# Irish Wolfhound Also known as: Cú Faoil, Wolfhound - **Group:** Sighthound (FCI group 10) - **Size:** Giant - **Origin:** Ireland - **Height:** 71–86 cm - **Weight:** 40.5–55 kg - **Life expectancy:** 6–10 years - **Temperament:** Gentle, Dignified, Loyal, Patient, Reserved - **FCI standard:** No. 160 One of the tallest dog breeds in the world, a rough-coated sighthound from Ireland that is famously gentle at home and steeped in myth and legend. ## Overview The Irish Wolfhound is a giant, rough-coated sighthound with a long association with Irish legend, literature and the Irish Guards. It was once used to hunt wolves and other large game. Today it is a calm, affectionate companion, but its size means it needs room, a firm but gentle hand and an owner prepared for the challenges of a short-lived giant breed. ## History Large hounds called Cú Faoil appear in early Irish writing and were prized by the Gaels as hunters. They were exported to royal houses abroad, and numbers fell until protective measures were taken in the 17th century. With the last wolves gone in the late 1700s, the dogs became rare symbols of status. In the 1800s Captain George Graham revived the breed using surviving wolfhounds with Scottish Deerhounds, Great Danes and other breeds. He founded the breed club and standard in 1885, and in 1902 the breed became the regimental mascot of the Irish Guards. ## Appearance A massive but graceful dog, built like a powerful greyhound, with a long neck, deep chest and a head carried high. The standard asks for dogs of 79 cm or more at the shoulder, and the typical range is 81 to 86 cm. The harsh, wiry coat is particularly rough over the eyebrows and beard. Accepted colours include grey, brindle, red, black, pure white and fawn. ## Temperament Despite its size, the Irish Wolfhound is known for being gentle, patient and sensitive, often described as gentle when stroked and fierce when provoked. Each dog has its own quirks and tends to be reserved but friendly. It forms strong bonds with its family and dislikes being left alone for long periods. It is more of a gentle presence than a guard dog. ## Care and exercise Wolfhounds need space to stretch out and regular exercise, but puppies should not be over-exercised while their bones are growing. A secure, fenced area is essential because their chase instinct is strong. The rough coat needs brushing once or twice a week and occasional hand-stripping. They are large eaters and need a comfortable, sturdy bed. ## Health The breed has a short lifespan, often around 7 to 10 years. Dilated cardiomyopathy, bone cancer, bloat and growth-related bone disorders are the main concerns. Choose breeders who screen the heart and discuss longevity in their lines. ## Ratings (1 to 5) - Energy: 3 - Exercise needs: 3 - Grooming: 3 - Shedding: 3 - Trainability: 3 - Barking: 1 - Good with children: 4 - Good with other dogs: 4 Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/irish-wolfhound Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Wolfhound · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38668 Photo: Dux (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%282%29_Irish_Wolfhound_4.jpg Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.