Are you looking for a new furry companion to add to your family? Have you considered the majestic Irish Wolfhound puppies? These gentle giants are known for their calm temperament and loving nature, making them the perfect addition to any home.
They are one of the largest dog breeds in the world, with a history dating back to ancient Ireland. Despite their size, these dogs are excellent family pets due to their grace and agility. They are also renowned for their protective instincts and have been used as guardians for centuries. But what makes your pup particularly special is their gentle temperament and loving demeanor, making them ideal for families with children and other pets.
We will closely examine these puppies and why they are a beloved breed among dog enthusiasts worldwide. We will examine their history, temperament, and unique characteristics that set them apart from other breeds. You will also learn about the breed’s physical attributes, grooming requirements, and dietary needs to ensure your furry friend is healthy and happy.
You’re in for a real treat if you’re considering getting an Irish wolfhound puppy. In addition to being intelligent, loving, and playful, these puppies are a great addition to any household. This article will provide all the information you need about these majestic animals, no matter whether you’re a dog owner or new to puppy parenting.
Irish Wolfhound Puppy Features
| Height | 32 inches – 35 inches |
| Weight | 110 lbs. – 180 lbs. |
| Lifespan | 6 to 8 years |
| Coat Type | long coat, rough coat, Fluffy, Straight coat |
| Temperament | Intelligent, soft-natured, sweet, Alert, sensitive, patient, easygoing, etc. |
| Shedding | Low |
| Breed Group | Hound |
| Breed Size | Small |
| Energy Level | Active |
| Colors | White, Black, Red, Fawn, Gray, Brindle |
| Suitable For | Active families, hunters, Affectionate and attentive owners, families with children, |
| Other | Easy to Train, Loyal, Friendly, Good with children, Gentle |
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Wolfhound Puppies Appearance
Irish Wolfhound Size & Life Span
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dog breeds, with males typically standing between 32 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 110 to 180 pounds. It’s important to note that these are just averages, and individual dogs may vary in size. To ensure their strength and health, they must receive proper nutrition and exercise.
Irish wolfhounds live an average of 6 to 8 years. However, some Irish Wolfhounds may live up to 10 years or more. It is essential to note that the life span of your pup can vary depending on several factors.
It is genetics that determines a dog’s life expectancy. Generally, if the puppy’s parents lived long, the puppy will also live long.
Irish Wolfhound Puppy Coat and Color
The coat of an Irish wolfhound puppy is a defining feature of the breed. The coat is long, rough, and hairy, which gives the breed a distinct appearance. The texture of the coat is coarse to the touch, but it is not wiry or curly. The coat is typically longer around the neck, chest, and legs, giving the puppy a more regal look.
The color of your pup is another defining feature of the breed. The colors of your pups can vary, but there are specific colors that are most common. The colors include gray, brindle, red, black, and white.
Black, White, or gray stripes can be thin or thick. Brindle Irish Wolfhounds can have a very distinctive and elegant appearance. Black or dark gray markings may appear on the face, ears, and tail of gray pups.
Black puppies are pretty rare but stunning to look at. These dogs have solid black coats with no markings. Black coats can have a glossy sheen, which makes them look even more impressive. It is also extremely rare to find white puppies. Their coats are pure white without any markings. These dogs can look almost ethereal with their long white coats and striking appearance. Red has a base coat color of red with no markings. This coat color can range from light to dark shades of red. These dogs have regal appearances and are known for their gentle personalities.
Wolfhound Puppies Facial Features
One of the most notable features of an Irish wolfhound puppy’s face is its long and narrow muzzle. This feature is essential for their hunting background. The long muzzle allows the wolfhound to pick up scents from the ground, while the narrowness helps them to grab and hold onto prey.
These puppies have a distinctive pair of eyes that are set far apart. Their eyes are small and dark, with a gentle and soulful expression. This breed’s eyes are one of their most endearing features, and their gaze can melt the hearts of even the most hardened dog lovers. The ears of your pup are small and flat to their head. In addition to being high on the skull, they fold over, giving the puppy a unique appearance.
It is essential for Irish Wolfhounds to have an excellent sense of smell, and their nose plays a crucial role. With their long and slightly curved noses and large nostrils, they can detect scents far away. This breed’s keen sense of smell makes them great hunters and search and rescue dogs.
These puppies have a set of powerful teeth that are essential for their hunting background. Grasping and clinging to prey is possible thanks to their large, sharp teeth and strong jaws. It is also essential to maintain good dental hygiene on this breed’s teeth for their overall health.
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Irish Wolfhound Puppies Temperament
One of the most striking things about Irish Wolfhounds is their gentle and laid-back nature. Despite their size, they are incredibly calm and easy-going dogs. Popular pets because of their patience and ability to get along with children and other animals. They are not naturally aggressive and unlikely to become territorial or possessive.
In addition to being incredibly loyal to their owners, these puppies enjoy being close to them. Petting and cuddling them are among their favorite activities. They crave attention and thrive on being part of the family. To remain happy, they need social interaction, so they can’t be left alone for long periods.
While Irish Wolfhounds are generally obedient, they are also independent thinkers. Taking care of them may require patience and perseverance, as they are not the easiest breed to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement; training sessions should be short and engaging. It is important to establish yourself as the pack leader early on to avoid behavioral issues.
Irish Wolfhound Health & Care
Health
Despite its beauty and unique personality, are Irish Wolfhound Puppies susceptible to certain health conditions.
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Cancer
- Heart problem
Hip Dysplasia is another common health issue that affects many large breed dogs, including Irish Wolfhounds. In this condition, the hip joint does not develop properly, resulting in pain and mobility problems.
Symptoms include difficulty getting up, reluctance to climb stairs or jump, and limping. In order to prevent hip dysplasia, your puppy should be fed a healthy diet, not over-exercised, and purchased from breeders who test their dogs.
Heart disease is another potential health issue that can affect Irish wolfhound puppies. It can manifest as various heart conditions, including dilated cardiomyopathy, which causes the heart to enlarge and weaken. Fever, fatigue, coughing, and difficulty breathing are all symptoms.
Gastric torsion or bloat is a life-threatening condition that affects many large breed dogs, including Irish Wolfhounds. It occurs when the stomach twists and traps gas and food, leading to a buildup of pressure that can cause shock and death if not treated immediately.
Symptoms include restlessness, drooling, pacing, and a distended abdomen. To prevent gastric torsion, it’s recommended to feed your puppy small meals throughout the day instead of one or two large meals and discourage drinking too much water at once.
Care
Irish wolfhound puppies are a delightful addition to any family but require much care and attention. The largest and strongest dogs in the world possess gentleness and affection for their owners as well.
Exercise is also crucial for Irish wolfhound puppies. They are active dogs that require daily walks and plenty of space to run and play. However, avoid overexerting them as their joints and bones are still developing. To prevent them from running off or getting into trouble, keep them leashed during walks.
Training is another important aspect of caring for your pup. Start training them early to prevent any bad habits from forming. Positive reinforcement techniques work best for these gentle giants, who respond well to treats and praise.
Wolfhound Puppies Grooming
Brushing
When you first start brushing your Irish wolfhound puppy, it’s important to take it slow. Begin by introducing them to the brush and letting them sniff it. Then, gently brush their back and sides using a light touch. Gradually work your way up to brushing their legs and belly.
To keep your pup’s coats healthy and shiny, you’ll need to brush them regularly. At least once a week you should brush your teeth. You may need to brush your puppy more frequently if he or she has a longer coat. Regular brushing will help prevent mats and tangles and keep their coat looking their best.
When brushing your puppy’s coat, always brush in the direction of hair growth to prevent discomfort or pain. Irish wolfhound puppies have sensitive skin, so it’s crucial to gently brush their coat. Avoid pulling or tugging on their hair, which can cause discomfort and irritate the skin. Instead, use a light touch and brush slowly and carefully.
Bathing
When bathing your Irish wolfhound puppies, it’s best to use a gentle dog shampoo to avoid any irritation or dryness of their skin. Apply a small amount of dog shampoo from the neck down to your puppy’s coat. Rub the shampoo gently into the coat, careful not to tangle or mat the fur. Start by wetting them down thoroughly with warm water, careful not to get water in their ears.
Avoid using human shampoo or soap, as it can be too harsh and irritate their skin. Rinse your puppy’s coat thoroughly with warm water, removing all the shampoo. Repeat this step if necessary.
Especially in cooler climates, thick, dense fur can take a long time to dry. W towel those off as much as possible before using a blow dryer set to low heat. Ensure the dryer is not too close to the puppy’s skin to prevent burning or drying out its coat.
It’s best to bathe your Irish wolfhound puppies once every six to eight weeks or as needed if they get especially dirty or smelly. Remember that over-bathing can strip their coat of natural oils, causing it to become dry and brittle.
Use positive reinforcement techniques to help your puppy associate bath time with a positive experience. Offer treats and praise for good behavior, and give them plenty of love and attention after the bath.
Trimming Nails & Ear Cleaning
One essential part of grooming is trimming their nails and cleaning their ears. Long nails can cause discomfort and pain to your puppy, leading to limping and difficulty walking. It can also cause damage to your floors and furniture. Long nails can get caught in carpets or other materials, which can cause injury or infection.
You can trim your pup’s nails easily, but it requires practice and patience. Choose suitable nail trimmers for your puppy’s size. Hold your puppy’s paw gently but firmly. Identify the quick, pink part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. Make sure not to cut into the quick. At a 45-degree angle, cut the nail into small pieces. Use a file to smooth out any rough edges.
Cleaning your Irish wolfhound puppy’s ears is essential for several reasons:
- It helps prevent ear infections and other ear-related problems.
- It removes dirt, debris, and wax build-up that can cause discomfort and odor.
- It helps you identify any potential issues early on.
Choose the right ear cleaner for your puppy’s size. Hold your puppy’s head still but gently. Squeeze a few drops of the ear cleaner into their ear. Massage the base of their ear gently for a few seconds. Dirt, debris, and wax can be removed using a cotton ball or a soft cloth.
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Irish Wolfhound Puppies Food & Diet
Irish wolfhound puppies grow rapidly and require a balanced diet to support their growth and development. Protein, healthy fats, vitamin, and mineral content, along with a low carbohydrate intake, should dominate the diet. As a large breed, they also require sufficient calcium and phosphorus for bone development.
Various options for feeding Irish wolfhound puppies include commercial dog food, home-cooked meals, and raw food. Choosing high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional requirements is essential.
Commercial dog food brands offer specially formulated dog food for large breeds, including Irish Wolfhounds. Look for dog food with high protein content, moderate fat, and no fillers like corn or wheat. Find the right dog food for your pup by consulting a veterinarian or canine nutritionist.
Those who prefer to prepare their dog’s food themselves can make home-cooked meals. However, ensuring the meals are balanced and meet the puppy’s nutritional needs is crucial. Include high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, fish, vegetables, and grains like brown rice or sweet potatoes. Make sure to avoid using harmful ingredients like garlic or onions.
You should always consult your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist before feeding your puppy raw food.
Frequency & Amount
Puppies over six months old can be fed twice a day. Despite this, Irish Wolfhounds are at risk of bloat, a serious condition that can prove fatal if left untreated. Therefore, avoiding overfeeding them and monitoring their food intake closely is crucial.
These puppies need a high-quality diet that meets their specific nutritional needs. The food they need depends on age, size, and activity level. According to Dr. Becker, an Irish wolfhound puppy should be fed 1.5 to 2 cups of food three to four times daily. As they grow older, the food they need will increase, and you can gradually increase their serving size.
Pros and Cons of Irish Wolfhound Puppies
Before bringing an Irish Wolfhound Puppy into your life, ensure all the pros and cons are considered for having such an intelligent breed.
| Pros | Cons |
| Clam | Health issues |
| Intelligent | Poor watchdog |
| Affectionate and friendly | Energetic |
| Easy to groom | Expensive |
Irish Wolfhound Price
Irish wolfhound puppies are not cheap. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,400 to $ 2,500 for a purebred Irish wolfhound puppy from a reputable breeder. However, some breeders may charge more depending on the puppy’s pedigree and the availability of the breed in the market. It’s essential to note that the purchase price is just the beginning of the expenses involved in owning your pup.
A reputable breeder with excellent reviews and a history of producing healthy puppies may charge a premium. Puppies’ age and gender can also affect their price. Younger puppies or females may be more expensive than older puppies or males.
Irish wolfhound puppies’ prices may also vary depending on your location. Urban areas and regions with high demand for this breed may have higher prices than rural areas with less demand.
Additional Expenses
Irish Wolfhounds are large dogs requiring a significant amount of food. As puppies, they may require up to four meals daily, which can quickly add up. You should budget around $75-$100 monthly for food expenses alone.
Your pups are generally healthy dogs but susceptible to specific health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, bloat, and heart disease. Regular visits to the vet are essential to maintain your puppy’s health, and these visits can be costly. Spaying or neutering your puppy is highly recommended and can cost between $200-$500.
Irish Wolfhounds have a long, thick coat that requires regular grooming. Professional grooming services as well as grooming tools, such as a slicker brush and comb, will be needed. Grooming costs can range from $50-$100 per session.
A well-behaved and obedient pup needs proper training. A puppy obedience class can cost between $50 and $100 per session, and it may be worth considering. Additionally, you may need to purchase training tools, such as a crate or a leash.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of an Irish Wolfhound puppy can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the breeder, location, and lineage. On average, an Irish Wolfhound puppy can cost anywhere from $1,400 to $2,500.
Irish Wolfhounds are typically docile and calm, making them a good fit for families with children.
Irish Wolfhounds and Great Danes are both large breeds of dog, but the Irish Wolfhound is typically considered the taller of the two. While Great Danes are known for their size and strength, Irish Wolfhounds are known for their height and slender build.
Yes, the Irish Wolfhound is considered the tallest dog breed in the world. However, it is not necessarily the heaviest or most massive breed.
They are a very large breed, and as such, require a significant amount of space to move around comfortably. They are not well-suited for apartment living and need a large yard or open space to run and play.
The average lifespan of an Irish Wolfhound is between 6 to 8 years, which is shorter than the average lifespan of other large breeds of dogs.
The Irish wolfhound does not shed. Dogs’ beards can become dirty from food and should be washed regularly, and water drips from the beard after they drink.
Final Thoughts
Are you looking for a loyal and affectionate companion? Irish wolfhound puppies might be the perfect addition to your family. Known for their calm and friendly demeanor, these gentle giants make excellent pets for children.
Your pup can make great pets for new and experienced dog owners with proper training and socialization. In smaller apartments or homes, these dogs may not be appropriate, since they require plenty of space and exercise.
You should be proud of your beautiful pup. I would like to pay a lot of attention and love. Be prepared for a lifetime of loyalty and love if you decide to adopt one of these magnificent creatures.
Born and raised in the rural countryside, Jessica developed a deep love and appreciation for the natural world from a young age. As she grew older, Jessica decided to turn her passion for animals and nature into a career, earning a biology and wildlife conservation degree. In addition to writing, she also works with various animal organizations and volunteers at local wildlife rehabilitation centers.