Irish Wolfhound characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | 6% of breeds |
| Energy level | Low | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Very High | 22% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | Medium | 26% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | Very Low | 4% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Low | 17% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 7 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Irish Wolfhound right for you?
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the true giant breeds that demands a large home, and everything about keeping it costs more. In terms of temperament, it is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children and shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers. Day to day, the Irish Wolfhound does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Irish Wolfhound does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. With low energy and medium athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Irish Wolfhound to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Irish Wolfhound needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Irish Wolfhound trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions and is very quiet and rarely barks. It would rather have company and manages only brief spells alone, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Irish Wolfhound
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Irish Wolfhound genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Barking: Very low — the Irish Wolfhound is unusually quiet, one of the few breeds that rarely uses its voice. Only 4% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Size: Giant — the Irish Wolfhound is a giant breed, which changes the car, the vet bill and the space a dog needs. Only 6% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Drooling: Medium — the Irish Wolfhound drools more than the typical breed, though not dramatically. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Energy: Low — the Irish Wolfhound needs less exercise than most breeds. Only 11% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Irish Wolfhound actually costs you
| Exercise | Short daily walks are enough; it will not push you for more. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Weekly brushing keeps the coat in reasonable order. |
| Time alone | Wants company. Long days alone are where the problems start. |
| Noise | Notably quiet. |
Where the Irish Wolfhound fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | Medium trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Depends | High prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Low independence — this breed wants company and shows it when it does not get any. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Guides the Irish Wolfhound is ranked in
The Irish Wolfhound earns a place on 5 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Experienced giant breed owners
- Large properties
- Gentle families
- Patient owners
Things to consider
- Very large size
- Short lifespan
- Expensive to maintain
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Irish Wolfhound good with children?
- Yes — the Irish Wolfhound is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Irish Wolfhound shed a lot?
- The Irish Wolfhound has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Irish Wolfhound need?
- With low energy, the Irish Wolfhound needs relatively little exercise — short daily walks are usually enough.
- How long does the Irish Wolfhound live?
- The Irish Wolfhound typically lives around 7 years.
- Can the Irish Wolfhound live in an apartment?
- The Irish Wolfhound is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Irish Wolfhound easy to train?
- The Irish Wolfhound trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Irish Wolfhound be left alone during the day?
- The Irish Wolfhound would rather have company and manages only brief spells alone. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.