Lily’s Second Chance

Irish Wolfhound Guide: Size, Temperament, Lifespan and Adoption

Irish Wolfhound overview

The Irish Wolfhound is a rough-coated, Greyhound-like breed that is the largest and tallest of the coursing hounds. It is a sighthound, and little escapes its view when it gazes into the distance. The American Kennel Club places it in the Hound Group and lists Ireland as its origin.

History of the breed

The breed is thought to be very ancient, and it was valued as a guardian, hunter and war dog. The American Kennel Club lists a recognition year of 1897, while the United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1921.

How big is an Irish Wolfhound? Full grown size and weight

The American Kennel Club puts the Irish Wolfhound in its extra-large size category. The American Kennel Club lists a minimum height of 32 inches for males and 30 inches for females, while the United Kennel Club gives minimums of 31 inches for dogs and 28 inches for females, and VCA Animal Hospitals gives a minimum of 32 inches from the shoulder. On weight, the American Kennel Club lists 120 pounds for males and 105 pounds for females, while the United Kennel Club gives minimums of 120 pounds for dogs and 90 pounds for females over 18 months of age.

Irish Wolfhound temperament and personality

The American Kennel Club describes the temperament as dignified, courageous and calm. VCA Animal Hospitals describes an even temperament, with dogs that bond with their families and show loyalty and affection. They are described as playful and protective yet gentle, and they can be good with children but may accidentally knock very young ones over because they are somewhat clumsy.

Exercise and living space

They tend to do best in the country where they can run and play hard. In a city apartment they can be lethargic, and they may become destructive when bored and not exercised enough.

Do Irish Wolfhounds shed? Shedding and grooming

VCA Animal Hospitals says the rough, harsh coat sheds very little and needs no trimming. The American Kennel Club rates shedding 3 of 5 and grooming frequency 2 of 5. VCA Animal Hospitals recommends brushing twice a week, with untidy hairs scissored off and dead hairs stripped twice a year.

Training an Irish Wolfhound

VCA Animal Hospitals says they need a very firm hand and early training, because an untrained wolfhound can develop serious behavior problems. They are not described as stubborn, but they respond at a slower pace than other dogs while still responding well to training.

How long do Irish Wolfhounds live? Lifespan and health

The American Kennel Club gives a general life expectancy of 6-8 years, while VCA Animal Hospitals gives approximately eight to ten years. VCA Animal Hospitals lists hip dysplasia, bloat, progressive retinal atrophy, cardiomyopathy and bone cancer as conditions the breed is susceptible to. The American Kennel Club names several breed screenings, covering the hips, elbows, heart, eyes and bile acids in the blood. Ask a veterinarian which checks make sense for a particular dog.

AKC breed facts

These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Irish Wolfhound as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.

AKC group
Hound Group
AKC recognition year
1897
Height (AKC published)
32 inches minimum (male), 30 inches minimum (female)
Weight (AKC published)
120 pounds (male), 105 pounds (female)
General life expectancy
6-8 years
AKC size category
XLarge

AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)

  • Energy: 3 of 5
  • Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
  • Trainability: 3 of 5
  • Grooming frequency: 2 of 5
  • Shedding: 3 of 5
  • Vocalization: 1 of 5
  • Drooling: 2 of 5
  • Adaptability: 3 of 5
  • Playfulness: 3 of 5
  • Watchful or protective tendency: 5 of 5
  • Affection toward family: 5 of 5
  • Openness toward strangers: 3 of 5
  • AKC child compatibility rating: 3 of 5
  • AKC dog compatibility rating: 4 of 5

Health screenings AKC lists for the breed

Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.

  • Hip Evaluation
  • Elbow Evaluation
  • Cardiac Exam
  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation
  • Serum Bile Acids

Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).

Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 8, 2026.

References

Senior Irish Wolfhound dogs looking for homes

Each dog is listed by the shelter or rescue named on the card. Please confirm availability with them.