The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. They are gentle giants, who love to play and cuddle. But before you add an Irish Wolfhound to your family, there are a few things you need to know about these dogs. In this post we will cover everything from their personality traits, to how much they eat, to how much exercise they need. So if you are considering adding Irish Wolfhound puppies to your life, keep reading!
History Of The Irish Wolfhound Breed
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. The first Irish Wolfhound breed was The Irish Wolfhound was first recorded in ancient Rome around 391 AD, when Roman Consul Quintus Aurelius received seven Irish wolfhound breeds as gifts. Since then, Irish Wolfhounds have been known to be the favorite dogs of respectable monarchs like King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I of England, and King Henry IV of France, who often received the Irish Wolfhound breeds as gifts from other friendly kingdoms.
Initially, Irish Wolfhounds were bred to hunt wolves. The Celts and Druids used the dogs for this purpose because Irish Wolfhounds were known to have unique qualities like athleticism, loyalty, talent, and temperament. Aside from this, the Irish Wolfhound was used for other tasks such as guarding, herding, dog sports, and even as war dogs.
This dog breed was once known as the “Great Dog of Ireland.” In Ireland, these gentle giants became popular among the chieftains for their loyalty. They were also used in battle as their size made them intimidating to opponents.
The Irish Wolfhound almost went extinct in the 19th century due to factors such as lack of food and disease. However, thanks to the efforts of Captain George Augustus Graham, the Irish Wolfhound was successfully revived in the 1860s. This reputable Irish Wolfhound breeder protected, standardized, and reinvigorated the Irish Wolfhound by breeding them with other dog breeds like Glengarry Deerhound, Tibetan Mastiff, Borzoi, and Great Dane.
Since then, the Irish Wolfhound has been a popular breed among dog lovers all over the world. In 2012, the Irish Wolfhound was ranked as the 67th most popular breed by the American Kennel Club. This just shows how the Irish Wolfhound’s popularity has grown over the years.
The Irish Wolfhound Breed Characteristics
Now that you know more about the history of the Irish Wolfhound, let’s discuss some of the features that make this breed unique:
Good Height
First of all, the Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dog breeds in existence. Male Irish Wolfhounds can grow up to 32 inches tall, while female Irish Wolfhounds can grow up to 30 inches tall. This makes them taller than most other dog breeds and gives the Irish Wolfhound breed a commanding appearance.
Unique Body Structure
In addition to their height, Irish Wolfhounds have a unique body structure that sets them apart from other dogs. For instance, they have long legs and a deep chest. They also have a large head with a tapered muzzle.
Hunting Prowess
As we mentioned earlier, Irish Wolfhounds were originally bred to hunt wolves. And even though they are no longer used for this purpose, they still have the hunting instincts that make them unique. Irish Wolfhounds have a strong prey drive and an excellent sense of smell. This allows them to track down their prey with ease.
Loyal And Affectionate Nature
Despite their hunting instincts, Irish Wolfhounds are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are loyal dogs that form strong bonds with their family. Irish Wolfhounds are also good with children and other pets.
Mental Simulation
The Irish Wolfhounds are also known for their intelligence. As purpose-bred dogs, they perform some decision-making and concentration that requires some brain exercise. The Irish Wolfhound dogs are intelligent, quick learners that can be trained to perform various tasks.
Temperament
Irish Wolfhounds have a calm, serene, and dignified temperament. They are not prone to aggression and make good pets for families with enough space.
Average Life Expectancy
The Irish Wolfhound has a lifespan of six to ten years. This is shorter than the average dog breed, but it is still considered to be a long life for a dog. Irish Wolfhounds can live a healthy and happy life if they don’t have health issues or injuries.
Caring For An Irish Wolfhound Puppy
The Irish wolfhound breed comprises thick double-coated dogs with a soft insulating undercoat and a medium-length wiry top coat. Therefore, they require proper grooming and care from a young age.
If you want to care for your Irish Wolfhound puppies, here are a few things to note:
Feeding
When it comes to feeding, Irish Wolfhounds are not picky eaters. They will eat just about anything. However, it is vital to ensure they are getting the proper nutrients. Irish Wolfhound Puppies need a diet high in protein and fat to help them grow. Adult dogs need a diet that is high in fiber to help them stay lean.
Physical Health
Are Irish Wolfhounds prone to any health challenge? Well yes. Physical health is one of the most crucial things to consider when caring for an Irish Wolfhound breed. The Irish Wolfhound Club of America, the national breed club, recommends that breeders pay attention to their dog’s physical health, test for hip and elbow dysplasia, and run an eye evaluation and heart examination occasionally.
The national breed club also recommends additional screening for liver shunt, pneumonia, heart disease, and various cancers. If these are not followed, your Irish wolfhound will be prone to issues like dilated cardiomyopathy, Von Willebrand’s disease, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and other health problems that may shorten their life expectancy.
Regular Exercise
Irish Wolfhounds are high-energy breeds that need regular exercise. Wolfhound puppies need at least two hours of exercise per day. This can be divided into long walks and play sessions. As they get older, Irish Wolfhounds can handle more activities.
Grooming
As we mentioned earlier, Irish Wolfhounds have a thick double coat that needs to be brushed regularly. It is essential to brush their fur at least once a week to prevent debris, matting, and tangling. Irish Wolfhounds also need to be bathed every few weeks, and breeders should pay attention to their dental needs and ear waxing.
Early Socialization
Irish Wolfhound puppies need early socialization training to interact with people and other animals. They also need to be exposed to different environments, sounds, and smells in order to get used to them. Socialization training should start as soon as possible and continue throughout their life.
Proper Training
Irish Wolfhounds are intelligent dogs that need proper training. They need to be trained from an early age to learn basic obedience commands.
An Irish Wolfhound can be a great addition to your family with proper care. They are gentle, loving, and loyal dogs that make great pets.
What To Feed Irish Wolfhound Puppies?
As we mentioned earlier, Irish Wolfhounds are not picky eaters. However, breeders must ensure that they understand the feeding patterns and nutrition guidelines for an Irish Wolfhound. A good diet and nutrition plan for Irish Wolfhound puppies includes:
Natural Diet
Irish Wolfhounds love homemade diets that are prepared with natural and fresh ingredients. The best way to ensure your Wolfhound puppy gets the right nutrients is to feed them a diet of natural, whole foods.
Protein
Irish Wolfhounds need a diet high in protein to help them grow. A good source of protein for Wolfhounds is meat. You can feed your Wolfhound puppy chicken, turkey, beef, or lamb. You can also give them fish like salmon or trout.
Carbs
Irish Wolfhounds need carbohydrates in their diet for energy. However, they should not have too many carbs as it can lead to obesity. Good sources of carbs for Wolfhounds include oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat bread.
Fat
Irish Wolfhounds also require omega-3 fatty acids in their diet to support their growth. Homemade potatoes are the best way to get omega 3 and 6 for your Irish Wolfhound puppy. You can also add vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and green beans to their diet.
Vitamins and Minerals
Irish Wolfhounds need vitamins and minerals in their diet to support their immune system. You can give them multivitamins or add supplements to their diet. Some good vitamins for Irish Wolfhounds include vitamin E, C, and B-complex.
Processed Food
Irish Wolfhounds can eat good kibble meals that are prepared with natural ingredients. However, you should be careful because processed food can contain harmful chemicals and preservatives, which can upset the stomach and cause diarrhea.
Need the Best Pet Services?
If you’re looking for the best pet services in the DMV area, look no further than KateK9 pet services! KateK9 is a licensed, bonded, and insured pet service company. We offer a wide range of services to care for your pet’s needs. From dog walking to shopping, we have everything you need to keep your pet healthy and happy. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more about our services!
