Irish Wolfhound Characteristics: The noble and faithful Irish Wolfhound is a breed of Giant dog classified as a member of the Hound Dog Group (AKC:1897). The Irish Wolfhound, is characterized by its impressive, princely appearance with a powerful, muscular body, long muzzle and a proud, calm expression. Other characteristics include dark, medium sized, oval shaped eyes; small, velvety ears; a long, curved tail and an active, fluid gait. The temperament of the Irish Wolfhound can be described as Loyal, Dignified, Patient. The coat type of the Irish Wolfhound is described as medium, harsh, rough coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Irish Wolfhound demonstrated the desired traits of a Hunting Dog and Fighter and is known by its nick name the "Ireland's Military Dog". The origin of the Irish Wolfhound dog breed was in Ireland where it was developed in ancient times. Fast Facts about the Irish Wolfhound: The following facts provide fast information about the Irish Wolfhound breed. Size: Giant *** Breed Group: Hound Dog Group (AKC:1897) *** Nick name: "Ireland's Military Dog" *** Origin: Ireland *** Male Height: 28 - 35 inches (71 - 90 cm) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 90 - 150 pounds (40 - 69 kg) *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: medium, harsh, rough coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 3-4 puppies *** Health Problems: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia *** Lifespan: 6-10 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Irish Wolfhound Breed Group and Dog Type - Hound Dog Group (AKC:1897): The Irish Wolfhound is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Hound Dog Group (AKC:1897). Other names for the Irish Wolfhound: The Irish Wolfhound is known by the nickname of the "Ireland's Military Dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Sagh Clium or Cu Faoil (Celtic for Irish Wolfhound), Wolfie and IW. Origin of the name: The dog is named after the country in which it was originally bred - Ireland. The 'Wolfhound' relates to its ability to hunt wolves. Irish Wolfhound - Sighthound: The Irish Wolfhound is a Sighthound, one of the hunting dog breeds, built for speed and agility with excellent eyesight to track small and large game, especially the wolf, elk and stags. Irish Wolfhound History and Origin: The country of origin of the Irish Wolfhound breed was in Ireland and dates back to antiquity. The ancestors of the Irish Wolfhound were believed to be the ancient Greyhound and Molosser type dogs that were brought to Ireland by Phoenician sea-traders approximately 3,000 years ago. Irish Wolfhound Early History: The Irish Wolfhound was traditionally used by Irish Kings and chieftains as dogs of war. The Roman scholar and naturalist Pliny the Elder (AD 23 – August 25, AD 79), called the dog 'canis graius Hibernicus' (canis meaning dog, graius referring to a name and Hibernicus meant Irish, of or pertaining to the Irish people). The Romans encountered the Irish Wolfhound in battle and accounts of the war dogs were well documented in military reports to Rome. The Irish Wolfhound was not only a war dog but was also used a powerful hunting dog to hunt dangerous game such as wolves and stags. The Irish Wolfhound was also used as a guard dog and protector. The number of Irish Wolfhounds owned by a person was an indicator of a man's status. The mythical Irish hero Fionn mac Cumhaill giant-slayer (Finn MacCool) and leader of the Fianna warriors in Ireland was said to have possessed three hundred Irish Wolfhounds and 200 puppies. During the Medieval wars between England and Ireland the Irish Wolfhound was used to harass and attack the mounted and heavily armored knights of the English. Such was the havoc and injuries caused by the dogs that the infamous 1367 Statutes of Kilkenny included a clause in which commoners were banned from owning an Irish Wolfhound. As the number of Wolfhounds decreased in the Ireland, the number of wolves increased. In 1652 nobility were banned from continuing the custom of giving the Irish Wolfhound as gifts to honored guests and export of the dogs was prohibited so that Ireland would not be overrun by marauding wolves. Irish Wolfhound History: The last wolves in Ireland disappeared in 1786 leading to the decline in the Irish Wolfhound breed. The Great Irish Famine (1845 – 1852) also took a toll on the breed’s numbers and the Irish Wolfhound was in danger of becoming extinct. Action was taken in the 1870s by a British Army officer, Captain George A. Graham (1833 – 1909), started a breeding program using the Great Dane and the Scottish Deerhound to resuscitate the breed. In 1897 the Irish Wolfhound was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). In 1902, an Irish Wolfhound called "Brian Boru" was presented as a mascot to the Irish Guards regiment by the members of the Irish Wolfhound Club. The publicity increased the popularity of the Irish Wolfhound and the massive, companionable, outdoors dog is enjoyed by owners to the present day. Irish Wolfhound Height: The Irish Wolfhound breed is classified as a Giant sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 28 - 35 inches (71 - 90 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less. Irish Wolfhound Weight: Not surprisingly for a Giant sized dog, the weight of a male dog is 90 - 150 pounds (40 - 69 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male. Irish Wolfhound Coat Type: The coat type is described as medium, harsh, rough coat. Irish Wolfhound Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, Grey, Fawn, White, Red and Brindle. N.B. Brindle is a brownish or tawny color. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors. Irish Wolfhound Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Irish Wolfhound are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited dog grooming needs of the Irish Wolfhound are therefore considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming with casual brushing and combing. Dog Grooming needs should also include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the eyes, ears, nails and teeth. Irish Wolfhound Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 3-4 puppies. Irish Wolfhound puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Irish Wolfhound puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Irish Wolfhound Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Noble, Loyal, Dignified, Patient and Faithful. Irish Wolfhound Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Irish Wolfhound requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a fast, active, fluid gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Irish Wolfhound Diet: A fully grown Irish Wolfhound should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Irish Wolfhound Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Irish Wolfhound breed include Hip and Elbow Dysplasia . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Irish Wolfhound dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Irish Wolfhound Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Irish Wolfhound breed is 6-10 years. Irish Wolfhound Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Irish Wolfhound breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Irish Wolfhound names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Bram *** Carlin *** Felan *** Griffin *** Lyam *** Devlyn *** Malachy *** Kelly *** Cashel *** Finbar *** Gil *** Mundy. Irish Wolfhound Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Irish Wolfhound names are Arlena *** Derry *** Cacey *** Dympna *** Eila *** Bree *** Grainne *** Cait *** Darby *** Eily *** Falon. Fast Facts about the Irish Wolfhound: The following facts provide fast information about the Irish Wolfhound breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Hound Dog Group (AKC:1897) *** Size: Giant *** Country of Origin: Ireland *** History / Date: 5th Century *** Male Wolfhound Height: 28 - 35 inches (71 - 90 cm) *** Male Wolfhound Weight: 90 - 150 pounds (40 - 69 kg) *** Coat Type: medium, harsh, rough coat *** Litter Size: 3-4 puppies *** Irish Wolfhound Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Irish Wolfhound Lifespan: 6-10 years *** | 