The Irish Wolfhound is a breed of dog that was developed in Ireland, to catch wolves and deer. The breed has often been referred to as the “Great Dane of the Wolfhounds”. The breed originated on the Continent, where it has been used for centuries for hunting.

The official AKC standard calls for males to be between 30 inches (76 cm) and 34 inches (86 cm) at the shoulder and weigh between 120 pounds (54 kg) and 180 pounds (82 kg); females should be 28 inches (71 cm) to 32 inches (81 cm) at the shoulder and weigh between 100 pounds (45 kg) and 130 pounds (59 kg). It is one of the tallest dog breeds, along with its close relative, the Irish wolfhound.

Irish wolfhounds are gentle giants known for their loyalty and affectionate personalities. They are reserved with strangers but will warm up quickly once they get to know you.[1] They make excellent companions for children or for people who aren’t looking for a high-energy dog but still want something larger than most other breeds.[2] However, Irish wolfhounds do require lots of exercise — even more than many other large breeds because of their size — so an active lifestyle.

Last modified: October 2, 2022