How Big Are Irish Wolfhounds?

Table of Contents

Introduction
The Impressive Size of Irish Wolfhounds
Irish Wolfhound Size Compared to Humans
What to Expect as They Grow
Conclusion

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Introduction

Irish Wolfhounds are renowned for their massive size, often being referred to as “gentle giants.” But just how big do these dogs get? And how do they compare in size to an average adult human? In this blog, we’ll explore the impressive growth of Irish Wolfhounds from puppyhood to adulthood, showcasing their size every step of the way.

The Impressive Size of Irish Wolfhounds

Irish Wolfhounds hold the title of being one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. When fully grown, they can stand as tall as 35 inches at the shoulder and can easily reach over 7 feet when standing on their hind legs. Males typically weigh between 140 to 180 pounds, while females weigh slightly less but are still impressively large. Despite their size, these dogs are known for their calm and affectionate nature. But their immense stature can be overwhelming for new owners, especially as they grow from tiny puppies into towering adults.

Irish Wolfhound Size Compared to Humans

To give you a clear picture of how big an Irish Wolfhound can get, we’ve created a table comparing their growth at different stages of development to the average height of an adult human (around 5’7″ or 170 cm).

Age	Size of Irish Wolfhound	Size Comparison to Adult Human
8 Weeks (Puppy)	12-14 inches at the shoulder, 15-20 pounds	The size of a large domestic cat, just above the ankle of an adult human.
6 Months	24-28 inches at the shoulder, 70-100 pounds	About knee height or slightly above, approaching the size of a medium-sized dog.
1 Year	30-32 inches at the shoulder, 110-150 pounds	Reaches the waist or higher; now comparable in size to a large adult Labrador or Golden Retriever.
18 Months (Full Grown)	32-35 inches at the shoulder, 140-180 pounds	Reaches mid-thigh to waist height while on all fours. Standing on their hind legs, they tower over most humans, reaching over 7 feet tall.

As you can see, Irish Wolfhounds experience rapid growth in their first year and continue to fill out in height and weight until around 18 months, when they reach their full adult size.

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What to Expect as They Grow

While Irish Wolfhounds start out relatively small as puppies, they grow quickly. By six months, they are often the size of many fully grown dogs. As they grow, expect significant changes in their energy levels, exercise needs, and appetite. These dogs are known for their gentle temperament, but they require space to move and stretch as they mature. One thing to keep in mind is that Irish Wolfhounds tend to be slow to mature mentally. While they may reach their full physical size by 18 months, their personality may remain puppy-like for a few more years. Consistent training and socialization are important during this growth period to ensure they develop into well-behaved adult dogs.

Conclusion

Irish Wolfhounds are true giants of the dog world. Their rapid growth from a small puppy to a towering adult is an impressive journey, but it’s also one that requires careful attention to their physical and emotional needs. Whether you’re a current owner or considering bringing one of these gentle giants into your home, understanding their size and growth stages is key to ensuring they thrive in your care.