Yes, Irish Wolfhounds (IWs) are historically hunting dogs. Originally bred in Ireland, they were used by nobility for hunting large game such as wolves, deer, and boar. Their great size, strength, and speed made them ideal for this purpose, especially when pursuing prey across open terrain. Although their role as hunters has largely diminished over time, their instincts can still be seen in their alertness and occasional prey drive. Today, Irish Wolfhounds are more commonly kept as gentle and affectionate companions, but their roots as skilled sighthounds remain an important part of their history and temperament.
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What do Irish Wolfhounds Hunt for these days?
These days, Irish Wolfhounds aren’t typically used for hunting in the traditional sense. While they were originally bred to hunt wolves, deer, and other large game, modern IWs are primarily companion animals known for their calm and gentle temperament.
However, some Irish Wolfhounds may still exhibit natural prey drive and could instinctively chase small animals like rabbits, squirrels, or even deer if given the opportunity—especially in open areas. In rare cases, they may be involved in coursing events (a sport that simulates hunting using a lure), but not actual hunting.
Overall, today’s Irish Wolfhounds “hunt” mostly for comfortable spots to nap, food, and affection! 🐾
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20 of the most well known hunting dog breeds
| Breed | Size (Height & Weight) | Primary Hunting Role | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish Wolfhound | 79–90 cm; 54–70 kg | Big game hunting | Gentle, calm, loyal; originally bred to hunt wolves and large game |
| Labrador Retriever | 55–62 cm; 25–36 kg | Waterfowl retrieving | Friendly, outgoing, highly trainable; excels in retrieving game from water |
| Golden Retriever | 51–61 cm; 25–34 kg | Waterfowl retrieving | Intelligent, friendly, reliable; known for gentle mouth grip |
| Beagle | 33–41 cm; 9–11 kg | Small game tracking | Curious, merry, friendly; excellent sense of smell for tracking |
| Pointer | 58–71 cm; 20–34 kg | Bird locating (pointing) | Even-tempered, alert, hardworking; indicates location of game by pointing |
| English Springer Spaniel | 48–51 cm; 18–23 kg | Flushing game | Affectionate, eager, quick; flushes game from dense cover |
| Cocker Spaniel | 38–41 cm; 13–16 kg | Flushing game | Gentle, smart, happy; adept at flushing and retrieving game |
| Weimaraner | 58–68 cm; 25–40 kg | Versatile hunting | Energetic, friendly, fearless; used for hunting large game and birds |
| Chesapeake Bay Retriever | 53–66 cm; 25–36 kg | Waterfowl retrieving | Intelligent, protective, versatile; excellent in cold water retrieves |
| Vizsla | 53–64 cm; 20–30 kg | Versatile hunting | Affectionate, energetic, gentle; points and retrieves game |
| Brittany Spaniel | 47–52 cm; 14–20 kg | Bird hunting | Bright, upbeat, fun-loving; excellent at pointing and retrieving |
| Bloodhound | 58–69 cm; 36–50 kg | Scent tracking | Gentle, patient, noble; unparalleled scent tracking abilities |
| German Shorthaired Pointer | 53–64 cm; 20–32 kg | Versatile hunting | Friendly, intelligent, willing; adept at hunting both birds and mammals |
| American Foxhound | 53–64 cm; 29–34 kg | Fox hunting | Independent, easy-going, sweet-tempered; known for endurance and speed |
| Bluetick Coonhound | 53–69 cm; 20–36 kg | Raccoon hunting | Smart, devoted, tenacious; excels in night tracking |
| Redbone Coonhound | 53–69 cm; 20–32 kg | Raccoon and bear hunting | Even-tempered, amiable, eager; versatile hunter |
| Plott Hound | 51–64 cm; 18–27 kg | Boar and bear hunting | Loyal, alert, confident; known for stamina and determination |
| Treeing Walker Coonhound | 51–69 cm; 20–36 kg | Raccoon hunting | Smart, brave, courteous; excels in tracking and treeing game |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | 61–69 cm; 29–41 kg | Lion hunting | Dignified, affectionate, even-tempered; originally bred to hunt lions in Africa |
| Dachshund | 20–23 cm; 7–15 kg | Small game hunting | Curious, friendly, spunky; used for hunting badgers and other burrowing animals |
Some sweet gifts for the Irish Wolfhound lover...
Breed Purpose and History of the Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the most ancient and noble dog breeds, with roots tracing back to at least 391 A.D., when they were gifted to Roman consuls as war dogs. Bred in Ireland, their primary purpose was to hunt large game, most famously wolves—hence the name. These massive hounds were also used to take down deer, boar, and even protect homesteads from invaders and wild animals.
Their sheer size, speed, and power made them ideal for coursing large prey across open terrain. At one point, they were so effective at eradicating wolves that they nearly outlived their original job; wolves were hunted to extinction in Ireland, and by the 1700s, the breed itself was on the brink of disappearing.
Thanks to a dedicated effort led by Captain George Augustus Graham in the 19th century, the breed was revived through careful breeding with similar large sighthounds like the Scottish Deerhound and Great Dane. While their hunting days are behind them, the Irish Wolfhound remains a symbol of dignity, courage, and loyalty—now cherished as a gentle giant and companion dog.
Irish Wolfhound FAQs
- 1. Are Irish Wolfhounds good family dogs?
Yes, they are gentle, affectionate, and great with children. - 2. How big do Irish Wolfhounds get?
Males can reach up to 35 inches at the shoulder and weigh around 140-180 lbs. - 3. Do Irish Wolfhounds require a lot of exercise?
They need moderate exercise, like daily walks and occasional sprints. - 4. How long do Irish Wolfhounds live?
Sadly, they have a short lifespan of around 6-8 years. - 5. Are Irish Wolfhounds easy to train?
They are intelligent but can be independent, so consistent training is key. - 6. Do Irish Wolfhounds shed a lot?
They have a rough coat that sheds moderately and requires regular grooming. - 7. Are Irish Wolfhounds aggressive?
No, they are known as gentle giants and are rarely aggressive. - 8. Can Irish Wolfhounds live in apartments?
They can, but they need enough space to stretch out and regular walks. - 9. What health issues do Irish Wolfhounds face?
They are prone to heart disease, bloat, and joint issues. - 10. Are Irish Wolfhounds good guard dogs?
Not really—they may look intimidating, but they are too friendly to be effective guard dogs.
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