Welcoming an Irish Wolfhound puppy
Beyond six months
ESTABLISH ROUTINES
By now your puppy will be transforming into an elegant adolescent (or a gangly wonky floppy footed goofball).
Expect some challenging phases: testing boundaries, selective hearing and bursts of energy. You will also start to see the effects of adolescence creeping in that may prove challenging for both males and females; especially in a multi-dog household.
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Keep up with the consistent routines and plenty of gentle guidance. Ensure that your youngster still has sufficient bonding time alone with just you and do not be afraid to exercise/play with your dogs separately. This is crucial for not only solidifying your bond with your individual dogs but ensuring your puppy does not get overly reliant on the other dogs within your household.
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Some owners may be considering their females first season, which could arrive anywhere between 10-18 months – some even later. For those with males you may start to see an increase in hormonal drive that may present in several interesting ways. Please do not be tempted to explore spaying/castration or chemical castration at this age and wait until your hound is a fully grown adult before educating yourself on the pro and con or each decision. Please refer to the Irish Wolfhound Health Group for more information on this.
ADOLESCENTS
Your Irish Wolfhound puppy is no longer a big bundle of fluff but a lanky, inquisitive, often mischievous adolescent. Between 6 months and 2 years they will continue to grow physically and emotionally – developing into the noble hound the breed is known for.
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This stage can be challenging but deeply rewarding; especially when paired with consistent guidance, structured training and (if you wish) the start of a showing journey.
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UNDERSTANDING ADOLESCENTS
Irish Wolfhounds grow rapidly during their first year and will usually reach most of their adult height by around 12-18 months. However, they continue to fill out physically and mature emotionally for considerably longer, often until they are around 2-3 years old. As with all generalisations, individual dogs and breeding lines can vary, with some taking longer to reach full maturity.
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Things to consider:
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Keep your hound lean and well-conditioned. A healthy, lean body condition is important while your hound is growing and can help reduce unnecessary strain on developing bones, joints and growth plates. Your breeder will be able to advise you on your appropriate weight and condition for. your individual puppy.
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Take care with boisterous play. Irish Wolfhounds are large, fast-growing dogs and can be surprisingly fragile while they are developing. Avoid overly rough or physical play, particularly with other large or very energetic dogs. Encourage calm, controlled interaction and allow your hound plenty of time to rest.
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Pay attention to how your hound moves. Occasional clumsiness is part of growing up but persistent or unexplained limping, stiffness, reluctance to move or a noticeable change in gait should not be ignored. If you have any concerns, speak to your breeder or seek advice from your vet, preferably one familiar with giant breeds.
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Neutering is a decision that deserves careful consideration. If you are considering neutering your hound, take time to discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your breeder and veterinary surgeon. Irish Wolfhounds are a slow-maturing giant breed, and the timing of neutering may be an important consideration.
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If you do decide to neuter, it is particularly important to use a veterinary surgeon who is experienced in treating and anaesthetising giant breeds. Many owners choose to wait until their hound is physically mature, often until at least two years of age, although the right decision will depend on the individual dog and circumstances.
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A hormonal implant (chemical castration) may also be an option for some male dogs and can allow you to consider the effects of temporary suppression of testosterone before making a decision about permanent castration. Discuss all available options with your vet and breeder so that you can make an informed decision that is right for your hound.
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DAILY LIFE AND TRAINING
Irish Wolfhounds learn the daily routine well and will know when it's time to get up, time to walk, and time to eat - their body clocks are fantastic!
TRAINING AND SOCIALISATION
This age can come with regression – known as the teenage phase. Your sweet obedient puppy may test boundaries or appear to forget commands. Stay calm and continue daily training sessions keeping them short and positive.
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Reinforce manners, recall and lead skills.
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Expose them to new environments regularly, especially noisy or crowded places.
Keep meeting people and other dogs but avoid overexposing a sensitive hound.
GROOMING AND HANDLING
By now your Wolfhound should be used to having their nails clipped and being examined all over by you. Continue with:
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Brushing and combing
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Nail checks
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Ear checks
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Mouth checks
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Checking genital areas
You should be teaching your hound to stand still for brushing and examination by vets and by judges if you wish to go down that exciting route.
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Between 1 and 2 years of age, Irish Wolfhounds begin to settle into their adult personalities. Most are gentle, dignified and affectionate – though they may also still have sudden silly moments!
Things to support at this stage:
Encourage independence – avoid constant shadowing to reduce separation anxiety.
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Provide quiet spaces – Irish Wolfhounds often appreciate peace and don’t enjoy hectic environments.
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Maintain daily structure – predictability helps your hound feel secure.
SIZE AND PUBLIC INTERACTION
By 18 months your hound will likely weigh 50-70plus kg and may stand over 32 inches tall to the withers (shoulder.) Their impressive stature draws public attention – prepare for regular comments – you could put a saddle on that, how much does it eat, poop, bet you have a massive house etc etc are all to be expected and tolerated. Use the attention to be an ambassador for the breed and perhaps educate people and children who may be future Wolfhound owners!
Stay calm when approached by strangers or children. But also advocate for your dog; if they're not wanting to be fussed over then listen to them.
Walk politely on a loose lead despite interactions.
Stay relaxed when in busy public areas.
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ROLE AS A BREED AMBASSADOR
Whether or not you choose to show, every Irish Wolfhound is a representative for the breed. A well behaved, healthy hound seen at a fun show, on a walk or relaxing at a café gives you an opportunity to help educate people and protect the future of this special breed.
The Irish Wolfhound Club encourages all owners, new and experienced, to remain connected, learn together and celebrate our shared love for this majestic breed.