Irish Wolfhounds - Own One, Know One?

[keen on kean]

Posted: 3/9/07 at 1:12pm

I am fascinated by this breed of dog but want to know more, and from a source other than AKC. Anyone the owner of one? What is their personality and activity range? I have gone to the breed specific websites but the people there are all already "sold" - I would love to hear from a more objective group. (I know, BWW is hardly known for objectivity on any subject, but you know what I mean.)

[puppetoflove]

Posted: 3/9/07 at 1:19pm

I've only known one, but he was a mix so I'm not sure how that affected things. This site:

http://www.irishwolfhounds.org/

Seems more or less interested in informing people, and if you go to Dogster, you can post here:

http://www.dogster.com/forums/Choosing_the_Right_Dog

I believe you can post as a guest without registering. People are usually very honest about any behavioral or health problems, and what to expect.
Updated On: 3/9/07 at 01:19 PM

[keen on kean]

Posted: 3/9/07 at 1:35pm

Dogster is a great site. Thanks for pointing it out!

[kelzama]

Posted: 3/9/07 at 3:16pm

Great dogs. Great, TALL dogs. Mellow, generally speaking, but given to bursts of running. Will eat anything they can reach when given the oportunity, Their noses are above most countertops. Great with kids. Require daily walks (not just quick pees). Generally pretty quiet. Probably not the best "I've never had a dog before" choice.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/9/07 at 3:21pm

I've met a few purebreds and a few mixes. Wonderful, sweet dogs... but HUGE. Mostly mellow and docile, very even-tempered and calm, which is certainly a good thing for a dog that's so big. They're couch potatoes for a good portion of the day, but that's not to say they can go without any exercise. They need it. They can occasionally be a little bit aloof at first, but I've found them to be friendly for the most part. General note: hounds. chase. stuff.

Updated On: 3/9/07 at 03:21 PM

[keen on kean]

Posted: 3/9/07 at 3:27pm

Thanks Kelzama and Emcee for the input. I have owned shepherds and border collies and mutts - I may be too old to start again, but the photos and stories seem to suggest these gentle giants are wonderful. For the time being I will just dream about it. And being sight hounds, chase. whatever. moves. if not moving. nudge.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/9/07 at 3:30pm

If you've had dogs before (especially the types you have), then one of these guys shouldn't be a problem. They aren't the easiest dogs in the world, but it sounds like you've had some experience with other breeds who are a little bit more difficult. Border Collies remind me of those kinds of people who are very book smart, but have zero street smarts. They're really intelligent, but seem to lack common sense. I can't tell you how many "my Border Collie walks into glass!" stories I've heard. Herding dogs are tough (and high-strung!), so I don't think you'd have trouble with an Irish Wolfhound. I'd definitely recommend meeting a few and seeing what you think, though.

Updated On: 3/9/07 at 03:30 PM

[keen on kean]

Posted: 3/9/07 at 3:47pm

I had a pretty negative experience with our border collie which is why I am hesitant to start again. I don't like dogs who think they are smarter than me (my shepherd was smarter than me but didn't hold it against me). The walking into glass thing sounds like my bc.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/9/07 at 3:57pm

I'm not a Border Collie fan. They're far too hyper and they only listen when it's convenient for them. They're great doing what they were bred for, but not ideal pets.

[keen on kean]

Posted: 3/9/07 at 4:45pm

Emcee, amen to that comment. My bc was as stubborn as the day was long, and had a bad temper. Ouch - literally.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 3/9/07 at 4:50pm

Forgive my injection...but I believe they are known to be sweet and loyal, but rather needy. They tend to be leaners...needing to be so close to the owner that they lean on them constantly.

If I'm wrong, I'm so sari, and sorong.

[vmlinnie]

Posted: 3/9/07 at 6:43pm

Don't ask me about dogs, irish or otherwise, or dresses.

[keen on kean]

Posted: 3/9/07 at 7:06pm

Doodle - I have seen lots of photos that support the "lean on me" theory, so thanks for reminding me, and don't be sari.

Vmlinnie - so what can we ask about? Just remember that anyone with an opinion on anything seems to be fair game on BWW lately.

[vmlinnie]

Posted: 3/9/07 at 7:15pm

Seen as though it's my only novelty, ask me about Irish things. Except for dogs.

[keen on kean]

Posted: 3/9/07 at 7:48pm

Where's the best place to go to celebrate Blooms Day?