Irish Wolfhounds are generally described as gentle, kind, and friendly, but their size, athleticism, chase instinct, and rough double coat shape the care they need. Adults need substantial daily activity, including safe chances to run; puppies need self-paced play rather than forced distance exercise. Plan on regular brushing and combing, too.
What is an Irish Wolfhound’s temperament like?
The Royal Kennel Club breed standard describes the Irish Wolfhound as having a “Gentle, kind and friendly nature,” while also noting the breed’s power, activity, speed, and courage. This is the standard’s description of the breed, not a guarantee of an individual dog’s behavior. The Royal Kennel Club standard was updated on 1 August 2025.
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The Irish Wolfhound Club of America (IWCA) describes Wolfhounds as companion dogs that want to be with their people. They are fast learners, and the club recommends basic obedience, socialization, and positive training methods. As sighthounds, they may chase small animals; assess each dog rather than assuming a particular animal will be safe around it. The IWCA FAQ covers training and other animals.
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How much exercise does an Irish Wolfhound need?
The Royal Kennel Club’s breed profile places Irish Wolfhounds in the “More than 2 hours per day” exercise category. That is broad breed guidance, not a fixed prescription for every dog: age, health, fitness, and veterinary advice matter. The profile also categorizes the breed as extra large and recommends a large house and garden. See the Royal Kennel Club breed profile.
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Adult exercise: combine walks with safe free movement
For an adult, walks with people can be part of a routine, but the IWCA cautions against letting a Wolfhound become too sedentary. The breed is athletic and built for speed, so provide safe opportunities to gallop as well as leash walks, adjusting the amount and intensity to the individual dog’s condition.
A secure, above-ground fence is important: Wolfhounds are fast and strong, and the IWCA advises against tying or staking them out. The club also emphasizes that they should live indoors with their people, rather than being kept apart from household life. Its overview of the breed and FAQ explain the home and fencing considerations.
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Puppy exercise: let the puppy set the pace
Do not apply adult exercise expectations to a growing puppy. The IWCA FAQ advises against forced exercise, including long walks, until at least a year or more. In an IWCA-hosted article first published in Harp & Hound in Autumn 2014, veterinarian Mel Mercer recommends self-paced free play and advises against long or coaxed leash walks, jogging distances, and prolonged activity driven by motivation. She discusses waiting for growth plates to close at about 13 to 14 months before jogging distances.
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How often should you groom an Irish Wolfhound?
Expect to brush and comb the coat regularly, at least weekly for routine care. The Royal Kennel Club categorizes grooming as needed more than once a week; the IWCA says brushing and combing weekly or every other week help maintain the coat. Adjust the routine to your dog’s coat and check the skin as you groom.
The coat is rough and harsh, with a wiry outercoat and a softer undercoat, and it sheds year-round. The breed standard notes especially wiry, longer hair over the eyes and under the jaw. A dog grooming comb is a useful tool for the routine, alongside brushing. For show-style stripping or more advanced coat work, consult the IWCA’s grooming resources or a knowledgeable groomer rather than guessing at a technique.
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What should you plan for at home?
- Space and security: Arrange a securely fenced area for free movement; do not rely on an unsecured yard or a tie-out.
- Company: Make room for the dog indoors with the household, since the IWCA describes Wolfhounds as companions that want to be with their people.
- Training and other animals: Prioritize positive training and socialization, and evaluate the individual dog’s reactions around small animals.
- Coat care: Keep a brush and comb available and make coat and skin checks part of the regular routine.
The Royal Kennel Club standard lists minimum heights and weights of 79 cm (31 in) and 54.5 kg (120 lb) for dogs, and 71 cm (28 in) and 40.9 kg (90 lb) for bitches. These are standard figures, not a prediction that every individual will match them. Their scale is one practical reason to consider the space, secure fencing, and daily care a Wolfhound requires before bringing one home. The breed standard provides these measurements.
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