Irish Wolfoodle Basics

The larger than life Irish Wolfoodle brings the size, scale and gentle nature of the Irish Wolfhound together with the smart, playful Standard Poodle to create a quiet, easy-going family dog who is highly sociable and gets along well with kids and other pets.

The Irish Wolfoodle brings the gentle nature of the Irish Wolfhound together with the playful Standard Poodle.

Origin

The Irish Wolfoodle is a Designer Dog that likely surfaced back in the 1980s when mixing and matching two different pure-bred dogs first became popular. The goal was to produce puppies that carried the desired traits of both parent breeds – typically a healthier, smaller, hypo-allergenic or gentler form of a well-liked breed.

Pedigree

Because the Irish Wolfoodle is the result of two different pure-bred dogs he isn’t eligible to join the American Kennel Club (AKC) however both parent breeds are long-time members; the Poodle joined AKCs “non-sporting” group in 1887 while the Irish Wolfhound has been a member of the “hound” group since 1897.

Food/Diet

The Irish Wolfoodle will need a top-quality food that meets his nutritional needs from a size, age and activity level. This dog can be prone to a disease called megaesophagus (see health issues) and if it is diagnosed by your vet it will mean adjusting your approach to feeding. 2 to 3 small meals throughout the day versus free-feeding and no snacking or sneaking food from another pet’s bowl. Because this ailment causes chronic vomiting, you will need a calorie-dense food that delivers all his nutritional needs without the need to eat volumes. You should also feed him from a raised food bowl to increase the angle of his esophagus and permit food to move down to his stomach. The Poodle side of this pooch can also be prone to digestive issues so smaller meals are again encouraged, with a low-fat option being ideal.

The Irish Wolfoodle is a gentle giant who is easy-going and gets along well with kids and other animals.

Training

To avoid a large, unruly and undisciplined pooch you need to ensure your Irish Wolfoodle is obedience trained and socialized early on. This big boy comes from two intelligent breeds so will pick up commands quickly however the Wolfhound’s laid-back attitude can make him a challenge to train. A firm, consistent and rewards-based approach will net you the best results however bring in a professional trainer if you aren’t seeing improvement.

Weight

Your Irish Wolfoodle will weigh between 90 to 120 pounds when he reaches adulthood.

Temperament/Behavior

In spite of his size, the Irish Wolfoodle is a gentle giant who is easy-going and gets along well with kids and other animals. This dog bonds closely with his human pack and while he is highly protective, he isn’t aggressive and doesn’t bark much – his size alone makes him a formidable watchdog. This placid pooch is highly intelligent, loyal, obedient and loving – everything you could ever want in a companion dog.

Common Health Problems

As with most designer dogs, the Irish Wolfoodle will side-step many of the health issues that can plague his pure-bred parents. That said, its always important to know what your new pup could inherit and in this instance, he can be prone to joint issues, digestive issues and a disease called megaesophagus which can require adjustments to his feeding routine.

Life Expectancy

Irish Wolfoodles are a large, relatively healthy dog that will typically live between 8 and 12 years.

Exercise Requirements

In spite of his large size the Irish Wolfoodle isn’t an overly active dog and will be happy with a good long daily walk to help him stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. Because Poodles are known to excel in agility, a tossed ball or Frisbee at the local dog park is a great way to change-up his exercise routine and allow him to socialize with other dogs.

The gentle Irish Wolfoodle bonds closely with his family and makes a loving, loyal pet.

Recognized Clubs

The Irish Wolfoodle’s Designer Dog status means he isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) however he is a member of the Designer Breed Registry (DBR and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

The Irish Wolfoodle typically picks up the low- to non-shedding coat of the Poodle making him relatively low maintenance when it comes to brushing – 2 to 3 times per week will keep his coat mat- and tangle-free. Professional grooming will be required every 2 to 3 months to maintain the shape of his coat with bathing only as required. Because this pooch has floppy ears, you should plan to inspect and clean weekly to avoid potential infection

Puppies

Young Irish Wolfoodles are a large-breed puppy – they grow rapidly and owners need to be aware of their dietary needs. Free-feeding him foods that are high-energy (calories) or high-calcium can result in orthopedic diseases known to occur in large, fast-growing dogs including Irish Wolfhounds. Puppies can’t properly absorb the added calcium and it can impact bone growth. Consult with your vet or breeder about the best diet for your little guy. And remember this breed can experience joint issues later in life so be careful not to over-stress limbs during exercise and play sessions.

Photo credit: Brian C. Weed/Shutterstock; CaseyMartin/Shutterstock