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Irish Wolfhound Dog Breed Facts
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Breed: Irish Wolfhound
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Also Called:
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Height: The Irish Wolfhound is about 28-35 inches tall.
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Weight: The Irish Wolfhound weighs between 90-120 lbs.
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Colors: The Irish Wolfhound can be gray, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn or any other color that appears in the Deerhound.
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Physical Appearance: The Irish Wolfhound is of great size and commanding appearance. This dog is remarkable in combining power and swiftness with keen sight. The largest and tallest of the galloping hounds, in general type he is a rough-coated, Greyhound-like breed, very muscular, strong though gracefully built, movements easy and active, head and neck carried high, the tail carried with an upward sweep with a slight curve towards the extremity.
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Temperament/Personality: The Irish Wolfhound is good with children and pets. Known as the "gentle giant".
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Care: The Irish Wolfhounds require regular grooming their hard, wiry coat or it will become matted. Comb daily. Trim around the eye and ears with blunt scissors.
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Health Concerns/Problems: The Irish Wolfhound is known to have experienced the following health problems: Heart Disease, Bloat, Gastric Torsion, Cancer, Liver Shunt, Hypothyroidism, and Von Willebrands Disease.
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Training:
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Activity: The Irish Wolfhound's should never be allowed to run loose. They do not require as much exercise as one would think for their great size, but they do need daily walks or runs or they will be inclined to be lazy. Rearing of young Irish Wolfhound puppies is critical because of their rapid growth rate. Do not take them on long walks as they can damage their joints.
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Life Span: The Irish Wolfhound lives an average life of 8-10 years.
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Litter Size: The Irish Wolfhound has an average litter of 3-4 puppies.
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Country of Origin: The Irish Wolfhound originated in Ireland.
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Brief History: The present-day Irish Wolfhound owes its existence to R.D. Richardson and Captain G.A. Graham who, in the 1840's, helped restore this almost extinct, ancient breed to its former state. The original Irish Wolfhound is thought to be a very ancient breed, being documented as early as 393 A.D. The intelligence, strength and courage of the breed are legendary, and they were valued as guardians, hunters and war dogs.
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