Once upon a time, in the wilds of ancient Ireland, there existed a mythical creature. This creature was neither a fairy nor a dragon but something similarly awe-inducing. They were called ‘Cu Faoil,’ known as ‘Canis Lupidus’ in Latin, and ‘Irish Wolfhound’ in English. Towering over their human companions, these beasts were used in wars to yank enemies off horses and chariots and were also let loose for a friendly match of wolf hunting. Now, isn’t that something to start a conversation with!
Interesting history apart, Irish Wolfhounds are no longer the fierce war dogs they once were. Today, they are known as “gentle giants”. But don’t let the cuddly title fool you. Due to their size, they often turn out to be trickier to manage than your average Labrador or Bully breeds. So, if you’re considering adopting one of these magnificent hounds, you might be wondering, “Is an Irish Wolfhound a difficult dog?”
One thing’s for sure: navigating life with an Irish Wolfhound is not a walk in the park. It requires dedication, patience, and lots of love, no two ways about it. That said, every breed presents its own unique challenges, and well – Irish Wolfhounds are no exceptions.
Irish Wolfhounds are one of the world’s tallest breeds, standing at a whopping 32 inches tall on average! Keeping a dog of this size healthy and happy means a whole lot of food, a spacious residence, and regular exercise. They love lounging around, but it’s a myth that they’re lazy. Weekly walks, interactive games, and mental stimulation are vital for their wellbeing.
These hounds are well-known for their exuberant nature and getting them to behave requires consistent training, which should preferably start at a young age. Socializing them with other dogs, pets, and humans goes a long way in curbing their boisterous behavior. They’re not aggressive, but their sheer size can overwhelm smaller creatures if they aren’t properly trained.
Life span is another heart-wrenching factor when considering this breed. Sadly, the bigger the dog, the shorter its life span tends to be. Irish Wolfhounds usually don’t live past six to eight years. With such short life spans, you’re looking at goodbyes sooner than you’d like.
On the other hand, these dogs are draft animals – meaning they’re bred for specific tasks. So it’s great to play engaging games or set up obstacle courses for them. They will love you for it, and it will help keep them fit and agile.
Remember that large dogs like the Irish Wolfhound require consistent visits to the veterinarian to catch health issues early. Their weight and size can often result in issues like hip dysplasia or other joint issues.
Despite these trials, if you’re somebody who can handle these hurdles, having an Irish Wolfhound by your side can be a rewarding experience. They’re incredibly kind, loyal, and gentle. Even with their substantial size, they can be perfect apartment dwellers as long as they get their daily walks.
Another bonus? They are great as watchdogs. Not because they’re aggressive – quite the opposite! But their daunting appearance is generally enough to ward off anyone who may have ill intentions.
Before deciding on an Irish Wolfhound, are you ready to make the sacrifices and face the challenges head-on? Do you have the space, time, and resources necessary? Do you have young children or other pets that could be overwhelmed by their size?
At the end of the day, every dog breed comes with its set of challenges. It’s all about weighing the good with the bad, doing your research, and deciding what kind of pup would be the best fit for your lifestyle and your family. Because remember, every dog deserves a loving and responsible home, no matter how big they are – or appear to be.
So, is an Irish Wolfhound a difficult dog? It can be. But cliched though it may sound, sometimes the love and companionship of a dog – even a behemoth of a dog like the Irish Wolfhound – are worth every bit of hardship!
