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People Are Posting Hilarious Photos Of Their Irish Wolfhounds, And It’s Crazy How Large They Are (50 Pics)
The Irish Wolfhounds got their name not for their appearance. They got it for their purpose—wolf hunting with dogs. Some people think that all we have of the earliest times of this old breed are more myth and legend than fact. It is mentioned, as cú (variously translated as hound, Irish hound, war dog, wolf dog, etc.) in Irish laws, which predate Christianity, and in Irish literature going back as far as the 5th century or, in the case of the Sagas, from the old Irish period—AD600-900. Whatever the truth, it doesn't take away the fact that these creatures are incredibly delightful and beautiful. And big. According to the official the World Canine Federation standards, their desired height is 32 inches (81cm) to 34 inches (86cm). And although the Irish Wolfhound can be a frightening sight for those who aren't familiar with them, their all-around friendliness can't be any higher. To give these pups the attention they deserve, Bored Panda has compiled a list of their funniest photos, so scroll down to check them out and upvote your favorite entries.
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#1
Our Anti-Burglar System
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#2
17 Days After My Mom Passed From Ovarian Cancer, Her Old Irish Wolfhound Followed In Tow To Be With Her. I Miss Them Both So Much. Dogs Know
#3
My Dog's Facial Expressions When I Didn't Turn Towards The Dog Park
#4
I Guess I'll Sleep Over Here...
#5
Owner And Her Dog Dressed Like Wayne’s World Characters For Halloween
#6
These Two
One of these dogs has a clearly larger than life presence, whose mere physicality, elevated by an extreme amount of self confidence, intimidates any would be intruders and provides a sense of security for the entire household. The other one is an Irish Wolfhound.
#7
Janine Fell Apart. We Put The Pieces In This Chair
#8
My Grandma And Her Irish Wolfhound From 1974
#9
Dachshunds For Balance
#10
Our New Whippet Puppy Sitting With His Friend, An Irish Wolfhound Puppy
#11
That's A Gorgeous Trio Right Here
kristy sickles 5 years ago
I would absolutely love to spend a day in the owners shoes. So much beauty and peace in one pic
#12
Hunter Of Wolves. Needs Teddy To Feel Safe
#13
The Tallest Boi
#14
What A Big Mouth You Have
#15
Is It Comfy?
#16
He Didn't Know What To Do
#17
As Big As A Donkey
#18
He Has Eaten Breakfast, Romped Around In The Rain And Played With His Toys. Now It’s Time To Rest Up Until Afternoon Playtime
#19
Irish Wolfhounds Love Peanut Butter
#20
Still A Lap Dog
#21
He Heard Some Thunder
Laura Zaini 5 years ago (edited)
i've read that, even if it's hard and may sound cruel, petting them while they are scared is wrong because it reinforces the fear but I'm no dog owner so I might be wrong. My cats just ignore thunders and fireworks
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The Frog 5 years ago
My dog (lassie type) used to run up to the highest point of my house and hide ontop of my bed in the thunder storm.. this just made me laugh
L 5 years ago
Maybe she was protecting you. That’s where bad thunder comes from....hurry, girl!
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Ruth Scheidler 5 years ago
I love that about dogs. My little mini dachshund wants to be right next to me as much as possible. But if there's a strange animal in the yard (fenced in to keep Squeak from a hunting foray) she is little, but oh so FIERCE.
Mary Kavanagh 5 years ago
They are such softies! The best temoerament of any dog but only their size makes them much good as guard dogs.
#22
The Irish Wolfhoud, A Perfect Bed Buddy
#23
Our 3lb Kitten's Favorite Place To Nap Is In Between Her Two 180lb Irish Wolfhound Brothers
#24
Jazza And Gandalf
#25
Smallest Horse In Britain With Fergus The Irish Wolfhound
#26
That Tail
#27
An Irish Wolfhound In A Mazda Miata
#28
When A Chair At The Vet Is Too Small For You
#29
This Big Boy
#30
Turned Around To This. Janine Thinks She Is A People
#31
I Think If We Stare Really Hard And Don't Move They Will Let Us Back In
#32
Sleeping Beauty
#33
This Is My Dad, Who Is 6' 1'', Standing With My 2-Year-Old Irish Wolfhound, Conagon
Toujin C'Thlu 5 years ago
My dad's ex-girlfriend had an Irish Wolfhound that stood a few inches tall than my 6-foot tall dad when on his hindlegs.
#34
When You Realize That You Can Touch Your Feet
#35
My Irish Wolfhound Meeting His New Roommate!
#36
Who Is Walking Who?
#37
Driller, Coco And Chanel Are Best Friends Always...
#38
Why To Even Bother With Bowls When There Are Two Sinks In The House
BlackestDawn 5 years ago
If you have the bowls on the floor then I can fully understand this since it's easier and, I believe, less damaging to them to do this. I'm basing it on what I have heard about great danes.
#39
My Friend's 4'11" Mother And His 120lb Irish Wolfhound
#40
Irish Wolfhound, 4,6,8 And 10 Months Old. Meet Hobbes
#41
I Have A Clown Car- I Really Need Something Bigger!
#42
Brody The Irish Wolfhound (Baby For Scale)
#43
Hugeboye Is A Heckin Big Woofer
#44
Three Wolfies Worked Together To Kick Me Out Of My Seat
#45
My Parent's Golden Retriever Next To My Uncle's Huge Irish Wolfhound
#46
Apparently, When You Turn 9 Months Old, You Have To Get Weighed. Checkinh In At 113 Lbs And 34 Inches Tall Today - Happy 9 Months To Me!
#47
My Cousin Met An Irish Wolfhound
#48
Two Dogs And A Horsey
#49
Here's My 6 Week Shiba Inu Puppy With My Mom's Irish Wolfhound
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What do you think ?
Brodie 5 years ago
We had a Wolfie stay at our house for 4 days while his owners couldn’t pick him up. Still a puppy but up to my stomach (I was 14) my friends called him “the weird monkey-spider-horse-dog thing” When the owners came to pick him uphe ran to them but as soon as they opened the door he wouldn’t hop into the truck, ran back to me and sat at my feet. They were calling him but he looked at me so I walked over to the truck and told him to jump in and he did but got right back out. They ended up picking him up and locking him in and left. I may or may not have cried when they left.
Mic McT 5 years ago
I waited for the perfect time, then at 60, realized it wasn't going to happen but I was going to be too old to handle her if I waited any longer. We're so overjoyed to have her now!
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The Marauders 5 years ago
My best friend and service dog in training, Seamus Finnigan, is a 10 month old Irish Wolfhound.
Rob Williams 5 years ago
I would love an Irish Wolfhound but they only live to about seven years old. Too much heartache.
María Hermida 9 months ago
Why? I heard big dogs usually live less years then smaller dogs, but seven years is too short a life!
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Toni Underhill 5 years ago
I am owned by 3 of these gorgeous hounds and wouldn't be without them <3
Laura Catania 5 years ago
I only know the breed from pictures. Are they really as sweet as they look? Gentle giants?
Chris Jones 5 years ago
Yes, they are. Hearth-rugs. Like all dogs they need to be socialised properly and then they make wonderful family pets. Warning though - they are fairly clumsy until about 3 years old. The biggest downside to this breed is the short life span. :-(
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Claire Hoyt 5 years ago
My friend has a Wolfhound. He looks intimidating, but is scared of his own farts.
Alusair Alustriel 5 years ago
another post proving we don't deserve doggos, they are too awesome! I wish I could have a doggie, but my working schedule would mean he would stay alone over 9 hours. And also I don;t think I will ever have the condition to get enough excercise for such a huge breed! Kudos to people who can give them what they need!
Wil Vanderheijden 5 years ago
Kudos to all their companians. I have the honour to serve some cats and they frighten me when they are not happy. Can't begin to think what happens if one of those dogs has a bad day. But they are majestic.
Cindy Meyer 5 years ago
I rescued Irish Wolfhounds for some 20 odd years. Usually had Wolfe’s and Great Danes. Love this breed, the gentle nature, loving pups with the big black nose. 💕. These pics brought back some of the best memories for me!
Karen Klinck 5 years ago
An acquaintance of mine rescued (or did, haven't seen her in years) Russian Wolfhounds. I remember her thumping one for trying to eat an overfed longhaired daschundt. Different temperament completely.
Load More Replies...
Andrew Keane 5 years ago
I went hiking in the Wicklow mountains in Ireland and it was covered in tall heathers. My friends and I came across a short woman standing amongst it all as if waiting for some thing. Up bounded one wolfhound up from behind a hill and I thought 'wow! A wolfhound!' Then two more just stood up from the heathers and I never even noticed them. It was amazing to see three of them in their element. Their tall stature making nothing of the terrain.
Karen Klinck 5 years ago
A long time ago, when I was much younger, I met a young beauty. I'm five feet, and this dog could stand on all 4s with her head on my shoulder without straining. SHe was on her way to be xrayed for possible hip dysplasia, which would determine if she lived and bred,or was euthanized. (She was clear.) Evidently all the breeders decided to eliminate the defect from the breed because it was too prevalent. She, too was a lap dog: one foot and her head in my lap,and she'd stay that way for as long as I sat still. She was a total sweetie, well-trained and loving.
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Ashley Fernandes 5 years ago
I love that big dogs just want to curl in your lap. It's hilarious.
Kelly Grace 5 years ago
They don't realize that they get big!! I love it!!!
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Meeow 5 years ago
Their life span only last 6 - 10 years, just like Bernese mountain dog their life span only last 6 - 8 years. And Great Danes is 7 - 10 years. My hubby loves those breed. Why all these giant gentle don't last longer but those baking tiny dogs can lives so long.The dog average height is 85 cm, and Great Danes is 80 cms. Their life span only last 6 - 10 years, just like Bernese mountain dog their life span only last 6 - 8 years. And Great Danes is 7 - 10 years. My hubby loves those breed. Why all these giant gentle don't last longer but those baking tiny dogs can lives so long.
María Hermida 9 months ago
Such a callous comment!!! That's like saying some breeds are more deserving than others!!! Just because your husband likes a breed doesn't mean the rest are rubbish, you know. You, your husband and what you two like are not the most important thing in the whole universe. Why are you healthy while so many people die every day? Same stupid question. Biology works that way, it's unfair lovely dogs last only a few years, but that doesn't give the right to despise other animals. With your zero level of empathy, I do hope you are never in charge of any living creature.
Load More Replies...
Kelly Horrigan 5 years ago
Seriously, these beautiful animals must have their own rooms - fully furnished!
Paula Raymundo 5 years ago
I didn't know this dog breed. And it's definitely huge but very cute. And I just realized that my dog looks like an Irish Wolfhound, just a smaller version... She's a Philippine mongrel. Wanna see her? >> >>>>>>>>>>>>> https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/PEM8noWI_JkLWDDEyLlG62kkB6nvqY8BYP_eSfIIhb9zDAJf5Yn1RK_suhlR7AcKBhhZSJMGIpsH5GviEUZLX_2L6ybSWvGXYl1iHvSdZLzatWf6SJVK_7ynsJdxRs5IlKCXbJzH4c7wMwq7ONnVAfj6_jOBpVPrHZBtgS_yk9X7YHFzuuyswDYmQqVX_Dsdh8-C4qrZkHdFZ-v2Jm7GrjJm9A1uK84kSvl9I4vECTi18j7zmSFIsG9a0EcgO2dM6PSZF8hbv1Q7ItH-fDgsuindxGEQ_zVs3VeUmpPVzco6uWn-NloFP-duLpHBO3zNb6vlwPIZ_ch18-HzrWICQndXoduJImbHuvvSd8ub-BMh2SH1NcGZ-vJUK8ngp7VG59JpiaEDI7t-2F76TEaMf01mYb_rvbHG3wETLxg5QZUlGemvTFTrxX6tmK7C25QQ2oOxH7oaT-Q_6l_zR6IaeJ3LsSHBuaPCVuI-XIpt8DNSaRQegdtfmfpMCCPwtdCh5nAW-1fYyckLj66IeatVIRtnrOpMbz5rKc7jJgCHRdQwuP_Hz5kfdGDwEdcNXbrSHfxZRk5vp5Z8iik0PsEsPBJA8ZcrM6vtVAPiofXKo9fkHZbLpLJaHYdKPdcI6d7-oRFb4IxudC2o8U8SvMBjlaNIiA=s222-no
R.s. Potter 5 years ago
Pity they have such short lifespans. It would be heartbreaking to lose one just as you were getting really attached.
MorningStar Kematch 5 years ago (edited)
I grew up with Russian Wolfhound's. 2 in all. My stepmom had one and got me one and I, (scratch that my dog was), was constantly stared at, stopped and asked endless questions. (My dog was asked questions too). Our neighbors had 2 Irish Wolfhound's...where I would be found more often than not. I will always have a very soft spot for my Wolfhound friends.
Eva Mihova 5 years ago
So sad that these wonderful huge dogs, like the Irish Wolfhound and Great Danes only get to live relatively short lives - 6-7-8 years :(
Šimon Špaček 5 years ago
Those dogs are amazing. Yes, I know that they look a bit like an old rug left on rain but their minds are so wonderful. I truly respect them because they are usually so calm (unless they have a good reason to start havoc). Maybe it is just their self-esteem caused by enough of strength to tear apart few wolfs or anything else in sight.
The Marauders 5 years ago
My best friend is my 10 month old Irish Wolfhound named Seamus Finnigan—wonderful breed! They make great service dogs!
Rosie Hamilton 5 years ago
They aren't considered fully adult until 3 to 4 years and as the average life span is 7 years, and it is only fair that service dogs get to retire, it doesn't make their being trained for service by organisations worthwhile.
Load More Replies...
Nadine 5 years ago
I swear my vet has a dog that looks exactly like these, with the same face and type of fur, but just not as big. I mean, she's really tall and has long legs, but she's not remotely as big as the giants in these pictures!
Anne 5 years ago
they can, if they get the wrong food and grow too quickly. It's important to give big breed-puppy food to big puppies, especially in these huge breeds.
Load More Replies...
Carol Emory 5 years ago
My favorite dog in the world ever since seeing Hound of the Baskervilles.
Rosie Hamilton 5 years ago
Because they are beautiful, intelligent, friendly animals.
Load More Replies...
Brodie 5 years ago
We had a Wolfie stay at our house for 4 days while his owners couldn’t pick him up. Still a puppy but up to my stomach (I was 14) my friends called him “the weird monkey-spider-horse-dog thing” When the owners came to pick him uphe ran to them but as soon as they opened the door he wouldn’t hop into the truck, ran back to me and sat at my feet. They were calling him but he looked at me so I walked over to the truck and told him to jump in and he did but got right back out. They ended up picking him up and locking him in and left. I may or may not have cried when they left.
Mic McT 5 years ago
I waited for the perfect time, then at 60, realized it wasn't going to happen but I was going to be too old to handle her if I waited any longer. We're so overjoyed to have her now!
Load More Replies... The Marauders 5 years ago
My best friend and service dog in training, Seamus Finnigan, is a 10 month old Irish Wolfhound.
Rob Williams 5 years ago
I would love an Irish Wolfhound but they only live to about seven years old. Too much heartache.
María Hermida 9 months ago
Why? I heard big dogs usually live less years then smaller dogs, but seven years is too short a life!
Load More Replies... Toni Underhill 5 years ago
I am owned by 3 of these gorgeous hounds and wouldn't be without them <3
Laura Catania 5 years ago
I only know the breed from pictures. Are they really as sweet as they look? Gentle giants?
Chris Jones 5 years ago
Yes, they are. Hearth-rugs. Like all dogs they need to be socialised properly and then they make wonderful family pets. Warning though - they are fairly clumsy until about 3 years old. The biggest downside to this breed is the short life span. :-(
Load More Replies... Claire Hoyt 5 years ago
My friend has a Wolfhound. He looks intimidating, but is scared of his own farts.
Alusair Alustriel 5 years ago
another post proving we don't deserve doggos, they are too awesome! I wish I could have a doggie, but my working schedule would mean he would stay alone over 9 hours. And also I don;t think I will ever have the condition to get enough excercise for such a huge breed! Kudos to people who can give them what they need!
Wil Vanderheijden 5 years ago
Kudos to all their companians. I have the honour to serve some cats and they frighten me when they are not happy. Can't begin to think what happens if one of those dogs has a bad day. But they are majestic.
Cindy Meyer 5 years ago
I rescued Irish Wolfhounds for some 20 odd years. Usually had Wolfe’s and Great Danes. Love this breed, the gentle nature, loving pups with the big black nose. 💕. These pics brought back some of the best memories for me!
Karen Klinck 5 years ago
An acquaintance of mine rescued (or did, haven't seen her in years) Russian Wolfhounds. I remember her thumping one for trying to eat an overfed longhaired daschundt. Different temperament completely.
Load More Replies... Andrew Keane 5 years ago
I went hiking in the Wicklow mountains in Ireland and it was covered in tall heathers. My friends and I came across a short woman standing amongst it all as if waiting for some thing. Up bounded one wolfhound up from behind a hill and I thought 'wow! A wolfhound!' Then two more just stood up from the heathers and I never even noticed them. It was amazing to see three of them in their element. Their tall stature making nothing of the terrain.
Karen Klinck 5 years ago
A long time ago, when I was much younger, I met a young beauty. I'm five feet, and this dog could stand on all 4s with her head on my shoulder without straining. SHe was on her way to be xrayed for possible hip dysplasia, which would determine if she lived and bred,or was euthanized. (She was clear.) Evidently all the breeders decided to eliminate the defect from the breed because it was too prevalent. She, too was a lap dog: one foot and her head in my lap,and she'd stay that way for as long as I sat still. She was a total sweetie, well-trained and loving.
Load More Replies... Ashley Fernandes 5 years ago
I love that big dogs just want to curl in your lap. It's hilarious.
Kelly Grace 5 years ago
They don't realize that they get big!! I love it!!!
Load More Replies... Meeow 5 years ago
Their life span only last 6 - 10 years, just like Bernese mountain dog their life span only last 6 - 8 years. And Great Danes is 7 - 10 years. My hubby loves those breed. Why all these giant gentle don't last longer but those baking tiny dogs can lives so long.The dog average height is 85 cm, and Great Danes is 80 cms. Their life span only last 6 - 10 years, just like Bernese mountain dog their life span only last 6 - 8 years. And Great Danes is 7 - 10 years. My hubby loves those breed. Why all these giant gentle don't last longer but those baking tiny dogs can lives so long.
María Hermida 9 months ago
Such a callous comment!!! That's like saying some breeds are more deserving than others!!! Just because your husband likes a breed doesn't mean the rest are rubbish, you know. You, your husband and what you two like are not the most important thing in the whole universe. Why are you healthy while so many people die every day? Same stupid question. Biology works that way, it's unfair lovely dogs last only a few years, but that doesn't give the right to despise other animals. With your zero level of empathy, I do hope you are never in charge of any living creature.
Load More Replies... Kelly Horrigan 5 years ago
Seriously, these beautiful animals must have their own rooms - fully furnished!
Paula Raymundo 5 years ago
I didn't know this dog breed. And it's definitely huge but very cute. And I just realized that my dog looks like an Irish Wolfhound, just a smaller version... She's a Philippine mongrel. Wanna see her? >> >>>>>>>>>>>>> https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/PEM8noWI_JkLWDDEyLlG62kkB6nvqY8BYP_eSfIIhb9zDAJf5Yn1RK_suhlR7AcKBhhZSJMGIpsH5GviEUZLX_2L6ybSWvGXYl1iHvSdZLzatWf6SJVK_7ynsJdxRs5IlKCXbJzH4c7wMwq7ONnVAfj6_jOBpVPrHZBtgS_yk9X7YHFzuuyswDYmQqVX_Dsdh8-C4qrZkHdFZ-v2Jm7GrjJm9A1uK84kSvl9I4vECTi18j7zmSFIsG9a0EcgO2dM6PSZF8hbv1Q7ItH-fDgsuindxGEQ_zVs3VeUmpPVzco6uWn-NloFP-duLpHBO3zNb6vlwPIZ_ch18-HzrWICQndXoduJImbHuvvSd8ub-BMh2SH1NcGZ-vJUK8ngp7VG59JpiaEDI7t-2F76TEaMf01mYb_rvbHG3wETLxg5QZUlGemvTFTrxX6tmK7C25QQ2oOxH7oaT-Q_6l_zR6IaeJ3LsSHBuaPCVuI-XIpt8DNSaRQegdtfmfpMCCPwtdCh5nAW-1fYyckLj66IeatVIRtnrOpMbz5rKc7jJgCHRdQwuP_Hz5kfdGDwEdcNXbrSHfxZRk5vp5Z8iik0PsEsPBJA8ZcrM6vtVAPiofXKo9fkHZbLpLJaHYdKPdcI6d7-oRFb4IxudC2o8U8SvMBjlaNIiA=s222-no
R.s. Potter 5 years ago
Pity they have such short lifespans. It would be heartbreaking to lose one just as you were getting really attached.
MorningStar Kematch 5 years ago (edited)
I grew up with Russian Wolfhound's. 2 in all. My stepmom had one and got me one and I, (scratch that my dog was), was constantly stared at, stopped and asked endless questions. (My dog was asked questions too). Our neighbors had 2 Irish Wolfhound's...where I would be found more often than not. I will always have a very soft spot for my Wolfhound friends.
Eva Mihova 5 years ago
So sad that these wonderful huge dogs, like the Irish Wolfhound and Great Danes only get to live relatively short lives - 6-7-8 years :(
Šimon Špaček 5 years ago
Those dogs are amazing. Yes, I know that they look a bit like an old rug left on rain but their minds are so wonderful. I truly respect them because they are usually so calm (unless they have a good reason to start havoc). Maybe it is just their self-esteem caused by enough of strength to tear apart few wolfs or anything else in sight.
The Marauders 5 years ago
My best friend is my 10 month old Irish Wolfhound named Seamus Finnigan—wonderful breed! They make great service dogs!
Rosie Hamilton 5 years ago
They aren't considered fully adult until 3 to 4 years and as the average life span is 7 years, and it is only fair that service dogs get to retire, it doesn't make their being trained for service by organisations worthwhile.
Load More Replies... Nadine 5 years ago
I swear my vet has a dog that looks exactly like these, with the same face and type of fur, but just not as big. I mean, she's really tall and has long legs, but she's not remotely as big as the giants in these pictures!
Anne 5 years ago
they can, if they get the wrong food and grow too quickly. It's important to give big breed-puppy food to big puppies, especially in these huge breeds.
Load More Replies... Carol Emory 5 years ago
My favorite dog in the world ever since seeing Hound of the Baskervilles.
Rosie Hamilton 5 years ago
Because they are beautiful, intelligent, friendly animals.
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