I've wanted an irish wolfhound for years, but have always assumed I'd need to wait awhile before I could adopt one because I currently have 3 small dogs. One is 10 pounds, one is 11 pounds, and one is 22 pounds. I just thought that it would be very unsafe to have such a large dog with small dogs. But, I keep hearing that IWs are great with dogs, including tiny ones, and are very gentle. I've seen pictures of them with chihuahuas and tiny yorkies, like 3-4 pounds, and supposedly without problems. I assumed reputable breeders wouldn't let IWs go to homes that have small dogs, but is this not necessarily the case? I just pictured even if the IW is not aggressive, they could inadvertently hurt a small dog in play, or by stepping on them or something! I still think I'm going to wait awhile to get one, but was just curious. Are IWs usually good with small dogs? What do you think?
2007-08-19 17:50:34 · 9 answers · asked by Jen1943 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
yes my 3 dogs are up to date on vaccines, and they have all been clicker trained. I used to be a vet tech and have worked with IWs, they seem very laid back and sweet, but I'm still pretty nervous about getting such a large dog with my 3 small ones. I will wait most likely.
2007-08-19 18:07:38 · update #1
They learn.
The small dogs learn to stay out from under the big dog, and the big dog learns to watch out for the small ones.
I don't think you'd have any trouble at all.
Well, maybe the feed bill for the ginormous dog. LOL!!!
2007-08-19 18:11:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.. they're not bad with small dogs.. in general.. I think the only thing that might make a difference as far as being accepted by a rescue or breeder is more about small children, or no fenced in yard.. Small children tend to react different than small dogs.. and will occaisionally get knocked over.. but even that shouldn't be too big a deal.. Wolfhounds do well in packs.. now.. the small dogs may be an issue as someone else has mentioned.. I know a few schnauzers that would go after the IW puppy.. some of the small breeds are bred to be fearless..
2007-08-20 04:06:58 · answer #2 · answered by kaijawitch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There should be no reason you couldn't have an IW with 3 small dogs too. Most giant breed dogs do very well with other animals, of course it is also subjective to the individuals dog training and experiences. If you are looking to get one from a breeder, they will be able to let you know which dog (if you opt for an older one) would fit best, or as a puppy it will grow up with your other dogs and it shouldn't really ever be a problem. I have 2 very large dogs, both get along spectacularly with my friends and families small dogs.
2007-08-20 02:12:50 · answer #3 · answered by Chiappone 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How old are you dogs? If they are young and you are going to have to wait a dozen years, don't wait. They are wonderful dogs.
I had an Irish Wolfhound/Great Dane mix that weighed in at 145 lbs. Standing on her hind legs she was over 6' tall. Luna was great with everyone that came to visit, she did not know what stranger meant. The only time she became aggressive was when she saw a gun. She had been taught to know that guns were bad.
Even with her size she was a great house dog. She would find a place to lay down and not run around. There were times when we sat down to watch TV she would come and sit on the couch with us. And I do me sit. She would back up and put her bottom on the couch with her feet on the floor, just like she was a person. If you were sitting on the couch and if she sat in front of you she was looking you straight in the eye.
As for the other two bogs I had, Barney was an Old English Sheep dog that was big enough to not be any problem, 85 lbs. Sugar was a little white Sheltie mix who weighed about 20 lbs. Never had any problems.
Don't wait. Get yourself a gentle giant.
2007-08-20 23:06:08 · answer #4 · answered by Tin Can Sailor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first are your other 3 dogs all spayed or netuered, up to date on vaccines and on heartworm and flea preventative. can you financially afford the cost of a giant dog? do you have the time to properly exercise all of the dogs and meet their differnt needs? how well socialized are your other dogs? that would be the better question. usually it's not the big dog that has trouble with small dogs, it's the temperment of the small dog that eventually causes trouble with the big dog. if your little dogs tend to bark and pull at a leash to get to a big dog, no you shouldn't expose a new puppy to this behavior. if you research and understand the irish wolfhound breed and train it appropriatly and are consistent in your training you shouldn't have any issues if your small dogs are socialized with bigger dogs. little dogs are going to be very intimidated by the size this pup is going to grow to. if you are financially, and have the time and ability to care for 4 dogs properly go for it. if not you need to wait until finances and time available are right.
2007-08-20 01:02:32 · answer #5 · answered by cagney 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they're raised with the IW it should be fine with them.
I'm getting this from the "temperment section" so I can't speak for individual dogs and I've never personally met one but I wouldn't mind.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/irishwolfhound.htm
2007-08-20 01:00:48 · answer #6 · answered by theresa b 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just looked into my book about dog breeds. It says that IW's are peaceable even with cats if not lure coursed.
2007-08-20 01:03:26 · answer #7 · answered by dream catcher 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my experiance big dogs have a nicer temprement then little dogs... your small dogs will be the boss of him.. you'll see. If he doesn't mind where he is going they will put him in his place.
2007-08-20 01:04:18 · answer #8 · answered by Roxy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he will be fine with little dogs if he or she hurts the little dogs they will just let out a little cry and he will no to stop, i wouldn't be worried at all about having big dogs with little ones!
2007-08-20 01:00:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋