How big do they get?

The breed standard is not necessarily what we are seeing currently in our Wolfhounds today. The wolfhound is the “Tallest” breed of dog and yes they are big but bigger is not necessarily better... Just like in humans, Horses or any other large land animal being too tall or too heavy comes with it’s own set of health issues. We breed and choose our hounds for soundness, clear health history, clean genetic lines, athleticism and longevity. A hound that is too big or heavy might not have the stamina or sturdiness for what we do. The standard suggests that males should be at least 32 inches tall at the shoulder and at least 120 pounds; bitches should be at least 30 inches and 105 pounds....The reality of what we truly see is that Males usually "average" around 34-35 inches and 140-180 pounds, bitches around 32-34 inches and 115-140 lbs. These minimum height and weights are estimates for adult hounds over 18 months of age.

How much and what does an Irish Wolfhound eat?

This is a fun question and if you own a wolfhound you get asked this a lot! The answer is... not as much as you think! It also isn’t as expensive as you may think, although good food does cost more than cheap food. We feed our hounds twice (2X) a day and about 2x+ the amount that an average active dog gets. Please refer to my post to get the full details on amounts, types of food and feeding practices that we recommend. Feeding your wolfhound properly will promote a strong and healthy hound, avoid multitude future health issues and decrease the chances of the dangerous “Bloat” that large hounds face. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE BLOAT GRAPHIC

What foods to avoid?

Foods to avoid feeding. Some things that are poisonous to your hound may surprise you...
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FOODS TO AVOID GRAPHIC

How long does an Irish Wolfhound live?

So.. wolfhounds on the “Average” do no live past 6-8 years...I will not promise you...but... all of our hounds and their predecessors have lived 10+ years. Healthy exercise, low stress, activity, diet and genetics all play a part in longevity. I have also posted a very interesting article on longevity in “Articles”.

How much does an Irish Wolfhound cost?

So why is “Pure-Breeding” important? Why pay for a “Pure-Bred” dog when so many should be adopted? Good questions all. When mixed breed/designer puppies like “Labradoodles ”and “Peekapoos” are going for $5000 plus.... We feel secure and are proud of our program. We follow all of the “AKC “ and “IWHC” Requirements plus of a few of our own..here is a very important read for you if you have any hesitation on buying a “Purebred” puppy. We feel our puppies could and in the future definitely demand more.. we think our pricing is not only fair but appropriate.

How much do they shed?

Oh my gosh! So we have had Bordercollie s and golden retrievers and if I may say... whoosh we are so grateful for the manageable amount (with good care) that these hounds shed. With a regular routine of brushing your hound and vacuuming/sweeping your home you should be able to keep the Wolfhounds shedding under control.

How often should they be groomed?

Regular brushing of your Wolfhound is important, to keep debris, burs, foxtails and matted fur under control. Washing/bathing is only necessary when they decide to go through a bog or splash in a Mudd puddle.. otherwise they tend to be fairly clean and not smelly hounds.

Do they have health problems?

The wolfhound breed “can” be plagued with a laundry list of medical/health problems but again I can never promise that our/your hound will not have any issues thought it’s life but responsible breeding by choosing genetically and historically clean lines, regular exercise/activity, low stress and a good diet can definitely decrease the risk of injury and premature affliction and disease.

Do they require a fenced yard?

We are currently building our new home and do not have a fenced yard, our Wolfhounds are never left unattended and we are off a busy road so supervision is necessary. I would definitely suggest and recommend a fenced yard if you wish to let your hounds outside without supervision and...without proper training and lack of recall fencing would be absolutely necessary. Wolfhounds can travel, walk, jog and run a tremendous distance in a short time so they can be lost before you know it. Also, their prey drive is very strong and a loose wolfhound around your neighbors beloved pets may be a risk you don’t want to take.

Can they live outside?

A wolfhounds favorite place is by your side as with any dog. If you wish to have an outside dog then maybe you shouldn’t consider having a dog... I would suggest a goldfish or koi pond, sheep, cattle, chickens or goats if you wish to have outside pets. Obviously I feel strongly about this.

How much exercise do they require?

Wolfhounds do require a fair amount of exercise to stay happy, healthy and fit. They generally have 2 speeds....big sleeping furry rug speed and let’s go! speed. Walking is great but they do need to be able to get out and stretch their legs in a safe space away from traffic and the chance of chasing other animals if not socialized correctly.

Are they easy to train and how much training do they need?

Wolfhounds are extremely smart as well as stubborn. Food, play and positive reinforcement are excellent training aids... you might think they are slow on the uptake but don’t be fooled...almost like cats they seem like they only will do something for you if they choose to do it for you. Proper training and rewards pay off in the long run making your wolfhound an amicable and obedient friend.

How are they with children?

Wolfhounds are traditionally fantastic with children...again with proper and early socializing there should never be a problem...BUT every hound has it’s own personality and so does each child. Every situation needs to be evaluated on it’s own merit and there can be a circumstance where a strange/new to your hound child does something that should not be done to a dog that can cause an adverse reaction. Nothing can replace common sense and supervision.

How are they with animals and pets?

Naturally wolfhounds should be kind, calm and gentle...... again, trained and socialized correctly there should be few problems with your wolfhound and other animals and pets. Now I will say that the prey drive is very strong and if they have not been introduced properly to your neighbors loose dog, cat, chicken, turkey, duck, sheep, rabbit or squirrel if it runs they may chase it or worse. Sometimes just like people there can be a situation where your wolfhound will just not like or get along with another dog or animal and if that is the case you can respect the difference or seek more professional training.

Do they make good guard dogs?

So wolfhounds are called “gentle giants” and the name is well deserved. Our wolfhounds are protective over us and our property, they will bark and notify us of new people and have proven to not let people near unless invited.

What bones are safe?

Cooked bones are not safe for your wolfhound or any dog and rawhide bones are toxic and lethal. Raw large bones are great for keeping your hounds teeth and gums healthy, but if small pieces are found then that bone should be replaced with a new bone.

Are they destructive?

A bored unsupervised wolfhound can be extremely destructive as with any dog. A poodle may eat or destroy a pillow or a shoe but a wolfhound can destroy your entire couch and eat your coat. It is good to crate/kennel or contain your wolfhound in a safe area when you leave them alone for any length of time.

What are their normal sleeping habits?

When not running or playing wolfhounds are sleeping.

Do they bark a lot?

Wolfhounds do not bark a lot.... there is usually a reason for the barking and if they are you should pay attention.

Can they live in the city?

Yes, you can have a city wolfhound. With proper exercise and stimulation a wolfhound could thrive in city life.