At a glance the quick version
FCI sets only minimums: 54.5 kg for males and 40.5 kg for females; heights are likewise minimums (79 cm males, 71 cm females), with Wikipedia citing 81-86 cm as typical for males. Hill's gives about 120 lb (54 kg) and 32 in (81 cm) as a guide.
Coat and looks how to spot one
rough, harsh medium-length coat
A tough, rough-textured coat covers the body and legs, turning noticeably wiry over the eyes and along the beard. The overall picture is a huge, muscular yet graceful sighthound that carries its head proudly and moves with an easy, active stride.124
Personality what they are like
A kindly, even-natured giant that tends to be relaxed indoors and devoted to its family. It is usually polite with visitors and patient with children, prefers peace to commotion, and responds best to calm, consistent, reward-based training.134
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Sources differ: the Royal Kennel Club lists more than 2 hours of exercise a day, while Hill's suggests around 45-60 minutes of relaxed walks, hikes and low-key play. As a sighthound it should run only in securely fenced areas.43
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush the rough coat at least weekly (RKC: more than once a week) to lift loose hair; bathe only occasionally so the coat keeps its weather resistance. Check ears weekly and trim nails regularly.43
Home where they are happiest
Best suited to a large house with a large, securely fenced garden; its height means kitchen counters and coffee tables are within easy reach.43
Company who they like around
A people-oriented hound that bonds strongly with its family and is generally friendly toward other dogs; it does best living closely with its household rather than being left alone for long stretches.12
The story where it all began
Large rough-coated hounds were prized in Ireland for hunting wolves, deer and wild boar, and a Roman consul wrote of receiving some as gifts in 391 AD. After the last Irish wolves disappeared in the late 1700s the breed dwindled, until Captain George Augustus Graham rebuilt it in the later 1800s using remaining Irish stock plus Scottish Deerhound and Great Dane blood. The first breed standard followed in 1885.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The FCI standard calls it the largest and tallest of all the sighthounds.1
- 2
Its traditional motto describes it as a lamb at home and a lion in the chase.1
- 3
The breed has served as the regimental mascot of the Irish Guards since 1902.2
- 4
The FCI standard notes the wolfhound is counted among Ireland's national symbols.1
- 5
Despite its size it is a notably quiet dog that seldom barks.3
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 160, Group 10 (Sighthounds), Section 2 (Rough-haired Sighthounds); current standard published 10 Apr 20261
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Hound Group; listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed4
- AKC
- Hound Group; recognised 18973
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Irish Wolfhound. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Irish Wolfhound, and at what times?
Feed adult Irish Wolfhounds at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. The exact times can be set to fit your daily routine, but consistent meal times help digestion. For amounts, always follow the food label and check with your vet.5
What should an Irish Wolfhound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for large breeds. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for the best diet plan.6
How often should I bathe an Irish Wolfhound?
Bathe only occasionally so the coat keeps its weather resistance. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can adjust based on how dirty your dog gets. More frequent baths may be needed if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors.437 Furry Diary plan
How often does an Irish Wolfhound need brushing?
Brush the rough coat at least weekly, and more than once a week is recommended to lift loose hair. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days. Regular brushing keeps the coat healthy and reduces shedding.43 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim an Irish Wolfhound's nails, and how often?
Trim nails regularly, about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.437 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does an Irish Wolfhound need?
Exercise needs vary: the Royal Kennel Club suggests more than 2 hours a day, while Hill's recommends around 45-60 minutes of relaxed walks and low-key play. As a sighthound, it should only run in securely fenced areas. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play.43 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an Irish Wolfhound's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears weekly and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary's plan suggests ear checks every 2 weeks and teeth brushing every 2 days.437 Furry Diary plan
How long does an Irish Wolfhound live?
Irish Wolfhounds typically live between 6 and 10 years. Senior years usually start around age 6, so regular vet check-ups become especially important then.342 Furry Diary plan
Is an Irish Wolfhound good with children and other pets?
Yes, this gentle giant is patient with children and usually polite with visitors. It is generally friendly toward other dogs and does best living closely with its family. However, always supervise interactions with young children and other pets.1342
Can an Irish Wolfhound be left alone?
This people-oriented hound bonds strongly with its family and does best living closely with them rather than being left alone for long stretches. If you must leave it alone, provide plenty of enrichment and consider a dog sitter. The exact time varies; ask your vet or a good breeder for advice.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 160 Irish Wolfhound fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Irish Wolfhound en.wikipedia.orgused for history, heights, colours, Irish Guards mascot
- Hill's Pet: Irish Wolfhound hillspet.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, temperament, AKC year, fun facts
- The Royal Kennel Club: Irish Wolfhound royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, home size, lifespan, vulnerable status
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.