Are Irish Wolfhounds easy to train?

Irish Wolfhounds have moderate trainability. They are known for being gentle, dignified, patient. They benefit from consistent, patient training methods.

Are Irish Wolfhounds good with children?

Irish Wolfhounds have high compatibility with children. As with any breed, supervision and proper introductions are recommended.

How much exercise does a Irish Wolfhound need?

Irish Wolfhounds have moderate energy levels. 30-60 minutes daily. Moderate exercise as adults; limit jumping in puppies to protect growing joints.

How long do Irish Wolfhounds live?

The average lifespan of a Irish Wolfhound is 6-8 years with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups.

Hound group · Ireland

Irish Wolfhound

Also called Wolfhound, Cu Faoil.

What makes them remarkable

Once used to hunt wolves, this towering hound had to be revived when the breed itself nearly disappeared.

Gentle
Dignified
Patient
Courageous
Calm

Get the app 1-to-1 training

AI-generated illustration

Size: Giant
Weight: 48 to 82 kg105 to 180 lb
Lives: 6 to 8 years
Energy: Moderate
Trains: Moderate
Barks: Low

Training

Training an Irish Wolfhound

Hound breeds. Recall is the whole game. Build it on a long line before you trust it, and never punish a slow return.

Train While Small
Start here
Puppies grow incredibly fast. Establish lead manners and basic commands before they outweigh you.
Short Lifespan Reality
Know that the breed typically lives only 6-8 years. Early heart screening and quality time together matter most.
Gentle Giants
Despite their size, these are sensitive dogs. Rewards work best; harsh methods do lasting damage to the trust.

The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.

Add your Irish Wolfhound and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.

Download on theApp Store

Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.

At home

Living with one

Bred to hunt by scent or sight, often far from the handler. Independent, with a nose or eyes that override you.

Gets on with

ChildrenHigh
Other dogsHigh
StrangersModerate
CatsModerate

Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.

Exercise: 30-60 minutes daily. Moderate exercise as adults; limit jumping in puppies to protect growing joints.
Grooming: Moderate maintenance. Weekly brushing of wiry coat, occasional stripping.
Drool: Low
Coat: Rough, Wiry, Medium lengthGrey, Brindle, Black, White, Red, Fawn
In a flat: Needs more space than a flat gives.

Health

Things to ask a breeder or vet about

Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Severe
Heart disease is extremely common and often fatal in this breed
Osteosarcoma
Severe
Bone cancer affects many giant breeds, including Irish Wolfhounds
Bloat (GDV)
Severe
Deep-chested giants are at high risk; preventive gastropexy recommended

Where they come from

History

Ancient Celtic war and hunting dogs bred to hunt wolves and elk. Nearly extinct by the 1800s, revived by Captain George Graham. The tallest of all dog breeds.