Many imagine the Irish Wolfhound to be a fierce warrior, a large and intimidating creature
that rules the land with an iron paw. Surprisingly, these giant dogs are better known for their gentle and friendly disposition than their aggressiveness.
Yes, you heard it right! The enormous, awe-inspiring Irish Wolfhound, who once hunted wolves and were used as war dogs in ancient times, are considered the gentle giants of today’s dog world. They are known for their incredible loyalty, affectionate nature, and even-tempered demeanor.
Before we delve further into unearthing the truth behind the nature of the Irish Wolfhound, let’s acquaint ourselves with some interesting facts about this majestic breed!
Earliest Irish literature, dating back to the 5th century, has mentions of these noble dogs, with their initial purpose being guards and hunters who even accompanied Celtic warriors into battles. Owing to their ferocity against wolves and elks and their heart-melting loyalty towards their masters, they were prized by both nobility and warriors.
More recently, during World War I, the Irish Wolfhound regained its fame and was used to carry messages, pull machine guns, and perform tasks out on the front lines.
The Irish Wolfhound is amongst the highest breed of domestic dogs – its tall, sturdy body coupled with a muscular build, gives it a commanding presence. When standing on their hind legs, they can be as tall as an average human being!
Despite their monumental size and historical background as fierce hunters, the Irish Wolfhound is laid back and kind-hearted. Thus, if you were hoping for a menacing guard dog, these dogs might not tick that box for you. They exhibit a characteristic called “deference” that dog psychologists suggest is an inbuilt quality of large breeds, making them more calm, composed, and less aggressive.
Now, let’s dive deeper into debunking the myth about their aggressiveness!
While there’s no denying their instinctive chase drive given their historical role in hunting, categorizing them as ‘aggressive’ is incorrect. An Irish Wolfhound can peacefully cohabit with other animals if well socialized from an early age. It is rare for them to show aggression towards other canines, pets, or humans.
However, no two dogs are the same, and temperament can vary based on individual dogs, their upbringing, and treatment. Consequently, some may argue that their Irish Wolfhound can indeed be aggressive at times. In most cases, this ‘aggression’ can often be traced back to their lack of training and socialization, or worse, mistreatment by people.
While generally friendly, Irish Wolfhounds make excellent watchdogs due to their profound loyalty towards their families. They have an almost intuitive sense of a threat and have been known to place themselves between an intruder and their owner. However, they typically only resort to aggression as a last resort, choosing to scare away any threats with their large stature rather than attacking outright.
These dogs are endearingly known as “gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked.” Understanding this is crucial if we are to treat them with the respect and love they so richly deserve.
Like any breed, they need to be trained and socialized from an early age to ensure a well-rounded temperament. The training should be marked by positive reinforcement rather than heavy-handed tactics and punishment.
An Irish Wolfhound craves companionship from their human family members. It is important to include them in daily activities; else this intelligent breed is apt to become bored, which in turn may lead to destructive or unwanted behavior. And perhaps, this lack of attention and more sedentary lifestyle may unknowingly be misconstrued as ‘aggressiveness.’
What’s to love about these gentle giants is that they make great pets for families with children. They are patient, often tolerating even the most boisterous of tiny tots. But note: given their size, they can accidentally knock over a toddler during a game. Supervision is always the key, with both the dog and the child needing to understand their boundaries.
In the end, we would like to sum up that owning an Irish Wolfhound can be a joyous journey filled with tail-wags and doggie kisses. However, as a potential dog owner, one must be aware that these gentle giants need special care, plenty of love, and early socialization. Their large size may demand space, diligent grooming, and regular exercise.
So the next time you hear someone asking, “Is the Irish Wolfhound aggressive?” remember, these imposing dogs with a lion-like mane and deep, soulful eyes are the embodiment of a ‘gentle giant.’ Their courage is not marked by uncontrollable aggression but instead, by unwavering loyalty and a protective instinct towards their loved ones.
