| The quirky-looking Irish Wolfhound was first brought to | | | | Therefore, it is wise to ensure that the dog is well |
| Ireland in 3500B.C., making it one of the world's oldest | | | | trained as a puppy, because a disobedient adult dog of |
| breeds of domesticated dog. In fact, it is believed that | | | | that size would be very hard to manage. That said, it |
| the Wolfhound made its first appearance in Ancient | | | | should be stressed that the breed is not known for its |
| Rome, where the population found the dogs so utterly | | | | unruly nature. In fact, they are typically eager to please |
| terrifying that when transported they had to be kept in | | | | and are usually very easy to train. |
| cages. | | | | Unsurprisingly, as with many dogs, the male Irish |
| Working Dogs | | | | wolfhound is slightly larger than the female, reaching a |
| While the thought of a scary Wolfhound may seem | | | | height of between 33 and 36 inches. Adult females, on |
| peculiar to anyone that has ever had one, it is worth | | | | the other hand, are typically measured at between 30 |
| bearing in mind that the original purpose of the breed | | | | and 34 inches. |
| was as a war dog. Therefore, it is reasonable to | | | | Similar to many other large breeds of dog, the |
| assume that the ancestors of the Irish Wolfhound | | | | Wolfhound grows incredibly quickly. A 10-week-old |
| were much more ferocious than their modern day | | | | puppy can increase in size at up to a pound every |
| progeny. | | | | day. Subsequently, the dog can appear to be adult by |
| Soon, the Wolfhound was molded for other purposes, | | | | as young as 8 months. Unfortunately, this can cause |
| including as sporting animals for fighting and racing, and | | | | problems, as owners and trainers often overstrain a |
| practical work as hunters of boar and wolves. It was | | | | young Wolfhound's delicate joints and muscles by |
| from its job as a hunter of wolves that the Irish | | | | subjecting them to excessive training too early. |
| Wolfhound acquired its name. | | | | Although a Wolfhound may have the appearance of |
| Family Pet | | | | being fully-grown at such a young age, it is not |
| Today, the Wolfhound is a popular family pet and | | | | considered an adult dog until it is 18 months. |
| companion, which is renowned for its loyalty, affection, | | | | Lifespan and Health Concerns |
| amiable nature, sweet temper and patience with | | | | Unfortunately, the Irish Wolfhound does not have a |
| children and other animals. Subsequently, the Irish | | | | long life expectancy. Typically, the breed will live for |
| Wolfhound is an excellent choice of pet for any | | | | between 5 and 10 years, but the average mortality |
| household, although, due to its large size, the breed is | | | | age is approximately 6 and a half years. |
| ideally suited to a home with lots of space and a | | | | This tragically short life, is caused by numerous medical |
| garden or yard. However, the Wolfhound is one of the | | | | conditions that the Irish Wolfhound is genetically |
| more lazy breeds and does not require any more than | | | | predisposed to, for example, dilated cardiomyopathy, |
| moderate exercise. | | | | bone cancer, intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and |
| The Size of an Irish Wolfhound | | | | gastric torsion. Therefore, if you are thinking of |
| As just mentioned, the Wolfhound is a large breed and, | | | | welcoming a Wolfhound into your family, it is a good |
| although some dogs can be taller, on average the Irish | | | | idea to research the conditions that they are |
| Wolfhound is the tallest dog. Additionally, an adult can | | | | susceptible to and follow veterinary advice to avoid or |
| reach a weight of between 100lbs and 150lbs. | | | | delay as many health complications as possible. |