Their lifespan is much too short. Breeding more than we do would mean compromising on how we live with our dogs. I think breeding only the healthy and longest lived dogs in a breed would remarkably increase the average lifespan of any particular breed. Almost everyone knows of the St. Bernard because he was bred as a rescue dog in the Alps. Kelly from New England on March 12, 2013: What a great article, I voted up! Answer: Golden Retrievers, unfortunately, have a pretty short lifespan. The calm, dignified, and kindly Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of all AKC breeds. This breed is also prone to a number of health conditions that can limit its lifespan. An Irish wolfhound is the regimental mascot for the Irish Guards—it’s currently a five-year-old dog called Domhnall (‘My regiment and other animals’, February 11, 2015)–and ‘The Fighting 69th’ (1st Battalion, 69th Infantry), one of the most decorated units in the US Army. Ginger McDevitt upvoted you on Why The Irish Wolfhound is Not a Practical Dog for Most Families 6 hours ago Shanna Morandi 21 hours ago RemovedI would question whether Ms. Raiford has ever met an Irish Wolfhound, if this article wasn’t so potentially damaging to the lives of Wolfhounds it would be unutterably hilarious. Susan , I don't know that 15 is even likely but at least you are giving the Vitamin C supplements. They are not home-bound, like other breeds. Some of them die to big dog diseases like hip dysplasia. It sounds like he had a good seven years, though, but those genetic diseases...well, you already know and have had to deal with this. I will never forget my dobie. They dont have TOO small of hearts, they have the opposite. Personally, I suspect it has to do with long term inbreeding, as is often the case in purebred animals. Do you have the time to meet the demanding needs of the puppy/dog? ... so they fit right in with the active family that is always on the go. The larger the breed, the shorter the lifespan. Holle Abee from Georgia on March 21, 2013: No, I got Hamlet from a former student whose dogs had puppies. He has health concerns and a short life span. My dog supposedly bit someone, is this a scam? Dr Mark (author) from The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil on March 12, 2013: Mary, too bad doing everything right doesn't count for much! A thorough brushing once a week or so will help to remove dirt and loose hair and keep the dog looking his best. This is an article stating some of the more prevalent problems of large and giant breeds. I still love dobies and will get another one but from a breeder who screens for genetic diseases. A lot of my German neighbors have "German Mastiffs" and they look so old by Hamlets age. How is owning pets any different then slavery ? Like many large dog breeds, Irish Wolfhounds have a relatively short lifespan. Their Irish Wolfhounds usually live short lives, usually 7 to 9 years. Why do you and your family want a dog? The Irish Wolfhound Clubs are very active in doing research to increase the lifespan of this breed. Because Irish Wolfhound bond so close to their families – they do not belong in a kennel, and we do not place any puppy with someone who prefers it to be an outside-dog! Otherwise the dog will look shaggy and unkempt. I have known other breeds, and any dog CAN die young. Way too young. So, are Irish wolfhounds aggressive? And Great Danes is 7 - 10 years. Should sterilization of female dogs be prioritized over the male dogs or any other factors to consider(details inside)? Considering his giant size—105 to 120 pounds —that’s an essential characteristic. But who knows, had I not done all of those things, her time with me may have been much shorter. They are so far removed now from the orginal dog package that they start to develop physical problems. Born to a dangerous and challenging job, today this formidable giant has retired a bit without losing his athletic skills and hunting instincts. (I do not know of availability in your area, of course, but if you find them buy in bulk.) How tall is an Irish Wolfhound? My dogs have all participated in a heart study for instance. Answer: One thing you can do to improve her chances is feeding her a raw, high-protein diet. Your property would have to be enclosed, as an Irish Wolfhounds would wander away. Irish wolfhounds are generally not aggressive towards humans, and they are usually good with the other pets in their household. More often than not, Irish Wolfhounds tend to get along with cats. As far as a ramp, just make something at home with a sheet of thick plywood. Get your answers by asking now. People that have them need to make sure they have a vet experienced with the breed. I remember one hub where you said that you can take him out and show him the boundaries and he does not try to escape like the others. The only suggestion I have on your diet is to add plenty of chicken feet and beef trachea instead of plain meat. [41], Like many large dog breeds, Irish Wolfhounds have a relatively short lifespan. Irish Wolfhounds do not make good guard dogs although their size can be a deterrent to a would-be intruder. If you try to get another dog, you may find one that lives up to ten years, but most likely you will not. It's a great tribute to these wonderful creatures. Too sad. The earliest written record of the breed dates back to 391 AD, in Roman times. Some have a strong inclination to chase cats and other smaller prey. There are some bloodlines that seem to live longer than others, but no difference has been found between dogs and bitches. hounds, inside with you is where they should be. Thanks for pointing out the reveratrol. Irish Wolfhounds do not make good guard dogs although their size can be a deterrent to a would-be intruder. If you are looking for a long-lived breed, the Irish Wolfhound is not for you. Norma Lawrence from California on May 24, 2016: Beautifully written article. Bone growth issues, intestine issues, and enlarged hearts. i read on wikipedia that they live only 4-9 years is this true and if so why are their life spans so short, alot of good answers so im going to have to put this question to vote. Cardiomyopathy is the main problem seen in the breed. No matter how much time they get with you, the pure joy of living with them far outweighs the fact that they MAY die younger than another breed. It is sad their life span is so short. But there are always bad breeders that focus more on money, than breeding for longevity and health bringing the average down. Irish Wolfhounds don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reaction. Although Irish Wolfhounds have been known to live up to 13 years, most of them die much younger—seven years or less. Super dog!!! Time for feeding, training and exercise? Only about 9% of the dogs will even make it to 10 years of age. These tall dogs were developed to hunt wolves in Ireland, but by the late 1800s there were only a few left so they were crossed with Great Danes, Scottish Deerhounds, and Borzois to produce a genetically healthy pool of dogs. Question: I have a female boxer who will soon be 10. Their insulin levels are lower and this may be what accounts for their longer lives. Irish wolfhounds do not shed. They are also prone to a hereditary form of bone cancer (osteosarcoma), heart problems, skin problems, and epilepsy. Deborah Neyens from Iowa on March 12, 2013: The unfortunate thing about all dogs is that their lifespans are so short relative to their human companions. If you are looking for a long-lived breed, the Irish Wolfhound is not for you. Irish Wolfhounds are extremely prone to a life-threatening digestive syndrome called bloat. daily food consumption . I hear all the time "How can you have those dogs! Answer: This breed has a lifespan similar to the Irish wolfhound. Their life span is usually only 6-8 years, and only 17% will even make it to 10 years of age. The Irish Wolfhound lives for an average of seven years. I hope he stays with you many more years--I´ve seen his photos in your hubs and realize what a special dog he is. Your how to articles are inspiring! A breeder in Atlanta is breeding for longevity, and some of her Danes are living for 12 years. Irish Wolfhounds do not make good guard dogs although their size can be a deterrent to a would-be intruder. Question: Scottish deerhounds die young. The cost of their health care will far exceed the money they save at purchase. Who was the man seen in fur storming U.S. Capitol? Bloat and torsion strikes very suddenly, and a dog who was fine one minute can be dead a few hours later. They are mutations. She was only three. Small, non-brachycephalic ("squished face") breeds generally live the longest. Can you feed your dog anything for example only rice? Otherwise the dog will look shaggy and unkempt. 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. Its because they are GIANTS. She was an absolutely wonderful girl. i have a German Shepard died at 10 years old. During the main period of growing it is very important not to overstrain the puppy. Nov 6, 2017 - Explore Reen'e Jewett's board "Irish Wolfhounds" on Pinterest. When a dog is large a problem with the hips or a cruciate ligament tear and arthritis make it hard to get him in and out of the house. On average, the IW is a fairly expensive dog to properly maintain. Join Yahoo Answers and get 100 points today. Why dedicate our lives to this particular breed that offers so much but takes so much, a lot of heart to breed, support to rear and work to nurture into strong adult hounds. How much does a Irish wolfhound cost? Are Irish Wolfhound playful? Shedding is a natural process of losing dead hair to give way for the new coat. The first died of heart failure, the second viral-mediated organ failure and the third from a heart attack after anesthesia for an MRI, which discovered inflamed blood vessels in her neck. When you look at an Irish Wolfhound, you’ll see a dog of great size and commanding appearance with dark eyes, small ears, and a rough coat that can be gray, brindle, red, black, white or fawn. In our early days in wolfhounds we had several go to double figures, one to over 12. Irish Setters shed a lot, so be prepared for dog hair on your clothing and furniture, and regular vacuuming. Still have questions? Dogs that act up tend to be dumped at the local shelter, killed by animal control, or put down by a local vet. She sounds like she was a great dog. Indoor Time indoors is most often spent lounging with people—Irish Wolfhounds love to stretch out for a good nap. Less than 10% of the dogs live more than five years, but as she is already ten that does not mean much. Anyone who has ever owned one of these great dogs knows that health problems are a big worry. So why do they die so young? Some also have another inherited condition where they form bladder stones. It is a good effort. Irish Wolfhounds do best with owners who are familiar with the breed. Irish Wolfhounds require at least 40 minutes of daily exercise and do best in a home with a large fenced yard. Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest dog breed. This process happens in all of the dog breeds, including Irish Wolfhound. They may die from heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy), bone … Irish Wolfhounds and barking. 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