When it comes to obedience-based intelligence rankings, the Irish Wolfhound isn’t exactly topping the charts—but that’s part of their charm! Ranked somewhere in the mid-to-lower tiers by famed canine psychologist Stanley Coren, these gentle giants are less about performing tricks on command and more about thinking for themselves. (SEE CHART BELOW) Think of them as the wise old philosophers of the dog world—contemplative, independent, and sometimes hilariously stubborn. They may not win gold in a canine spelling bee, but their emotional intelligence, calm demeanor, and strong bond with their humans make them incredibly smart in all the ways that count. Besides, when you’re 180 pounds of majestic fluff, who needs to sit on command anyway?
🧠 Top 10 Tips to Boost Your Dog's Intelligence
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Start Early with Consistent Training
Begin training as early as possible using positive reinforcement. Puppies absorb information rapidly, and starting young helps form strong neural connections and habits. -
Use Puzzle Toys and Food Games
Toys that make your dog think—like treat-dispensing puzzles or snuffle mats—stimulate problem-solving and keep their brain active during downtime. -
Teach New Tricks Regularly
Don’t stop at “sit” and “stay.” Challenge your dog with new commands or even fun tasks like putting toys away or ringing a bell to go outside. -
Socialize with Other Dogs and People
Exposure to different environments, people, and dogs builds emotional intelligence and improves adaptability and confidence. -
Switch Up Your Routine
Keep things interesting! Walk different routes, hide toys, or change the order of commands during training sessions to engage curiosity and memory.
6. Use Clicker Training or Marker Words
These training tools help dogs make faster mental connections between actions and outcomes—perfect for building responsiveness and focus.
7. Practice Impulse Control Exercises
Games like “wait,” “leave it,” or “stay” challenge dogs to override instinct and think before acting, boosting their decision-making skills.
8. Introduce Scent Work and Nose Games
Dogs have powerful noses—let them use it! Hiding treats around the house or backyard engages their brain and natural instincts.
9. Rotate Toys and Activities
Like humans, dogs get bored with repetition. Keeping toys fresh and mixing physical with mental games prevents stagnation.
10.Stay Patient and Keep Sessions Short
Especially for independent breeds, intelligence doesn’t always mean obedience. Keep training fun, short (5–10 minutes), and full of rewards to encourage participation.
Some sweet gifts for the Irish Wolfhound lover...
🧠 Here’s why the Irish Wolfhound ranks lower:
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Independent Thinkers
Irish Wolfhounds were bred to hunt large game like wolves and elk without constant human direction. They had to make quick decisions on their own, often at great distances from their handlers. This kind of self-reliance isn’t measured well by obedience-based tests. -
Low Drive for Repetition
They are intelligent but not highly motivated by repetition or reward-based drills, which are common in intelligence testing. If a dog doesn’t see the point of “sit” 20 times in a row, it doesn’t mean it’s not smart—it just values its time more wisely! -
Calm, Gentle Demeanor
Irish Wolfhounds tend to be quiet observers, not hyper-reactive or eager-to-please like breeds such as Border Collies or Labradors. Their intelligence is subtle and emotionally tuned, often showing up in how well they read human moods or navigate social situations peacefully.
Amazons top mental stimulation products for dogs
🎯 “Which Hand?” – A Classic Scent and Memory Game
Goal: Teach your dog to use their nose and memory to figure out where a treat is hidden.
🧩 What You Need:
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Your dog’s favorite small treat
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Your hands (or small opaque cups if you want to level up)
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A bit of quiet space with minimal distractions
🐶 How to Play:
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Get their attention. Let your dog see and smell the treat.
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Hide the treat in one of your hands. Close both fists and hold them out in front of your dog.
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Ask: “Which hand?” Let your dog sniff or paw at the hand they think holds the treat.
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If they choose correctly: Open your hand, praise them, and give them the treat.
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If they choose wrong: Show the empty hand, reset, and try again (don’t reward).
🧠 Why It Works:
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Engages scent tracking (natural canine intelligence).
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Builds problem-solving and impulse control.
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Reinforces choice-making and strengthens your communication.
🏆 Level Up Ideas:
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Use cups or bowls instead of hands.
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Introduce 3+ options instead of 2.
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Add a delay before letting them choose (test memory!).
Some sweet gifts for the Irish Wolfhound lover...
The intelligence of dog breeds varies greatly depending on factors such as trainability, problem-solving ability, and responsiveness to commands. In this comparison chart, we explore the intelligence scores of 51 dog breeds, showcasing where the Irish Wolfhound stands among them. While breeds like the Border Collie, Poodle, and German Shepherd top the list with near-perfect intelligence scores of 10/10, others rank lower due to different strengths that don’t necessarily involve obedience or working intelligence.
The Irish Wolfhound, known more for its calm and gentle demeanor than for high trainability, scores lower on the obedience-based intelligence scale. This doesn’t mean they lack intelligence—instead, they tend to be independent thinkers, often described as sensitive, laid-back, and emotionally perceptive. Breeds like the Labrador, Golden Retriever, and Papillon are easier to train because they thrive on pleasing humans and are quick to learn commands.
At the bottom of the list is the Afghan Hound, which ranks lowest in working and obedience intelligence. This isn’t because the Afghan Hound isn’t smart—rather, it’s famously independent and aloof. Originally bred for hunting in the mountains of Afghanistan, this breed learned to make decisions on its own, without relying on humans for guidance. That independence is often mistaken for a lack of intelligence, but in truth, it’s a reflection of its strong-willed, self-reliant nature.
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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