Breed Spotlight: Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is a giant, shaggy dog with just as a big of a heart. At Pawderosa, we love and celebrate dogs of all breeds, big and small. You never know – the Irish Wolfhound could be the perfect addition to your home! Read on to see if the Irish Wolfhound is the right dog for you and your family.

Irish Wolfhound Facts

• As its name suggests, the Irish Wolfhound was originally bred to chase wolves and the giant elk native to Ireland.
  
• Wolfhounds are one of the oldest dog breeds. The earliest mention of the breed dates back to Roman times, when a man named Quintus Aurelius received seven as a gift, and wrote that “all Rome looked on them with wonder.”
  
• When standing on his hind legs, the Irish Wolfhound can be seven feet tall. This makes them the world’s tallest dog breed. Irish Wolfhounds are a top choice for therapy dogs, as they stand at a good height to reach people in hospital beds are naturally inclined to be kind and friendly.
  
• Irish Wolfhounds were once owned exclusively by royalty, including rulers such as England’s Elizabeth I and France’s Henry IV.

Caring for an Irish Wolfhound

• Irish Wolfounds don’t make very good guard dogs – they’re simply too friendly.
• Their long, wiry coats require regular brushing, but little other maintenance.
• If you would like to adopt an Irish Wolfhound, understand that this dog has a relatively short lifespan of 6-8 years.
• Although not a high-energy dog, Wolfhounds need plenty of space to roam simply because of their large size.
• Wolfhounds have long, flexible spines that make them good hunters. In spite of their horse-like appearance, their bodies aren’t designed to handle heavy loads, and they should never be ridden or asked to pull.
• With proper training, Irish Wolfhounds do well in family settings, as their gentle nature endears them to children.
  

At Pawderosa, we love dogs of all kinds and sizes. With a specialty in canine enrichment, we make sure that your dog gets more out of their stay at the ranch, giving them the mental and physical stimulation they need to stay happy and healthy. Bring your Irish Wolfhound, or any breed of dog, to Pawderosa and we’ll care for them as if they were our own.

Book your dog’s stay today.