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People Are Posting Hilarious Photos Of Their Irish Wolfhounds, And It’s Crazy How Large They Are
Irish Wolfhounds have a majestic heritage that is believed to date back to 391 AD. Named for their mix, Wolfhounds were used by the Gaels as hunting dogs, who called them Cú Faol (wolfhound). While they might sound like the stuff of legends - they are now known as sweet, affectionate, and sometimes silly dogs. According to the official World Canine Federation standards, the desired height of this large dog breed is 32 inches (81cm) to 34 inches (86cm).
The tallest of all the American Kennel Club breeds, these big dogs might look intimidating from afar. But as their owners can prove in these photos, they are just loveable goofballs. Scroll down below to check out this Bored Panda list of hilariously adorable Irish Wolfhounds we have collected from our readers that sent us the pics of their large dogs as well as some pics found on the internet. Don't forget to upvote your favorite of these adorable dogs, and if you want even more, check out our previous post on Irish Wolfhounds as well!
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It's hard to believe but this highly regarded breed almost went extinct. Irish Wolfhounds were primarily used for hunting in the past so when the number of wolves and elk in Ireland decreased at one point, so did the demand for the breed. By 1800 the breed had thinned out, but Capt. George A. Graham was sure that there were still a few Irish Wolfhounds left in Ireland. In the mid-1800s, the captain made it his mission to find these remaining Wolfhounds and use them to revive the breed. Graham crossed the Irish Wolfhounds he found with Scottish Deerhounds to help revive the population.
Throwback To When The Grass Was Green And It Was Just Her And Him
We Want Your Toast!
Height isn't the only trait that makes this rare dog breed unique. Most dog breeds come in the same common variations of colors - but usually blue isn't one of them. Pure Irish wolfhounds come in many colors, from cream to black, but some end up as blue. To be technical blue in dogs isn't a color but a color paling effect which dilutes the color pigment of the coat, skin, and eyes - called 'blue dilute.' This trait used to be considered impermissible to the point that the affected puppies were put down at birth or as soon after as their color became obvious. Now it is known that this in no way affects the health of the dog.
My Irish Wolfhound, Sitting On Grandma’s Lap. He Has No Idea How Big He Is
Photobombed
Irish Wolfhounds used to hunt large game such as wild boar and deer. With their large stature and skill, they make great hunters and are still even used to this day to herd sheep. One might think that their ability to attack animals would translate into a great guard dog, but you would be mistaken. This breed is not suspicious of strangers, nor are they aggressive towards them.
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The earliest written record of an Irish Wolfhound is from 391 A.D., scribed in a letter from a Roman consul to his brother. The consul thanks his brother for his gift of “Irish dogs,” saying, “All Rome viewed them in wonder.” Apparently these “wolfdogs of Ireland” were often gifted to Roman consuls, as well as to kings of other European countries, to shahs of Persia, and other world leaders.
Just A Lap Dog
Christmas Morning Pjs
Most models must be tall and lean - so it makes sense that the Irish Wolfhound would make the best canine model of the breeds. These dogs are said to be very photogenic and good in front of the camera, which is why they are frequently used in fashion photography.
Beauty And The Beast
ahem...whom are u calling "beast"? it's beauty and beauty all the way. -_-
Gilligan Sharing A Birthday Kiss With 110 Year Old Mariette
Dog-Head Is Served. Enjoy Your Meal!
My Dad, Who Always Complains About The Dogs
Favorite Place To Nap
Sloane Got To Sit On My Lap. He Wasn't Excited At All...
Floki. He’s Such A Sweetheart!
Looks Like They're About To Drop The Hottest Music Album Of The Year
On A Walk
This Is Guinness. He Just Passed Last Month At 9 Years...
They call the giant breeds "heartbreak dogs" for that reason.
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It's a cruel reality ... the short life span of large dogs. That's why I have small terriers because I couldn't go through the pain of losing a companion every 7 to 9 years.
Me too - same and same. One older, one younger, so I am never completely crushed when one leaves me, if you know what I mean. I wish all dogs could live forever.
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I'm so sorry, I had to have my 14 year old euthanized this past June. Just like losing a child for us.
My little punkface is only 3 and I'm so terrified of this day coming, hopefully very far off. I'm sorry for the loss of your furbaby.
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*nods wisely* the tiny one (sorry can’t think of the breed for some reason)
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I lost my two Golden's three years ago, one 12 that I raised from 9wks and the other I adopted and he passed at 13. The first year I cried everyday the second year I spoke of them every and since then I just share. Remembering all the good times and funny times and experiences you had will put a smile on your face no one else can understand 😊😚❤🐾
This one reason why I don't think I'll ever own an Irish wolfhound. They are big, beautiful giants but their poor hearts don't last long. I would be heartbroken if I had to say goodbye to my beloved pet after only 6 years together. I'm happy that Guiness lived a long life. I'm sure he was treasured!
I'm so sorry. He was loved, and that is everything. His little brother must miss him too.
Those were clearly 9 years of being well loved and having given the best in return.
He’s so beautiful. They have such kind souls and love their tiny friends so much
So funny!! I know an Irish Wolf Hound named Guinness and he has a chihuahua “brother” named Taquito!
I'm sure he is truly missed but time heals all wounds and it looks like he had a wonderful life.
RIP Guiness, you beautiful boy. I hope your little friend does not miss you too much :(
The only thing I don't like about dogs is that they don't live long enough, especially the large breeds.
The only thing I don't like about dogs is that they don't live long enough, especially the large ones.
RIP Guinness, big dogs always go first before their smaller buddies, run free now big boy.
he looks well loved and a gentle, soul. He is running with the angels@
So sorry about Guinness. His big heart just couldn't hold out any longer. I bet the little bit was devastated.
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Partners In Crime
Huge Paw Or Small Hand?
Jarvis Watching His Boy
Naps And Cuddles With Hoomum
Meet Winnie The White Wolfie
The Space Cowboy And The Gangster Of Love
This Irish Wolfhound Testing The Ice Cream For His Human
Best Kisses
They Want His Pizza!
My Buddy Chester Almost One Year Old Irish Wolfhound. He Wanted To Look Out The Window
Stanley, 38 Inches At Shoulder, 101 Kilos (223 Pounds) Of Pure Love
Me And Auntie Terri
Note: this post originally had 86 images. It’s been shortened to the top 38 images based on user votes.
i love how gently and lovely they look! they are literally monster-sized doggos, but still manage to be that cute
Mine eats about 10 cups of kibble on a good day maybe 6 on average and plenty of other meat bits from my food
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I don't like these kind posts! pissed me off, because I have severe Allergy...and I love to have a cuddle doggos...f***k to allergens
I get more and more conflicted about buying one. My heart always melts after seeing photos like this and then I remember their average lifespan. Maybe one day, I'll get an wolfhound. Right now, I'm tearing up thinking about 'how I would cope if I lost my wolfhound' and I don't even own one yet!
These dogs are adorable and amazing, but I'm curious as to what makes them always look kind of dirty and disheveled? Do they have greasy skin or?
No they don't have greasy skin, they are wire coated and unless specifically groomed for the show ring this is just them in their natural condition. I guess they just look that way to you cos they are so huge - so everything is kind of magnified :)
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Having owned 2 IWs amid all my collies I identify with these photos. They are great.
Love love love Wolfies, big, beautiful, goofy, sweethearts. I always wanted one but never had the right kind of home. Now I do, but I have a big rescue hound which is as close as I'm going to get I think!
Life expectancy of 6-8 years and full of genetic defects. You think that’s hilarious?
I absolutely LOVE this!!! Thank you so much for sharing it!! Wolfhounds are my very favorite dogs, and I doubt seriously I'll ever get to own one, so I love getting to share the love vicariously!! They are all GORGEOUS!!
I love them they are just beautiful dogs So big but they really do not know that !
I absolutely love the fact that when they're born, they weigh as much as a bag of sugar, but then they turn into those monstrous snuggle monsters!
Irish Wolfhounds are sighthounds that were originally bred to hunt wolves. They are not a mix of wolf and domestic hound. Contrary to what the AKC website states, there is no evidence that these dogs hunted the Irish Elk. Sadly, the giant breeds do not have long lives. Irish Wolfhounds average 5-7 years of age.
I'm a dog person, wolfhounds are awesome dogs... but why on earth would anyone (in their right mind) have one if they didn't live on a farm? Living in a normal size house (let alone an apartment) ought to be considered cruelty to these animals.
I have 3 and do live on acreage however you would be very surprised how little room is required. These guys love to go for a run a couple of times a day and then basically sleep all day. So long as you are prepared to take them out for their couple of runs, it's no different to have additional humans in your home, they take up a similar amount of space as a full grown human, but don't come with any of the humans downsides ;)
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Ugh I would literally kill to get an Irish wolfhound. Unfortunately they are so expensive to take care of
I would not want to clean up after any of these dogs on a walk! Or buy food for them! They look sweet, but not a house pet (for me). 🤗
Hadn't even thought about that. I don't think those little baggies on the leash would take care of a cowpie.
Load More Replies... I have one of these dogs, but mine is crossed between a greyhound. So it's very fast and very large.
It just comes with the territory. Dog owners do not care more about the stuff, they care more about the dogs.
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i love how gently and lovely they look! they are literally monster-sized doggos, but still manage to be that cute
Mine eats about 10 cups of kibble on a good day maybe 6 on average and plenty of other meat bits from my food
Load More Replies... I don't like these kind posts! pissed me off, because I have severe Allergy...and I love to have a cuddle doggos...f***k to allergens
I get more and more conflicted about buying one. My heart always melts after seeing photos like this and then I remember their average lifespan. Maybe one day, I'll get an wolfhound. Right now, I'm tearing up thinking about 'how I would cope if I lost my wolfhound' and I don't even own one yet!
These dogs are adorable and amazing, but I'm curious as to what makes them always look kind of dirty and disheveled? Do they have greasy skin or?
No they don't have greasy skin, they are wire coated and unless specifically groomed for the show ring this is just them in their natural condition. I guess they just look that way to you cos they are so huge - so everything is kind of magnified :)
Load More Replies... Having owned 2 IWs amid all my collies I identify with these photos. They are great.
Love love love Wolfies, big, beautiful, goofy, sweethearts. I always wanted one but never had the right kind of home. Now I do, but I have a big rescue hound which is as close as I'm going to get I think!
Life expectancy of 6-8 years and full of genetic defects. You think that’s hilarious?
I absolutely LOVE this!!! Thank you so much for sharing it!! Wolfhounds are my very favorite dogs, and I doubt seriously I'll ever get to own one, so I love getting to share the love vicariously!! They are all GORGEOUS!!
I love them they are just beautiful dogs So big but they really do not know that !
I absolutely love the fact that when they're born, they weigh as much as a bag of sugar, but then they turn into those monstrous snuggle monsters!
Irish Wolfhounds are sighthounds that were originally bred to hunt wolves. They are not a mix of wolf and domestic hound. Contrary to what the AKC website states, there is no evidence that these dogs hunted the Irish Elk. Sadly, the giant breeds do not have long lives. Irish Wolfhounds average 5-7 years of age.
I'm a dog person, wolfhounds are awesome dogs... but why on earth would anyone (in their right mind) have one if they didn't live on a farm? Living in a normal size house (let alone an apartment) ought to be considered cruelty to these animals.
I have 3 and do live on acreage however you would be very surprised how little room is required. These guys love to go for a run a couple of times a day and then basically sleep all day. So long as you are prepared to take them out for their couple of runs, it's no different to have additional humans in your home, they take up a similar amount of space as a full grown human, but don't come with any of the humans downsides ;)
Load More Replies... Ugh I would literally kill to get an Irish wolfhound. Unfortunately they are so expensive to take care of
I would not want to clean up after any of these dogs on a walk! Or buy food for them! They look sweet, but not a house pet (for me). 🤗
Hadn't even thought about that. I don't think those little baggies on the leash would take care of a cowpie.
Load More Replies... I have one of these dogs, but mine is crossed between a greyhound. So it's very fast and very large.
It just comes with the territory. Dog owners do not care more about the stuff, they care more about the dogs.
Load More Replies...