prepare them for family settings.

4. Health Concerns Require a Responsible Breeder

Irish Wolfhounds typically live 6-8 years and are prone to health issues like bloat, heart conditions, and liver shunts. A reputable breeder is crucial to minimize these risks. At Westover Wolfhounds, we conduct rigorous health testing on all breeding dogs, including heart and liver screenings, to ensure our puppies have the healthiest start. We provide buyers with full health records and a health guarantee, so you can feel confident in your puppy’s future.

5. Exercise Needs Are Moderate but Specific

Irish Wolfhounds don’t require excessive exercise—puppies need short, controlled play sessions, while adults benefit from a 20-40 minute daily walk and occasional sprints in a secure area. Overexercising a puppy can harm their growing bones, so guidance from a knowledgeable breeder is key. Westover Wolfhounds offers detailed exercise plans tailored to each puppy’s age and development, ensuring they grow strong and healthy.

6. Training Works Best with Positive Methods

Irish Wolfhounds respond well to positive reinforcement training, such as treats and praise, but can be sensitive to harsh corrections. Early training is important to teach manners, like not jumping or counter-surfing. At Westover, we start basic training with our puppies before they go to their new homes, giving them a head start on good behavior. We also provide resources and support for owners to continue training effectively.

7. Grooming Is Simple but Necessary

The breed’s wiry, low-shedding coat requires minimal grooming—just a weekly brush, monthly nail trims, and occasional ear cleaning. Bathing is needed only when they get dirty. Westover Wolfhounds ensures our puppies are accustomed to grooming routines, making maintenance easier for new owners. We also share grooming tips to keep your Wolfhound looking their best.

8. Feeding Costs Add Up for a Giant Breed

Feeding an Irish Wolfhound can cost $100-200 monthly, as puppies eat 6-10 cups of kibble daily, and adults need 4-8 cups. A large-breed formula supports their growth and health. At Westover, we provide feeding recommendations based on each puppy’s needs and connect owners with trusted food brands to ensure proper nutrition from day one.

9. They Thrive on Companionship

Irish Wolfhounds are highly social and prefer to be near their owners, often following them around the house. They don’t do well with long periods of isolation, which can lead to anxiety. When you choose a Westover Wolfhound, you’re getting a puppy raised in a home environment, surrounded by people and other dogs, so they’re well-prepared for close family bonds.

10. A Reputable Breeder Makes All the Difference

The right breeder ensures your Irish Wolfhound is healthy, well-socialized, and a good fit for your lifestyle. At Westover Wolfhounds, we’ve been breeding Irish Wolfhounds for years, focusing on health, temperament, and breed standards. We perform extensive health testing, raise our puppies in a nurturing environment, and offer lifetime support to our families. We also maintain a waitlist for upcoming litters, ensuring each puppy goes to a loving, prepared home.

Why Choose Westover Wolfhounds?

Owning an Irish Wolfhound is a rewarding experience, but it starts with selecting a breeder you can trust. At Westover Wolfhounds, we’re committed to producing healthy, happy puppies that bring joy to their families. Visit our website to learn more about our breeding program, view available litters, or join our waitlist. We also offer a free downloadable “Puppy Prep Guide” to help you get ready for your new companion. Contact us today to start your journey with an Irish Wolfhound!

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