Irish wolfhounds are loyal and affectionate, and spending time with them feels like the world. And due to that, there are interesting facts you never knew about the Irish wolfhounds.
For the shortest period, you will have this dog breed around; you will truly feel the love. They never disappoint in showing you how much they love and care about you.
All you need to do is watch over them constantly since they are easily prone to health problems. And if you are looking for a watchdog, the Irish wolfhounds aren’t your type.
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9 Interesting Facts About the Irish Wolfhound
1. The Tallest Dogs Around the Globe
The height of the Irish wolfhound is the first fact you can’t ignore. The Irish wolfhounds are the tallest dogs in the globe, whereas the male Irish wolfhound can stand up to three feet on the shoulder. And when using the hind legs, it can stand up to seven feet.
However, they aren’t the biggest in weight but can still weigh as heavy as 180 pounds. And in contrast, the female Irish wolfhound is somewhat shorter yet an entire hound.
2. At One Moment, They Were War Dogs
Initially, these dogs were used as war dogs, accompanying the warriors to battle. The Irish wolfhounds would drag their enemies off the chariots and horses.
They showed courage and strength since they had a greyhound speed. Surprisingly, nowadays, they are not as fierce as they were. They make the worst watchdogs with the poorest territorial instincts, but their massive size can deter intruders.
3. They Are Gentle and Loyal
Forget about the imposing looks of this Irish wolfhound; it has a good reputation for being loyal and gentle.
They are very affectionate, calm, peaceful, and loyal naturally hence good with kids. And at an early age, you must supervise the Irish wolfhound, but overall, it is impressively loving and tolerant.
4. They Come in Many Colors
The Irish wolfhound comes in many colors, like red, brindle, grey, white, fawn, and black. This Irish wolfhound contains a complex, wiry dual coat that allows him to hunt easily during cold or damp conditions.
And you must brush the coat twice a week to maintain its Irish look. However, the Irish wolfhounds don’t shed much throughout the year hence little grooming.
5. They Are the Poorest Guard Dogs
The stature and height of the Irish wolfhounds shouldn’t trigger you to get one as a watchdog. These Irish wolfhounds aren’t what they look like; neither are they aggressive or suspicious to scare intruders.
And since they love chasing other animals, you need a large home with good fencing. Also, they are independent and don’t love barking. In other words, they are too good to be guard dogs.
6. They Are Presidential Dogs
At some point, Irish wolfhounds were among the white house residents. Herbert Hoover’s wife was gifted the Irish wolfhound when Herbert Hoover joined the white house.
Also, a family friend from Ireland gave JF Kennedy the Irish wolfhound as a gift. And other famous people like Queen Elizabeth I, King Richard III, General Custer, King Henry VII, and many more were owners of the Irish wolfhound.
7. They Used to Hunt Wolves
Have you wondered where the Irish wolfhound got the name? It is because they hunted wolves. Apart from being war dogs, companions, and guardians, they used to hunt deer, wolves, and boar. The Irish have high speed and muscular bodies that qualify them to hunt.
The legends of bands from the Scottish called Fianna used the Irish wolfhound in the massive hunting, and they could kill about 200 stags.
8. They Are the Oldest Irish Dog Breed
The first record of this Irish wolfhound was in 391 AD, and the Roman consul wrote to his brother. This Roman consul wrote to thank his brother for the 7 Irish dogs gift stating that “ All Rome viewed them in wonder.”
From that view, it is clear that the Irish wolfhounds are the oldest Irish breed, and in those days, the noblemen and kings were owners. And that symbolized status and wealth.
9. They Have a Short Life Span and Health Concerns
It is heartbreaking that this Irish wolfhound doesn’t live as long as you expect. After all, there isn’t a giant dog that can live for an extended period, and the Irish wolfhound isn’t an exception.
The average lifespan of the Irish wolfhound is between six to eight years. However, you can expect a longer lifespan if you have a healthy dog from reputable breeders and care for it well.
Unfortunately, Irish wolfhounds are easily prone to a lot of health issues, so you need to be keen.
Wrapping Up
You need a loyal friend and lover to spend time with, and the Irish wolfhound is that friend you need. He is affectionate, trustworthy, and gentle and has every good trait you may think of. Gone are the days when Irish wolfhounds were hunters due to their speed and colossal body.
Do you have any questions about Irish wolfhounds? Feel free to comment below.
