The moment I met an Irish Wolfhound, I was stunned. Imagine standing face-to-face with a dog that’s as big as a pony. They’re like the gentle giants of the dog universe, often towering over children and smaller dogs. And yet, despite their size, Irish Wolfhounds are among the most calm and gentle dog breeds out there. But does their calm personality offset the challenges of living with such a large dog?
I would love to take you on a journey to learn more about this fascinating breed, digging into the specifics of their temperament, and why they could be the perfect dog for you.
First off, let’s address the elephant in the room. Or, should I say, the Wolfhound in the room? The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest breeds of dogs in the world, often standing over 7 feet tall when they’re on their hind legs. But, don’t let their towering stature fool you. They’re gentle giants at heart.
Irish Wolfhounds, like most sighthounds, are blessed with a uniquely calm temperament. They are unlikely to be found causing havoc around your home, partly because they’re so big that even basic movements require a lot of energy. But it’s more than just their physical traits. It’s a core part of who they are. From their historical roots as hunting dogs where a calm demeanor was essential, to their prominent role as companion dogs, Irish Wolfhounds are as calm as the Irish countryside they originated from.
But what exactly makes them calm? Irish Wolfhounds are docile, thoughtful, kind, and very patient dogs. This combined with their relatively low energy levels makes them less prone to problematic behavior seen in some high-energy breeds. If you’ve ever encountered a bouncing border collie or an excitable terrier, picture the exact opposite. That’s an Irish Wolfhound.
Does this make them great family pets? Absolutely. Their calm nature translates into gentleness with humans, especially children. They’re rarely aggressive, and they tend to want peace amongst their “pack”, which would be you and your family. But remember, they are giant dogs. Their size alone could possibly be an issue around toddlers or folks who are frail or unstable on their feet. An Irish Wolfhound’s casual wagging tail has the power to knock over a small child or a trove of precious keepsakes on your coffee table.
Now, having a calm dog does not mean a lazy one. Irish Wolfhounds, like every other dog breed, require regular exercise to keep them healthy. A mild mannered dog so big might make you think, “Oh! A perfect couch potato!”. But that’s not the case. A regular walk or mild run in the yard keeps their muscles strong and their mood even stronger.
What happens if this “calm giant” meets a stranger? Unlike other guard dog breeds, Irish Wolfhounds are typically quite friendly towards strangers. They naturally have little aggression, which makes them poor guard dogs but great companions. While every dog is different and much comes down to their individual experiences and training, with an Irish Wolfhound, you can confidently expect a welcoming, loving companion.
And finally, how about living with other pets? The Irish Wolfhound is usually excellent with other dogs and pets. Their calm demeanor makes them a joy to be around. Remember, they were bred to hunt in packs, so they are inherently social creatures.
While the calm and surprisingly gentle nature of the Irish Wolfhound makes them a unique breed ideal for certain homes, it’s essential to consider all that comes with such a giant dog. Their large size means they need more space, a larger vehicle for transport, and will eat more food than smaller dogs. Also, due to their considerable size, their life expectancy is shorter, often around six to eight years.
But for those who have the space and have fallen in love with this breed’s stoic calm and gentle nature, the Irish Wolfhound could be the four-legged friend you are looking for.
In conclusion, it’s safe to say that the Irish Wolfhound is a calm dog. They offer a beautiful balance of endurance, gentleness, and a heart as big as their body. If you’re looking for a calm, friendly giant who is likely to get along well with your family and other pets, take a closer look at the Irish Wolfhound. Just remember to anchor your coffee tables to the floor!
One thing is for sure; an Irish Wolfhound will bring a calm, gentle spirit into your home like no other dog will. After all, it’s not every day that you share your couch with a dog the size of a pony!
