Irish Wolfhounds

The wiry coat doesn't tend to mat, but it still needs to be combed or brushed with a pin brush once or twice a week. Ideally, use a tool called an undercoat rake to remove loose undercoat all over the body. Then use the pin brush to get loose outer coat hair. Use a comb to brush out any small tangles. Irish Wolfhounds do shed, but they tend to shed moderately throughout the year rather than have one or two overwhelming shedding seasons. And although they don't shed a lot, their coat covers a large surface area, so be prepared to clean up hairs. They have a double-coat, and the undercoat is the part that tends to shed more. Ideally, you should regularly use your fingers or a stripping knife to remove the dead outer coat which will be dried up and unhealthy looking, and take away from the sleek look of your dog. The Irish Wolfhounds you see in the show ring have all been stripped so their coat looks its best. The beard can get saliva and food stuck in it, so either cut it back or wash it regularly. Cutting the nails is the hardest part of grooming. You may have to cut them in older dogs more frequently. You’ll need heavy-duty nail clippers, or a grinder. Work with your Irish Wolfhound starting in puppyhood to accustom him to lying or standing calmly, as you don’t ever want this to devolve into a wrestling match. Brush their teeth daily.

It’s easy to forget that even though this breed is a far cry from a hyperactive dog, Irish Wolfhounds still need to exercise every day. This can take the form of games such as chase in the yard, a quick jog around the neighborhood, or a hike in the woods. They’re typically not enthusiastic swimmers, nor are they particularly interested in games of Frisbee or in swimming or retrieving. They are not good candidates for marathons. Because of their intimidating size, they are not generally a great breed for dog parks, but this can depend on the individual. Their size and thick coat can make overheating a concern, so avoid intense activity during warm days.

Remember that large breed dogs need large breed foods. Irish Wolfhounds thrive on diets specifically formulated for large dogs. Large breed puppy foods provide high quality protein and balanced calcium:phosphorus ratios which are especially critical, and cause the Irish Wolfhound puppies to grow at a steady rate. Many studies have shown that rapid growth increases the chance of many developmental joint diseases to which Irish Wolfhounds are already susceptible, including elbow dysplasia. Free-feeding is not recommended for large breed puppies, as they can overeat, increasing their growth rate and the chance of developmental joint disease. Instead feed several small meals over the course of a day, starting with three to four meals as a little puppy, then two meals at about four months of age, transitioning to an adult diet at around 9 months. Note that dry large breed food has larger kibble size, which gives the dog the chance to crunch and chew more. Be sure to monitor your Irish Wolfhound’s weight. You should be able to feel the ribs with gentle probing, and there should be a definite indication of a waist, with no dimple over the tail or roll of fat over the withers. Obesity makes joint disease worse, so always keep your Irish Wolfhound trim—as any sighthound should be. Always consult with your veterinarian if your dog has a particular health problem. Many specialized diets are available that are scientifically formulated for different conditions.