Irish Wolfhound

Known today as the Gentle Giants of the dog world, we're also the reason wolves went extinct in Ireland around 1800. But so did we -- almost -- until cross breeding the last remaining Irish Wolfhounds (with Deerhounds, Great Danes and possibly Borzoi) brought us back from the brink of extinction -- bigger than ever (34 inches at the shoulder) -- in the 1860s. We were admitted to the AKC's Hound Group in 1897.

• Affectionate, loyal family friend
• Aloof and proud
• Born to run, happy to walk
• Confident and self-assured
• Even-tempered, good-natured
• Perfect protector
• Willing watchdog
• Sweet disposition

• Hardy hunter
• Independent thinker
• Intelligent and ready to learn
• Loves kids and vice versa
• Novice owners might be challenged with this breed
• Ready to romp
• Steadfast an strong
• Training must be firm, consistent, patient

Before I agree to come home with you, I need to know you've done your homework on Irish Wolfies. I know you know how big I'll grow to be in a hurry. But have you anticipated the size of everything else -- like my exercise needs, food and medical bills, commitment to obedience training, and transportation? Have you talked to other owners to learn their experiences -- and their assessment of Irish Wolfhounds as an appropriate breed choice and of you as a prospective owner? One more thing: do you know about the Irish Wolfhound lifespan (typically of giant breeds, 6-8 years), and that we will have only a limited -- but joyous, intense, memorable -- time together? Great, now let's get started!

Possible hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis, bloat, heart disease, hypothyroidism, mega esophagus, progressive retinal atrophy, seizures, von Willebrand's disease, and tumors.