To those who own/have experience with Irish Wolfhounds....?

Question

I'd like to know more about them... Do they get along with kids/other animals? Do they bark excessively/run away? I know that they need a fenced yard. What kinds of behavior/medical problems have you had with your own? I have done some research, but I also know there are just some things breed websites aren't going to tell you. I have a 1 year old daughter and I am planning eventually to have more kids. My Saint Bernards have been excellent with my daughter, so I know that giant breeds aren't necessarily a problem just because of size. If anyone has a suggestion for another giant breed that would be good with small children, I'm open to suggestions. And by giant breed, I mean the breed standard over 100 lbs...... I am a vet tech, and I just don't see many giant breed dogs.....1 Saint Bernard other than my 2, A couple Great Danes, and 1 Bullmastiff.

Answer 1

Over the years, I've known a number of IW's through lure coursing. I have Whippets. They are gentle giants. I've never seen one that was not sweet and mellow. There was a man missing the lower half of both arms who owned Irish Wolfhounds. He had no problem handling them at the lure courses. If you want a giant breed and have small children, I sure would choose them over Saint Bernards or Great Danes. I've seen some really nasty dogs in both those breeeds. The only negative, and I believe it's a negative with any giant breed, is the life span is short. I have been told it's only 7 years.

Answer 2

I had Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane mix a number of years ago. She was a gentle giant.
She was great with my 3 boys and any other kids that came over. All 3 of the dogs I had got along. She had no problems with all the cats we had. She did not chase the horses, the pigs, the goat or the chickens.
The only time she would bark, as did the other 2 dogs, was when someone was coming up the driveway. I lived on 12 unfenced acres and she did not run away.
She was great with everyone even strangers. Because of her size she was very intimidating. She would never jump on anyone, which was a good thing because at 140 lbs she would have flattened them.
Never had any health problems.
She was a great house dog, very calm.
Like I said a gentle giant. I would let her get up and put her paws on my shoulders and she was taller them me and I am 6' tall.
She was a great dog.

Answer 3

A reputable breeder WILL disclose the less-desireable traits as well as the endearing ones. Shelties shed, bark, and herd the kids in many cases. If you aren't told of the drawbacks, then find another breeder, regardless of what breed you are interested in. :-) My hubby loves IW's. Hopefully some time soon we will be in a postion to own one.