Oh mercy I want one so freakin bad. This may sound like a hippie babble but i think have a spiritual connection to this breed, ever since the day I encountered my first IWH. It's really frustrating not to own one right now.
I would much rather have a large dog than a small one around children. I've been around strays and abused dogs of all breeds volunteering at shelters and vets, and you know what was the one and only dog I was bitten by, of all the 'dangerous' animals I interacted with, including pits, rotties and others?
My aunt's spoiled rotten chihuahua. Bastard took a chunk of my ankle for standing in HIS living room. I wanted to punt him but I might've hurt him. Bah.
I've longed for a IW for 30 years, ever since I was in the High Strett and here came a HUGE, grey leggy thing--the public, normally so reserved, went wild, touching him, shouting out. He just stood there, for all the world like the coolest dude in dogdom. But man, their health problems scare me--bloat, heart, joint sepsis, on and on. I'd feel very insecure about owning such a beatiful creature without two vets standing by. Maybe a deer-hound instead? Lovely gentleman you have! I envy you--
I know exactly what you mean. My Wolfhound-cross just died but at a good age (15) and quite naturally. No idea what the other part of Rusty was but he had an exact wolfhound shape but only 1/2 - 3/4's the size. It's been nearly a year now and we're thinking about looking for a new hound and of course the only word anyone is saying is 'Wolfhound'. Rusty's long life (and hybrid vigour) was obviously down to his mixed heritage and much as I think the Wolfhound to be the greatest breed ever...
...Im in two minds about getting one because of the health problems you mention and the pitifully short lifespans. And that starts me wondering about the whole concept of pedigree dogs. Its easy to understand the passion of Wolfhound breeders when you consider what beautiful, wonderful-natured creatures they produce... but then if the human race were to breed exclusively within the family, wed be in very bad shape fast. I wonder why some new genes aren't considered?
I'd recommend you overcome your fear and just get one. What is there to regret? Under normal conditions you have to assume to survive your dog, no matter which breed you choose. Follow your heart, or is it better to have never loved than to have loved and lost?
I intend to own one of these one day. I don't know when, but one day I will!
They have a great patience with little children. It was that who made me get an IW. His name was Ike and he learned my youngest daughter to walk, she was 8 month old cling önto his coat, he was 2 years old, just standing there, still.
i would really like to own one there so majestic and lovely natured, my only concern is that they would no protect the house because they are so friendly
Good luck to you, I hope you will find the right breeder for you. That I think is one of the most important things to think of, a breeder who always will be there for you, night or day. And of course I hope you will find the right puppy too. Enjoy every minute, they grow up way to fast :o).
I do my best, I BARF all my dogs (I also have a small mix) and I belive it makes a huge differens in longevity and health compared to dogs who's fed on kibble.
Thank you, well their life span is short I know, but I couldn't imagine to be without an IW, they are such sweet souls. As long I'm fit enough to have one there will allways be one in my household.
He was seven yrs old then. Now he is eight going on nine (in April). He is still happy, playing and jumping around on the fields when we take our morning walks.
I just love Wolfies, but I've always been afraid to get attached to a dog that might not be with me so long. I am amazed to find out he is still in fine shape at that age! He's gorgeous, you're so lucky!
hm yeah the fast growth of their bones predisposes for bone cancer and their big hearts, like all large breeds make them als predisposed for dilated cardiomyopathy and so affecting its endurance and giving breathing problems. Also the shape of the thorax in relation to the abdomen makes the stomach easy to turn etc. .But I think an average of 5-7 years is too pessimistic, as veterinary healthcare is quickly improving, which grants these dogs an increased lifespan.
Oh I love Wolfhounds so much. I had an IW/English Sheepdog mix when I was growing up, and he was my best friend. I can't wait until I've got my own house and can adopt one. *sigh* I've never met another breed as sweet as the wolfhounds I've known.
I want one as part of my family so bad, I am being patient. I want to have a fitting home for it first. At this rate though I am afraid it will outlive me. :)
We have had our IW for two and a half years now. I cant say that there is a better breed out there, at least for myself anyway. Ours is the biggest I have seen. He is about 225 right now but isn't fat at all.
2 must be a magic number for the IW owner, it's the most common one among us. I have had two also and I'm now waiting for the right one to come to our family, as Loke at the moment are my only IW.
There are som phrases about the IW. Gentle when stroked, firced when provocted and As a lamb at home, as a lion in hunt. So I suppose the dog who took your python must have been hunting then.
Congratulations to your puppy. Enyoj him while he's little, they grow fast, belivie me. I have one here who is 6 month old and he is soon as high as the 7 year dog and weights around 50 kg's. :o)
No, he has an injured knee since he was a youngster, thats why he kicks with his right hindleg and will not stand on it as he should.He has no pain from it.
That's a big dog....
JeffrreyDahmer 7 months ago
Oh mercy I want one so freakin bad. This may sound like a hippie babble but i think have a spiritual connection to this breed, ever since the day I encountered my first IWH. It's really frustrating not to own one right now.
pablocoon 8 months ago
I would much rather have a large dog than a small one around children. I've been around strays and abused dogs of all breeds volunteering at shelters and vets, and you know what was the one and only dog I was bitten by, of all the 'dangerous' animals I interacted with, including pits, rotties and others?
My aunt's spoiled rotten chihuahua. Bastard took a chunk of my ankle for standing in HIS living room. I wanted to punt him but I might've hurt him. Bah.
Nyghtshade409 1 year ago
Now that is what you call a big dog. Sweeeeeeeeeet!
Ebbs1204 1 year ago
That Afghan behing you is really pretty.
KamLautner 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Did he win?
TheLeahvillalobos 1 year ago
He's so beautiful and looks so happy!! I love these dogs.
snowcloud 1 year ago
Our irish wolfhound runs into our pug, our pug rolls over, get up and starts playing with the irish wolfhound again!
topcat5665 1 year ago
Cool dogs.
Big heads with not not much inside them.
chinesecantdrive 2 years ago
aw i have wanted an i.w for ages but i have two ten yr old cats...would they get on ya think???
bicgal 2 years ago
Dog shows don't really work for me when it comes to Wolfhounds. They're all the best.
blackmore4 2 years ago
i know those dogs are big as lovelane said they are a friendly giant:) nice vid
danbit5 3 years ago
i think thats the big dog i viewed when younger but must of seen it a couple feet bigger.we had eye contact lol
danbit5 3 years ago
I've longed for a IW for 30 years, ever since I was in the High Strett and here came a HUGE, grey leggy thing--the public, normally so reserved, went wild, touching him, shouting out. He just stood there, for all the world like the coolest dude in dogdom. But man, their health problems scare me--bloat, heart, joint sepsis, on and on. I'd feel very insecure about owning such a beatiful creature without two vets standing by. Maybe a deer-hound instead? Lovely gentleman you have! I envy you--
marginallymental 3 years ago 2
I know exactly what you mean. My Wolfhound-cross just died but at a good age (15) and quite naturally. No idea what the other part of Rusty was but he had an exact wolfhound shape but only 1/2 - 3/4's the size. It's been nearly a year now and we're thinking about looking for a new hound and of course the only word anyone is saying is 'Wolfhound'. Rusty's long life (and hybrid vigour) was obviously down to his mixed heritage and much as I think the Wolfhound to be the greatest breed ever...
blackmore4 2 years ago
...Im in two minds about getting one because of the health problems you mention and the pitifully short lifespans. And that starts me wondering about the whole concept of pedigree dogs. Its easy to understand the passion of Wolfhound breeders when you consider what beautiful, wonderful-natured creatures they produce... but then if the human race were to breed exclusively within the family, wed be in very bad shape fast. I wonder why some new genes aren't considered?
blackmore4 2 years ago
I'd recommend you overcome your fear and just get one. What is there to regret? Under normal conditions you have to assume to survive your dog, no matter which breed you choose. Follow your heart, or is it better to have never loved than to have loved and lost?
I intend to own one of these one day. I don't know when, but one day I will!
Tormentor 2 years ago 5
Watching this breed interact w/small pets and children is an amazing sight. They are such gentle giants. Loke is beautiful.
lovelane4 3 years ago 8
They have a great patience with little children. It was that who made me get an IW. His name was Ike and he learned my youngest daughter to walk, she was 8 month old cling önto his coat, he was 2 years old, just standing there, still.
Sushi58 3 years ago
i would really like to own one there so majestic and lovely natured, my only concern is that they would no protect the house because they are so friendly
angusstan 2 years ago
beatifull dog he's huge my freinds have a irish wolfhound im thinking of getting one next year i love them.
teeno38 3 years ago
Good luck to you, I hope you will find the right breeder for you. That I think is one of the most important things to think of, a breeder who always will be there for you, night or day. And of course I hope you will find the right puppy too. Enjoy every minute, they grow up way to fast :o).
Sushi58 3 years ago
Wow, he's in such wonderful shape for his age! Beautiful dog. :3 You must take great care of him!
teimleigh 3 years ago
I do my best, I BARF all my dogs (I also have a small mix) and I belive it makes a huge differens in longevity and health compared to dogs who's fed on kibble.
Sushi58 3 years ago
Thank you, well their life span is short I know, but I couldn't imagine to be without an IW, they are such sweet souls. As long I'm fit enough to have one there will allways be one in my household.
Sushi58 3 years ago
7 years?! Bless him!
morphine883 3 years ago
He was seven yrs old then. Now he is eight going on nine (in April). He is still happy, playing and jumping around on the fields when we take our morning walks.
Sushi58 3 years ago
I just love Wolfies, but I've always been afraid to get attached to a dog that might not be with me so long. I am amazed to find out he is still in fine shape at that age! He's gorgeous, you're so lucky!
morphine883 3 years ago
Glad to hear he's going on nine. I have heard the average life span is only 6-8 years, so you must be keeping him in great shape.
MRSketch09 3 years ago
No the average is 10 years.Got that off a book about dogs
clubbythe 2 years ago
Ah, thanks for the informative reply.
MRSketch09 2 years ago
only 10% of all irish wolfhound become 10 years old. so its wrong. the average is 5-7 years.
zEXXXY 2 years ago
hm yeah the fast growth of their bones predisposes for bone cancer and their big hearts, like all large breeds make them als predisposed for dilated cardiomyopathy and so affecting its endurance and giving breathing problems. Also the shape of the thorax in relation to the abdomen makes the stomach easy to turn etc. .But I think an average of 5-7 years is too pessimistic, as veterinary healthcare is quickly improving, which grants these dogs an increased lifespan.
Snabbelkrab 1 year ago
a dog show....
Havoc01Diablo 3 years ago
that dogs fucking massive!
RomanticFlowerx 3 years ago
Congratulations for this wonderfull dog from buenos aires Argentina, to you.
Hugs!
DeLaVictoriaRanchKOM 3 years ago
Thank you so much.
Sushi58 3 years ago
its a shame they only live up to seven years old.
MishMash987 3 years ago
Some of them get older. My Loke is still live and kicking, he is today 8,5 years old. Happy, playing and running on the fields.
Sushi58 3 years ago
Had a brindle when I was a kid. Beautiful spirit. Hope to get another to share with my kids.
padric2 3 years ago 2
I prefer the black ones but they are rare. Now I got one more, a ......yeah thats right a brindle one ;o), a bitch.
Sushi58 3 years ago
nice horse..looks abit like adog
nisskyr34gtr 3 years ago
I currently have a puppy IW mixed with an Old English Sheepdog. He is so sweet and loving, I can't wait to see how big he will get.
howiemandelbabe 3 years ago
lol
i want a IW, but my mom wont let me get 1 cuz they're huge and cuz we already have a dog (whose a yorkie btw)
he's the best :D
beardedlady94 3 years ago
Oh I love Wolfhounds so much. I had an IW/English Sheepdog mix when I was growing up, and he was my best friend. I can't wait until I've got my own house and can adopt one. *sigh* I've never met another breed as sweet as the wolfhounds I've known.
bellasoprano 4 years ago
I want one as part of my family so bad, I am being patient. I want to have a fitting home for it first. At this rate though I am afraid it will outlive me. :)
frittercake222 4 years ago
My family has 3 IW. And 2 more before those. Manowar wolfhounds. :)
lolproxandrox 4 years ago
nice, i raised three litters and i miss em all, nothing like growing up with dogs that are near double your weight.
talonofblades06 4 years ago 2
koo horse how often do you ride him?
certifiedgmane 4 years ago
We have had our IW for two and a half years now. I cant say that there is a better breed out there, at least for myself anyway. Ours is the biggest I have seen. He is about 225 right now but isn't fat at all.
finnisgr8 4 years ago
everyone has to love irish wolfhounds. i have 2 btw :D
unclezaius 4 years ago
2 must be a magic number for the IW owner, it's the most common one among us. I have had two also and I'm now waiting for the right one to come to our family, as Loke at the moment are my only IW.
Sushi58 4 years ago
I used to think these dogs were gentle, but last year one tore my 12 ft python (bilbo) to pieces.
He was asleep in a sack on the windowsill ,and the dog just walked in to the garden, saw him there and just made off with him.
In the dog's defence, I did regularly use the sack for the storage of sausages and he could have mistaken him for bangers.
loki1066 4 years ago
Oh, how terrible.
There are som phrases about the IW. Gentle when stroked, firced when provocted and As a lamb at home, as a lion in hunt. So I suppose the dog who took your python must have been hunting then.
Sushi58 4 years ago
No , they're lovely dogs, I was joking about the snake.
Der
loki1066 4 years ago
i saw one one day and from a distance i thought it was a cow
goatboy679 4 years ago
That was a new one. I often get to hear the horse and the saddle joke. ;o)
But yes, people often mistakes them for other larger animals.
Sushi58 4 years ago
Lovely Dog, and looks very happy. I also have one but she is only 9 weeks old so not quite as big, Yet!
jakhound 4 years ago
Congratulations to your puppy. Enyoj him while he's little, they grow fast, belivie me. I have one here who is 6 month old and he is soon as high as the 7 year dog and weights around 50 kg's. :o)
Sushi58 4 years ago
lanky bollux
toys4bigboys 4 years ago
MAN
reelhooker 4 years ago
The Spanish Conquistador's used to let Irish wolfhounds on to American Indians for fun. CHOMP.
johnson01 4 years ago
Beautiful looking dog you have!
BigProof4eva 4 years ago
I hate tiny rings for Sighthounds ! But your dog def. is having a good time.
sitehnd 4 years ago
This dog very bad foot
ignor64 4 years ago
No, he has an injured knee since he was a youngster, thats why he kicks with his right hindleg and will not stand on it as he should.He has no pain from it.
Sushi58 4 years ago
no,displasy!!!!
ignor64 4 years ago
No, it's not. I had him x-rayed September-06. Knees and hips.
Sushi58 4 years ago
that dog is almost bigger than my neighbors miniature horses!
therockeronner 4 years ago
he looks very well put together for seven. what is his pedigree?
Bunraite 5 years ago