Do you like big dogs? If so, you will surely like to have a Irish wolfhound: It can weigh up to 70kg! With a height at the withers of almost one meter, it is the ideal furry for giving bear hugs 😉.
If you want to know it, do not stop reading this special in which I will explain everything you need to know about this magnificent breed.
Origin and history of the Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound, known as the Irish Wolfhound or Irish Wolfhound in English is one of the oldest known breeds. It is believed that he arrived in Iceland in 279 BC. C. with the help of the Celts. For a long time the Irish nobility used it to hunt wolves, wild boar and elk, but in the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries it was on the verge of extinction.
Fortunately, thanks to the intervention of Captain Graham in 1862 it was saved. This man crossed them with German Mastiffs, Deerhounds and Borzos to give strength and vitality to the breed and thus be able to ensure its survival.
Physical characteristics
The Irish Wolfhound is a large dog, with a minimum weight of 54,5kg for males and 40,5kg for females, and a height at the withers of at least 79cm in dogs and 71cm in bitches. It has a muscular body, protected by a coat of thick, hard hair that can be white, gray, black, brindle, or red.
Its head is elongated and it has small ears that it carries back. Its legs are long and robust, and its tail is also long, a little curved.
It has a very short life expectancy: from seven years.
Behavior and personality of the Irish Wolfhound
He is a magnificent dog. Everything that is great is affectionate and good. It is quiet, peaceful e independent. It has a lot of patience with children, although it must be watched when they play since the furry is not aware of its size and could unintentionally do damage.
But otherwise, it is a dog cheerful and, obedient y protector that he will win the affection of all the members of the family in less time than you imagine 😉.
How do you take care of yourself?
Food
What is an Irish Greyhound to eat? In the market there are several types of food: dry food, cans, homemade food... Choosing the type that you are going to give will depend on your budget especially, since depending on the ingredients that have been used to make them, they will have a higher or lower price. For example, a feed rich in cereals will always be cheaper than one that only contains meat and few vegetables; however, the latter will be more suitable for the dog, since it is carnivorous and not herbivorous.
Likewise, snacks or specific treats for these animals are sold. These should only be given from time to time, as part of training for example.
Hygiene
Brushing their fur should be part of the animal's daily routine. At the very least, you have to brush it once a day, but during the shedding season it will be necessary two or more times. In addition, to remove all the dirt it may have, it is highly recommended to bathe it on a monthly basis using a specific shampoo for dogs.
In order to detect any possible problems early, from time to time you also have to check their ears to see if they have accumulated a lot of dirt or if they have any pests.
Exercise
The Irish Greyhound is a breed that appreciates going out for a walk, of course, avoiding the central hours of the day, especially during the summer. If you have a pool, you can gradually get him used to getting into it and swimming from the time he is a puppy. In case you don't have one, don't worry: take the opportunity to take it to a beach that accepts dogs, or to take a walk in the countryside.
Even at home you can do many things: practice the basic commands (sit, stay), or play.
"Salud"
They are generally not a breed that has overly serious health problems. If that may have hip dysplasiaEspecially as it gets older, but if you take it to the vet from time to time to examine it, they will be able to detect it in time and the dog can lead a normal life.
On the other hand, you have to take him to be vaccinated and microchipped, since both are mandatory in many countries, including Spain. And if you do not want him to have puppies, it is also advised to neuter him at 7-8 months of age.
How much does an Irish Greyhound cost?
The price of an Irish Greyhound puppy will vary depending on whether it is purchased from a cattery or a pet store. But in principle it costs an average of 500 euros.
Irish Greyhound Photos
If you want to see more photos, here are some of them:
Hello
The Irish Wolfhound cannot be regarded as having an "independent" character.
It is a dog extremely attached to its owner to almost unhealthy extremes.
It is a dog that will stop eating just because its owner calls or to seek his caresses, no matter how hungry he is.
He lives by and for his owner for whom he goes out of his way and puts all the means to please him.
Its biggest drawbacks: its size and vitality.
I read somewhere, a long time ago, that whoever decides to buy and live with an Irishman has to learn, among other things, to eat with elbows extended, to place all things above five feet; and, above all males, keep an eye on his tail.
Boa noite! You are leaving from Portugal (city of Coimbra, not the center of the country). I like a lot of this breed and I don't have a year ago with a Galgo Irlandês because, at the height of the only breeder in Portugal (Vila Real, not north), or Dr. Nuno Mateus, you have all the puppies you have, and you are still working lodged).
Currently, I have a crossed mastim from Cão de Gado Transmontano and a cadela Dogue Alemã, 5 years old, 85 cm tall, not club, and 75 kg in weight.
I would like to have similar characteristics to meu NIKK: calm, very friendly and trusting, sociable, vigilant and protective with aggressiveness, qualities that seem to me to be typical of the Irish Greyhound.
As Dr. Nuno Mateus, at the moment, I did not face breeding, and I did not believe there were more children in Portugal, I came to ask or please of some contacts in Spain (including Facebook) of breeders of this name and generous breed.