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Hound · Ireland

Irish Wolfhound

A walker's guide to the Irish Wolfhound: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Giant, 40 to 70 kgEasy-goingGiant breedSighthoundShort lifespanJoint care
Exercise a day60 min plus
Energy2 of 5
Walk styleSlow, gentle, enormous
With other dogsMild, careful with small dogs

Overview

The Irish Wolfhound was bred to hunt wolves and large game in Ireland, and it remains an immense, rough-coated sighthound with a soft temperament. Males can stand over ninety centimetres at the shoulder. Despite the size they are quiet, affectionate and famously gentle with people.

Their lifespan is short and their growth slow, with many not fully developed until two or three years old. A walker needs to think about joints, heart and heat more than about behaviour, and about simple logistics like fitting the dog in the van.

Exercise and walking needs

An hour a day of steady walking, with the chance for a gallop in a secure field now and then, is about right for an adult. They are not endurance dogs and do not need or want long hikes. Two gentle outings suit them better than one marathon.

Puppies and adolescents need firm limits on exercise while the frame develops. Follow the owner's and vet's guidance to the letter.

Daily minimum60 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeSecure areas, occasionally

On the walk

  • Size: A dog that weighs as much as you do cannot be held if it decides to go. Keep walks calm, anticipate triggers and avoid narrow paths where greetings are forced.
  • Recall: Sighthound instinct is still present. A running deer or rabbit may switch it on. Free run only in secure areas.
  • Other dogs: Usually mild and tolerant. Small dogs can be hurt in play without any ill intent, so pair carefully.
  • Heat: The big body heats up quickly. Shorten walks on warm days and seek shade.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Walk at the dog's pace and resist making it keep up with faster dogs.
  2. Use a wide collar or well-fitted harness and a lead you can hold with both hands.
  3. Watch for stiffness, lameness or heavy breathing and report anything unusual the same day.
  4. Allow a quiet rest after the walk and do not feed immediately; bloat is a known risk in deep-chested giants.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • How old is the dog, and what exercise limits has the vet set for its stage of growth?
  • Any heart or joint conditions, and what signs should prompt me to stop the walk?
  • Does the dog chase, and where is it allowed to run off lead?
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