Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest dog among all American Kennel Club breeds. Their giant size and muscular build make them formidable opponents, which is why they were commonly used in 15th century Ireland to hunt wolves1. Despite the ferocious lineage, these pups are now known today for their serene, gentle temperament. They boast a beautiful, rough coat that comes in a wide range of colors, including red, black, fawn, white, and gray.
If you're a new puppy parent or are thinking about adding one of these dogs to the family, you might be wondering how big do Irish Wolfhounds get and when do they stop growing?
Here’s everything you need to know about the Irish Wolfhound growth rate, lifespan, size considerations, and more:
- Irish Wolfhound Growth & Weight Chart
- How big do Irish Wolfhounds get?
- How tall is an Irish Wolfhound?
- When do Irish Wolfhounds stop growing?
- How big should an Irish Wolfhound puppy be at six months?
- How much bigger will my Wolfhound get?
- How long do Irish Wolfhounds live?
- Are Irish Wolfhound vet bills expensive?
- Key Takeaways
Pro Tip: Emergencies can happen, even with the best-laid plans. Explore dog health insurance plans from top providers so your Irish Wolfhound can have access to the best veterinary care at an affordable price.
Irish Wolfhound Growth & Weight Chart
| Age | Male Weight | Female Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mo | 5 - 10 lb | 5 - 10 lb |
| 2 mo | 20 - 35 lb | 15 - 30 lb |
| 3 mo | 35 - 55 lb | 25 - 45 lb |
| 4 mo | 40 - 60 lb | 30 - 50 lb |
| 5 mo | 50 - 70 lb | 40 - 60 lb |
| 6 mo | 60 - 80 lb | 50 - 70 lb |
| 7 mo | 70 - 90 lb | 55 - 75 lb |
| 8 mo | 75 - 95 lb | 60 - 80 lb |
| 9 mo | 80 - 100 lb | 65 - 85 lb |
| 10 mo | 90 - 110 lb | 70 - 90 lb |
| 11 mo | 95 - 115 lb | 75 - 95 lb |
| 12 mo | 100 - 120 lb | 80 - 100 lb |
| 24 mo | 110 - 140 lb | 90 - 120 lb |
Please keep in mind that all dogs grow at their own rate. The above numbers are estimates for the healthy Irish Wolfhound puppy weight at different milestones. If your Irish Wolfhound is noticeably larger or smaller than these estimates, consult with your veterinarian to make sure your four-legged friend is growing appropriately.
How big do Irish Wolfhounds get?
According to the American Kennel Club1, an male Irish Wolfhound should weigh about 120 pounds in adulthood. By contrast, a full-grown female will weigh less at about 105 pounds on average.
How tall is an Irish Wolfhound?
The average size of an Irish Wolfhound varies by gender, but according to AKC guidelines, both males and females should stand taller than 30 inches at the shoulders. In some males, the Irish Wolfhound size may be as tall as 35 inches from the ground to the top of the shoulder blade — that's nearly three feet tall!
When do Irish Wolfhounds stop growing?
As giant breed dogs, Irish Wolfhounds take longer to develop and mature compared to small to medium-sized dog breeds. Irish Wolfhounds can take up to two years to fully fill out their chest and reach their total weight. Most Irish Wolfhound puppies will reach their full height of around 30 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder closer to their first birthday.
How big should an Irish Wolfhound puppy be at six months?
A six-month-old Irish Wolfhound puppy will weigh around 60 to 80 pounds if it's a boy. If it's a girl, the average puppy will weigh between 50 to 70. Remember, these numbers represent Irish Wolfhound size estimates based on healthy averages, but your puppy may variate — especially during large growth spurts.
Pro Tip: If you're bringing home a four-legged family, be sure to read through the new puppy checklist to ensure you're prepped to be the best pet parent possible.
How much bigger will my Irish Wolfhound get?
There are several ways to estimate the size of an Irish Wolfhound at maturity:
- Age. Your puppy’s age will be the most significant factor in determining how much more they will grow. If your puppy is between one and two years old currently, they are likely still filling out and will put on some weight. If they are less than one year old, they will probably put on considerably more weight and height.
- Paw Size. You can also take a look at your puppy’s paws. If their paws look oversized next to their body and legs, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic adolescent feature.
- Gender. Irish Wolfhounds have a significant size difference between males and females. Make sure you consider which gender your pup is, as this will impact their final size and growth.
- Parents. Lastly, try reaching out to your Irish Wolfhound’s breeder. Their breeder should be able to give you a more precise estimate of your pup’s expected adult size based on their parents and past litters.
How long do Irish Wolfhounds live?
The typical lifespan of an Irish Wolfhound is six to 10 years. Like all purebreds, these dogs are more prone to certain genetic disorders3, including:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
- Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer in dogs
- Bloat
- Liver shunts
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Seizures
Due to the very large size of an Irish Wolfhound and fast growth as puppies, the breed is also more prone to injury. That's why veterinarians often recommend serving a specific formula for large-breed puppies when selecting which food to give your dog.
Are Irish Wolfhound vet bills expensive
As pet parents to giant dogs, it’s important to be aware that it's often more expensive to treat health issues in dogs of large breeds. An Irish Wolfhound may require double or even triple the amount of medication that a smaller dog needs to treat the same illness, making veterinary care more expensive as a whole for these stately canines4.
For example, osteosarcoma is a common type of cancer in Irish Wolfhounds that is typically treated with amputation and chemotherapy. On average, chemotherapy treatment for dogs with osteosarcoma can cost between $2,000 to $4,000. However, a giant dog is more likely to require greater amounts of chemotherapy, which may impact the overall cost.
This is where pet insurance comes in. Pet insurance gives you a financial safety net by reimbursing you for up to 100% of out-of-pocket veterinary costs so that you can focus on what’s really important: your dog’s health and happiness. Set your Irish Wolfhound up with a pet insurance plan today so that you can rest easy knowing your dog is covered should they need treatment for developed diseases, injuries, or other emergencies. Routine wellness plans can also help with everyday health care costs, such as vaccines, x-rays, bloodwork, and regular veterinary checkups. Give your puppy the ultimate gift by ensuring they will always have access to gold-standard veterinary care throughout their lifetime.
Key Takeaways
- According to breed standards, the Irish Wolfhound size when standing should be over 30 inches tall at the shoulder.
- On average, a full-grown Irish Wolfhound weighs between 90-140 pounds depending on the dog's gender, genetic lineage, and lifestyle.
- The Irish Wolfhound size and weight dimmensions classifiy these dogs as a "giant" breed, and the tallest recognized breed with the AKC.
- As purebreds, these dogs are more prone to certain hereditary issues such as osteosarcoma, DCM, and bloat.
- Pet insurance gives you a financial safety net so that you can ensure your dog always receives the best veterinary care at an affordable price.
References
- American Kennel Club, "Irish Wolfhound" Accessed Sept. 22, 2021.
- American Kennel Club, “Official Standard of the Irish Wolfhound” Accessed Sept. 22, 2021.
- Irish Wolfhound Club of America, “Irish Wolfhound Health and Longevity” Accessed Sept. 22, 2021.
- American Kennel Club, “Living Large Raising An Irish Wolfhound Puppy” Accessed Sept. 22, 2021.
