EXPECTATIONS
Living with a mature giant: Practical advice, realistic costs and what to expect.
By the age of two, your Irish Wolfhound has left behind the chaos of puppyhood and hopefully the awkward teenage phase. You are now entering young adulthood with your hound and they are beginning to show their true grace, presence and calm personality. Between the ages of 2 and 7 most Irish Wolfhounds settle into their roles as loyal, affectionate and surprisingly sensitive empathetic companions.
But living with a giant breed also comes with practical realities that deserve careful thought – from transport and food bills to insurance and space needs.
TEMPERAMENT
The temperament of an adult Irish Wolfhound is laid back. They can be demanding in their message - they know their body clock and they know when it's diner time - so you will definitely know too!
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They will communicate when they want ear rubs, when they want cuddles - they are leaners too so have strong legs!
EXCERCISE
Your adult hound will enjoy daily exercise but doesn’t require intense, forced or prolonged activity.
One or two moderate walks per day (20 to 40 minutes) depending on pace, terrain and health is more than sufficient.
Free running in safe, enclosed spaces is ideal.
Mental enrichment - puzzle toys and scent games are just as important as physical activity
Avoid high impact activities like regular ball chasing (some Wolfhounds do actually like to play fetch) – chasing or forced jogging for long periods. Some activities are too hard on giant breed joints.
TRANSPORT
By now your Wolfhound likely weighs 50-90kg and stands well over 32 inches tall to their withers (shoulders). Transporting them safely and comfortably is a major consideration.
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Choosing a suitable vehicle
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Most small cars won’t accommodate a Wolfhound safely. Consider upgrading to:
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An estate care with fold flat rear seats.
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A large SUV or 4 x 4 with boot space and low rear access.
A van style vehicle with a low floor and fitted crates and or mattresses.
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Install ramps or sturdy steps to the vehicle as jumping in and out of a vehicle is not a good idea due to joint issues.
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Make sure there is space for your hound to lie down comfortably, especially on longer journeys.
COST OF LIVING
Caring for a giant breed responsibly comes with a significant ongoing cost. While worth every penny, it is important for owners to budget realistically.
Food
A high quality, balanced diet is essential to allow joints, cartlidge and tendons etc to grow correctly and with the necessary speed.
Expect to feed 600g to 1.2kg of food complete dog food per day depending on activity and growth phases. If feeding a raw diet to a growing male hound, expect to feed up to 4kg of raw food per day some weeks!
The monthly cost of food can be anything from around about £80 to £150 depending on food choice and there are so many options to choose from.
Insurance
Due to their size and health predispositions insurance premiums can be high.
Policies should be for life time cover and should be for the maximum annual cover and excess you can afford.
Monthly costs can be anything from £60 to £150 plus rising sharply with age and health conditions.
Alternatives include self-insure with a savings pot for emergencies but you could easily need £20,000.00 sat in an account should an accident occur so normally this is not advisable.
Vets bills
Even with insurance, owners will face costs such as:
Annual boosters (should you choose to go down this route) – or you could titre test after the initial core puppy vaccinations.
Annual checkups
Flea and worming medications – chemical or natural type.
Diagnostics due to breed size and health risks ie annual heart testing. The Irish Wolfhound Health Group run an annual Heart Testing screening programme for all dogs over 2 years of age. It's recommended to join their mailing list so you will be notified of the sessions in / near your area.
Always budget for unexpected emergencies like injury, gastric torsion or infections.
Other regular costs
Bedding. Wolfhounds need large, well padded beds, often replaced if they are going through a teething stage! Vet bed and vet bed gold are great choices as they are easy to wash, dry and transport.
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Leads, collars, bowls, raised feeders.
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Grooming tools.
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Travel crates, x pens, baby gates.
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Property wear and tear (giant paws and tails can knock furniture, damage ornaments, plants and paintwork very easily.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THIS STAGE IN LIFE
This is typically the healthiest most stable phase of a Wolfhounds life.
You may start to notice mild signs of wear; stiffness after lying down, a bit more sleeping or early signs of joint discomfort as they get towards their veteran years.
Mental maturity
Wolfhounds develop slowly and often aren’t truly grown up until the age of 3-5 years old.
Most settle into a predictable, calm and emotionally intelligent rhythm by the time there are 3 years of age.
Continue with low pressure short training sessions – they never stop learning but dislike over correction or raised voices.
Social behaviour
Intact males may become more territorial or dominant with other males but it is very much dependent on your own hounds personality.
Be aware of your hounds body language and watch introductions with new dogs. Never put your hound in a position they may feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable.
Ongoing activities, enrichment and mental health.
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Wolfhounds are thinkers. Use food puzzles, scent trails if they enjoy them or training games to keep their minds sharp.
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Keep life interesting with different walk routes, visit new places or maybe some fun group walks or play dates.
Emotional wellbeing
Wolfhounds are deeply bonded to their people. Ensure that:
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They are not left alone for long periods regularly.
Visitors understand and respect their size and calm nature.
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You continue to engage with your hound even as they become quieter and mature.
Your Wolfhound will understand you and show deep empathy. The knowing look or nudge from them is all that is needed to let you know they are there for you.
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THROUGH THE YEARS
From 2 to 7 your Irish Wolfhound is in the prime of their life. A time of strength, gentleness and deep companionship. While they require thought, space and financial planning, they offer an unmatched presence and heart.
Whether lounging on your settee, trotting elegantly beside you or gently greeting visitors, they are ambassadors of the breed everyday of their lives.
Take the time to enjoy these years and know that the Irish Wolfhound Club is here to support you throughout your journey.
SIZE AND PUBLIC INTERACTION
The impressive stature of an Irish Wolfhound draws public attention, so prepare for regular comments – you could put a saddle on that, how much does it eat, poop, bet you have a massive house (for example), 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!
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Stay calm when approached by strangers or children but remember to advocate for your dog.
Walk politely on a loose lead despite interactions.
Stay relaxed in busy public area.
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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.
Welcoming an Irish Wolfhound puppy
2 Years+