The Irish Wolfhound is the largest sight hound breed.  These dogs display courage, devotion and a gentle nature that is so highly esteemed by their owners.  People who are not familiar with this breed are surprised by their gentleness, sensitivity and intelligence. Their outward persona is that of a calm dignity and alertness.  Irish Wolfhounds are not good watch dogs despite their giant size; they are rather friendly with strangers and will actually seek human companionship. They are neither suspicious nor aggressive, nor are they timid.  A good word to describe their relationship with strangers is "kind".
     The Irish Wolfhound will grow to be a minimum of 31 inches to the withers for dogs, and 28 inches for the females. Typically, an Irish Wolfhound will stand 3 foot tall on all four.  When this dog is standing on its hind legs they will be 8 foot tall.  Their weight will average between 105 - 120 pounds.  The average Irish Wolfhound puppy is born weighing around 1 1/2 pounds.  Within weeks this little puppy will weigh 50 pounds.  At three months of age these dogs could possibly be eating you out of house and home, some dogs have been known to eat up to 30 (thirty) cups of food per day. Raising Irish Wolfhound puppies can be challenging, and not just because of the amount of food they can eat.  It requires great care and attention to insure that the bone and muscle of the puppy develops at a sensible pace.  The growth rate is rapid and the young Wolfhound needs plenty of good to high quality food, sleep and play.  All of this in balance and in the proper proportions.
     With all this food, there needs to be an outlet for all that energy.  Perhaps it was an Irish Wolfhound owner who first gave the definition of the term, grass surfing, while "walking" their dog. Daily activity is absolutely necessary for this breed.  The Wolfhound is a hunter and a chaser. He would be an ideal companion for the bicyclist, walker, jogger or runner who exercises every day.  Of course, there are Wolfhounds who would prefer to be couch potatoes, just like some humans known to the author.  However, it is just as bad for dogs as for humans to have a sedentary life style. It is also unwise to leave a young Irish Wolfhound alone for any long period of time, especially in your home.  Boredom = destruction of unimaginable proportions.  Large dog...large destruction possibilities.  This dog is intelligent, highly intelligent.  There is no telling what its capabilities are.
     The Irish Wolfhound is not a long lived breed of dog.  They average around 8 years.  This is very common among the giant breeds of dog.
     The Irish Wolfhound's coat can be a variety of colors.  The A.K.C. recognizes (approves for showing purposes) the following colors: gray, brindle, red, black, fawn, wheaten, steel gray, and pure white.  As with any other dog it is important to establish a grooming routine at an early age.  Brushing, trimming of toe nails, cleaning of ears, and teeth, checking eyes for irritation from facial hairs, and the occasional bath, if needed.
     This breed of dog is easily trained as long as patience and sensitivity is exercised by the trainer.  They are good with other dogs, however, Irish Wolfhounds should be supervised when around cats.  Irish Wolfhounds get along well with children.  Common sense needs to be exercised - the children need to know how to behave around dogs, and this being a giant sized dog the dog may not realize it's own strength or size and accidentally knock a small child down.
     In general, the Irish Wolfhound is not recommended for life in the city.  It's size and exercise requirements make life in the city extremely difficult.
     It is said that Irish Wolfhounds rarely, if ever, growl.  They do howl - usually to let the owner known that supper is late, or if coyotes are howling near enough to be heard, an ambulance or police car sounding the siren will inspire the Irish Wolfhound to lend his voice to the chorus.

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