Irish Wolfhound puppies are known for its calm demeanor and friendly nature, stands taller than any other dog breed recognized by the American Kennel Club. Wolfhounds were once fearless big-game hunters, but these days they make the most calm and pleasant pets.
The friendly Irish Wolfhound is a huge, powerful dog that was elegantly developed along traditional Greyhound lines and is capable of incredible speed when running full tilt. It is not uncommon for men to reach heights of almost 3 feet at the shoulder and weights of up to 180 pounds. Females will be smaller than males, but they still pack a powerful hound punch. White, gray, brindle, red, black, and fawn are just some of the colors that can be found in the rough, hard coat.
The sight of an IW is enough to deter intruders, despite the fact that the animals themselves are too calm to be effective guard dogs. Although IWs typically have a calm demeanor around children, it is important to keep a close eye on young children when they are near animals of any size. While owning an Irish Wolfhound certainly has its perks, taking on such a massive canine is a huge commitment.
You may also want to read about the Red Golden Retriever.
History
The Wolfhound has been around since antiquity, and its history has become layered in myth and legend over the centuries. However, they were undoubtedly developed by crossing the native large dogs of Britain with the Middle Eastern coursing hounds that were traded throughout the known world in antiquity.
The Irish giant hounds were well established by the time the Romans established a foothold in the British Isles. The Roman consul was given a gift of seven of these hounds that “all Rome viewed with wonder” in the year 391. The magnificent hunting dogs lived by the motto “Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked,” and they were used to bring down extinct species like the Irish elk, a massive, ferocious beast that was said to stand six feet at the shoulder.
Wolves were a major problem in 15th-century Ireland. Already famous for hunting large game, Irish hounds began to focus exclusively on wolves. When the wolves and other big game animals of Ireland were hunted to extinction in the late 1700s, IWs were left without a livelihood and nearly went extinct as a result. For once, a species excelled at its job to the detriment of itself.
Captain George Augustus Graham of the British army set out to find any remaining examples of Ireland’s national hound in 1862. Graham dedicated his life to preserving, standardizing, and popularizing the IW breed, and his legacy is honored wherever IW fanciers congregate.
“Gelert, the Faithful Hound” is one of many Irish legends about this breed that tell a tragic story of loyalty and regret.
Feeding Irish Wolfhound puppies
The Irish Wolfhound should be able to get all the nutrients it needs from a premium dog food designed for large breeds and suitable for the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Here is a great puppy food. Strenuous exercise should be avoided immediately before or after a meal due to the risk of bloat. If you have concerns about your dog’s health, including its weight, diet, or feeding schedule, consult with the dog’s breeder and your veterinarian.
Exercise Irish Wolfhound puppies
All life stages of a wolfhound require regular exercise. They should only be let off the leash for walks in properly fenced areas, and even then they should be kept close by, as they retain a strong instinct to hunt and chase prey. However, adult Irish Wolfhounds need regular exercise, such as long walks or play sessions, to prevent them from becoming couch potatoes.
In order to provide the kind of environment in which they can thrive, a home with a fairly large fenced area is required. Canine sports like tracking, agility, and lure coursing provide additional mental and physical stimulation for the breed.
Grooming Irish Wolfhound puppies
The Irish Wolfhound’s double coat features a harsh, wiry outer coat and a softer undercoat. In terms of annual shedding, they don’t do much of that. The best way to keep your dog clean and tidy is to give him a good brushing once a week. Irish Wolfhounds, unlike many other double-coated breeds, don’t have a ‘blowing out’ season once a year or twice a year when they shed their coats. Nails of all dog breeds need to be trimmed regularly to prevent the pain and discomfort that comes from having long nails.
