Irish Wolfhound
Giant dog (over 45 kg), typically living 6–8 years.
Typical adult weight
Males: 55–70 kg
Females: 48–60 kg
Individual pets vary. Body condition matters more than the number on the scales.
At a glance
Typical lifespan
Median lifespan for a Irish Wolfhound is around 8.5 years, based on an estimate built from this breed's size, type and published lifespan range. Try our dog lifespan calculator for a figure adjusted to your own dog.
Life with a Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound needs a good daily walk plus some off-lead time to feel settled. As a giant dog (over 45 kg as an adult), it is quick to learn and usually responds very well to training, which matters most in the first year while good habits are being formed. It also is fairly quiet, with occasional barking.
Coat care is a big part of day-to-day life with this breed: its coat benefits from a regular weekly brush to stay tidy, and it sheds a moderate amount, with heavier shedding at coat-change times. Around the home, the Irish Wolfhound has a reputation as an excellent family dog and is typically gentle with children and tends to get along well with other dogs and household pets, though every individual dog is different and early, positive socialisation makes a real difference.
Weather is worth planning for too – this breed doesn't tolerate heat well and should be walked in the cooler parts of the day. Whatever your plans for exercise, feeding or budgeting, the tools below are pre-loaded with typical figures for the Irish Wolfhound so you can get a quick, personalised estimate.
Puppy growth chart
Estimated weight by age, based on an adult weight of around 58.3 kg (the midpoint of typical males and females) and a standard giant-breed growth curve. Real puppies vary by ±15% or more.
| Age | % of adult weight | Expected weight |
|---|---|---|
| 12 weeks | 25% | 14.6 kg |
| 16 weeks | 33% | 19.2 kg |
| 26 weeks | 50% | 29.1 kg |
| 39 weeks | 70% | 40.8 kg |
| 52 weeks | 80% | 46.6 kg |
| 78 weeks | 95% | 55.3 kg |
| 104 weeks | 100% | 58.3 kg |
Feeding guide by weight
Rough daily amounts for a neutered adult Irish Wolfhound of average activity, using the standard 70 × weight0.75 formula and a typical dry food energy density of 3600 kcal/kg. Always check the exact figure on your own food's packaging.
| Body weight | Daily calories | Roughly dry food |
|---|---|---|
| 48 kg | 2042 kcal | 567 g |
| 58.3 kg | 2363 kcal | 656 g |
| 70 kg | 2710 kcal | 753 g |
For a figure tailored to your dog's age, activity and neuter status, use the dog food calculator.
Daily exercise needs
As a terriers and small spaniel-type dog, the Irish Wolfhound typically needs about 45–75 minutes of exercise a day, split across one or two walks plus some off-lead time or play where possible.
Puppies, seniors and dogs recovering from illness need much less – see how much exercise does my dog need for a plan by age and health.
Estimated UK costs
Ongoing costs (food, insurance, routine vet care, flea/worm treatment, grooming and extras) for a Irish Wolfhound typically run to around £277–£375 a month, or roughly £41,550–£56,250 over an average 12.5-year lifetime, not including one-off costs like purchase price, neutering or equipment.
Insurers price on breed. Flat-faced breeds (breathing and eye surgery) and large or giant breeds (joint surgery) usually cost more to insure and to treat.
These figures are UK averages and will vary by region and lifestyle. See our cost-of-ownership guide for a full breakdown you can adjust yourself.
Health conditions to be aware of
Like all breeds, the Irish Wolfhound has its own set of conditions vets keep an eye out for. Knowing about them ahead of time means you can ask the right questions, consider health screening, and choose insurance cover that suits.
- Bloat
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Bone cancer
A breed being prone to a condition does not mean your pet will get it. Ask your vet about screening and insurance.
Calculators for your Irish Wolfhound
Guides to read next
Estimates only – not a substitute for advice from your vet.
Last reviewed: 22 September 2026