Irish wolfhounds; who has 'em?

[Andi]

We had a wolfhound when I was a kid. Yes, stairs are an issue. Carpeting on the stairs helps. They're just so long that it puts them at such an angle going down them that they are uncomfortable.

Running is another. They LOVE to run! Its difficult reeling their minds back once they see the opportunity. Your size will make a difference (as well as strict training) in whether or not the dog will take you skiing every potty time. We had a train track that ran not too far from where our house was. We had to be super careful not to have Broegy, the Irish, on lead when a train was going through. He loved to chase it and there was no stopping him.

They eat a LOT! Its one of the main reasons I haven't gotten one now that I'm an adult. I wouldn't be able to afford to feed one. You have to watch their diet also. Giving them just any old cheap dog food won't agree with them. Consistency in diet is just as important. A dog that size makes a lot of diarrhea! Trust me!

You'll also need a vet that is either familiar with them or is willing to learn. They aren't like just any other dog.

They are super family oriented. I mean tight! Very emotional dogs. If there's a fair amount of yelling in the house, don't get an Irish. They want to please to the max. They are a dog that is very in tune to facial expression and body language. They listen to the tone of your voice, too. Its one of the reasons people get so attached to them.

When I was little my parents had a friend over. Broegy was sleeping in the kitchen, which was right off of the dinning room. We were all in the dining room visiting. Well, the guy that was visiting was going to give me a playful swat on the toosh (I was about 6 years old). Before his hand could make contact Broegy had his wrist in his mouth. Very protective dogs.

Another time there was a person robbing houses in the neighborhood. One night we had the lights off because we were watching a movie. My dad saw the shadow of someone looking in windows and had an idea. Broegy loved people and wouldn't hurt a soul. He also liked to run. My dad let him out. No more burgling.

A word of advice. If you get one, get either a female or be aware of 2 vary large powerful males and the dynamics that go along with it. You'll have to maintain an extremely strict hierarchy or you'll have problems that can result in some quite serious injuries. Irishes were bred to hunt wolves. They won't be afraid to hold their ground against a simple little dobbie.

I hope you have a fenced (6') yard and aren't too concerned about the landscaping. A dobbie and an Irish will have a blast playing chase. If you don't have a fenced yard, do some searching for a place that you'll be able to bring the Irish to burn off some energy. They will need an outlet or you'll have a problem dog on your hands.

Best of luck! If you get one, I'd love to see pics! I miss Broegy.

 

[Cara]

LOL I know what you mean, it's ok

I adore Bloodhounds, but I would say they are not for everybody. Our current one is our second and I will not ever be without one.

The bad points:
They do smell, and not just in a trailing way
They slobber, they will shake their heads and sling it everywhere. It can get pretty nasty if it hits a ceiling fan.
They are not trainable like a Border Collie or Lab might be. Everything is on their terms, they obey if and when they want to. You have to make them think something is their idea (kind of like a husband).
They cannot be let loose in an unfenced area. They will fool you into thinking they are listening one minute, and the next thing you know the nose is working and the ears are not. I believe that their ears and nose can't both work at the same time. A loose Bloodhound is in danger as when their head is down their eyes are covered by wrinkles and they cannot see danger, such as an oncoming car.
They can be prone to food aggression if not trained.
They are loud. Neither of mine have been particularly noisy, but when they make a sound everyone hears it.
Like any large breed they are prone to bloat. We lost our first Bloodhound to bloat, the current one had a gastropexy when she was spayed to help prevent it.

The good:
They are loyal, loving, kind dogs. They want to be with their pack and don't do well being outside all the time.
Although stubborn they are sensitive. They don't take well to shouting or harsh discipline.
Trailing is way too much fun! It does them good to trail even if you're not intending to make it their job. They like to do something they are good at.
They are very entertaining to be around.
They are smart. People seem to mistake stubbornness for lack of intelligence. Their testimony is admissable in a court of law! They can remember individual people by scent alone, if mine catches my husband's scent while walking I may as well forget it because she is going to take me to him.
I love to hear them bay, it is nowhere near as abrasive as barking.
They don't eat much for their size. Ours is around 90lbs and does well on 3.5-4 cups of good food a day.
They are adorable!

I had to gratuitously add a couple of photos of my current Bloodhound 'Miss Moneypenny'. She was 2-3 months old here:

 

[gritsar]

My Charlie Girl was part wolfhound. A better dog never walked this earth. I got her from a shelter when she was about 10 months old. Her mother (full wolfhound), her sister and her had been seized from a less-than-human. She was horribly abused as a pup, but loved her people like no other. She did like to run, but once she had explored the farm (she was 6 years old when I brougt her here) she was quite content to stay home.

 

[PotterWatch]

If I didn't want pulling dogs, I would snap up a wolfhound in an instant! They are my favorite breed!

 

[Equus5O]

When I was in High School we had an Irish Wolfhound; "Rumpole Knight O' the Moors."

We used to jog him around the neighborhood, with me sitting on the tailgate of the truck holding the leash.

Unfortunately, we put him down at about 4 with severe hip dysplasia. I haven't a clue where my mother got him from, but I'm tempted to say it was from a not so reputable breeder.

They are gorgeous, kind animals.

 

[snewman]

Thank you to everyone for your input on wolfhounds. I like "less trainable" dogs, ie those that have a mind of their own and make decisions for themselves. This might just work!