The Irish Wolfhound is a large, rough-coated, shaggy-browed hound, built on galloping lines.  Because of their great size and the amount of exercise essential to their well-being, the Irish Wolfhound is not a dog to be acquired without serious forethought. The  ideal home is one which provides fenced property of sufficient size to accommodate the natural speed and running room for this athletic sight hound. Hunting by sight and chase is what they were bred and historically used for; the length of leg and back, the deep chest, and the sheer power of the legs makes this easy for them. 

Such a kind nature and temperament make them unsuitable as guard dog, Irish Wolfhounds have only the kindest intentions toward children. Common sense, however, precludes the mingling of a small child with a young Wolfhound; the child is no match for an affectionate, playful puppy weighing 50 to 100 pounds, a toss of whose head or a running sideswipe of whose body can have bruising consequences. 

Irish Wolfhounds are generally a hardy dog once grown, however, the breed has few unique medical problems. They are fairly stoic, and even if they are in pain, they may be difficult to diagnose. Their rapid growth makes them prone to injury as puppies, and they suffer from the diseases common in giant breeds, some of which are serious. As a result, their lifespan is, on average, less than some breeds. The average lifespan of an Irish Wolfhound is 6-8 years.