With so many amazing Doodles out there, it might be hard to choose a favorite. But if we had to choose one, the Irish Wolfadoodle would be in the top 10. What is an Irish Wolfadoodle, you may ask? Well, that is a great question. Let us tell you exactly why we love these giant dogs.
What Is A Wolfadoodle?
Like all Doodles, these designer dogs are a hybrid of two breeds. On the mother’s side, you have the fantastic Irish Wolfhound. And the father is always a standard Poodle.
Some breeders might call this hybrid breed a Woodle or even an Irish Wolfoodle, but they are all the same. So what made breeders decide to Doodle this mix?
The Irish Wolfhound has an excellent temperament and intelligence that people love. And these dogs are the world’s tallest dogs that have been around for centuries.
Irish Wolfhounds are some of the kindest and gentlest dogs that love their owners. But it might surprise people to know that they were initially hunting dogs.
No one knows precisely when breeders intentionally crossed this hybrid, and the American Kennel Club will never recognize them. But we have learned that they make some of the best companion dogs and guard dogs.
What Is An Irish Doodle?
The Irish Wolfadoodle shouldn’t be confused with the Irish Doodle. An Irish Doodle is the hybrid of a Standard Poodle and Irish Setter. So keep that in mind if you are looking for a breeder, and don’t confuse the two. Otherwise, you will get a breed that’s the polar opposite of what you expected.
The Wolfadoodle Size
So, if the Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed in the world, it only stands to reason they produce large offspring. The Wolfadoodle is also the tallest Doodle dog and stands at 24-33 inches tall.
That’s even taller than a Great Danoodle or Great Dane Poodle mixes. And they can weigh anywhere between 70-120 pounds. So if you are looking for a large breed, the Irish Wolfadoodle is a top runner.
When Do Wolfadoodles Stop Growing?
With such a large breed, you might be wondering when the growing stops. Most of the growth usually happens before your Wolfadoodle is 18 months old. Around this time, your dog will get very tall and lanky. But they will continue to gain weight until they turn two years old.
One important note about the Wolfadoodle’s growth is that you will want to hold off on neutering or spaying until 18 months old. The reason for this is to protect their joints. It’s also essential to stay away from heavy exercise until after they are 18 months old.
Recent studies have shown that fixing your large dog too early will lead to joint problems. And if your dog strains itself too hard during the growth process, it could end up with permanent damage. 30 minute walks every day are fine, but no intense running.
Wolfadoodle Temperament
What is an Irish Wolfadoodle, and what are they like? Temperaments of the dog matter just as much as their breeding to find the right fit. And with the Irish Wolfadoodle, we can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t want calm and loving giant breeds. These dogs are as gentle as they come and love everyone.
In fact, many owners get Irish Wolfadoodles to raise them as service dogs. The Wolfadoodle is a very intuitive breed, so many people train them to treat anxiety and PTSD. Because nothing is better than having a large dog who loves you give you a comforting hug.
But more than that. People love the Wolfadoodle because they are great with everyone. If you have other pets in the house or small children, the Irish Wolfadoodle is perfect for you. These dogs are gentle with children and won’t harm a fly.
How Smart Are Irish Wolfhounds?
Everyone wants a dog that’s easy to train, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, if this is an important factor for you, you will need to be prepared to work for it. Wolfadoodles are notorious for being lazy and a little stubborn during training.
It’s not that your Wolfadoodle isn’t intelligent. They are actually brilliant and want to please their owners. But they need a little encouragement to get up and do what you want. So be prepared with tempting treats and lots of patience. With regular training sessions, your Irish Wolfadoodle will be fully trained in no time.
Energy And Exercise
When most of us think of large dogs, we think of lots of energy and walks. But Wolfadoodles is the exact opposite of this. They have very minimal exercise needs and aren’t overly hyper in the least. You might even find that your Wolfadoodle needs encouragement to get up off the couch.
Due to their size, you will need a large house and backyard for everyday living. And they will need 30-45 minutes of exercise a day. That includes walks, rough play, and fetch to get their blood pumping and stay fit.
Do Irish Wolfhounds Like To Swim?
Irish Wolfhounds like to participate in a lot of activities with their owners. They love running, hiking, and other sports. But swimming is something they don’t excel at. Because of their size, it takes a lot of energy to stay afloat.
So what does that mean for the Irish Wolfadoodle? Well, for the Wolfadoodle, it can go either way. If your Wolfadoodle is on the smaller side, they might enjoy swimming with no hesitation. But lankier pups might find the whole process difficult.
Are Irish Wolfadoodles Hypoallergenic?
Irish Wolfadoodles most likely came about for their hypoallergenic coats. Wolfadoodles can have either wavy or curly hair that has little to no shedding. This trait is great for people with mild allergies or asthma. But it does come at a cost.
The first thing to know is that your Doodle’s coat is high maintenance. It tangles easily and needs constant daily attention. You will need daily brushing and trims every 6-8 weeks by a professional groomer.
Not only does this take a lot of time for such a large dog, but it also costs a chunk of money. And it’s something they will need all of their life, so it won’t go away.
And there is always a chance that your Wolfadoodle will have a straight coat that sheds an average amount. So if having a hypoallergenic coat is a deal-breaker for you, you will want to talk with your breeder. They can help guide you to the right puppy for your needs.
Can I Shave My Irish Wolfhound?
Shaving your Irish Wolfhound is a preference. Most people like the look of a shaggier Wolfadoodle with a teddy bear haircut. But if you keep the Doodle’s hair cut short, it can be beneficial.
For one, shorter hair doesn’t need to be brushed as often as long hair. You might even get by with brushing two or three times a week if your Wolfadoodle has shaved hair. It also keeps your Doodle cool in the summer so they can enjoy the summertime activities with ease.
And finally, it can also mean that your dog doesn’t have to get a haircut as often. Plus, shaved dogs can be just as cute as the fluffy teddies we are used to. It saves you time and money all around, and who doesn’t love that?
How Long Do Irish Wolfadoodles Live?
Large breeds typically have shorter lifespans than toy breeds. But the Irish Wolfadoodle has a decent lifespan for how big they are. You can expect this giant Doodle to live between 8-12 years, which is a long time compared to other dogs. However, they are prone to health issues at that time. Diseases such as:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Heart disease
- Bloat
- Eye disease
- And Wobbler Syndrome
You can reduce the chances of your dog getting these problems with a few precautions. The first is to make sure you always use a reputable breeder that tests for these common issues. However, genetics can only go so far.
You also have to make sure that your dog is maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent problems like these. Lots of exercise, the best dog foods, and frequent vet check-ups will all prolong the life of your Wolfadoodle.
How Much Do Wolfadoodles Cost?
What is an Irish Wolfadoodle? They are fantastic dogs that you need right now. But how do you get ahold of these breeds? The bad news is that Wolfadoodles aren’t popular all over the USA. So you might have to do a lot of searching to find a breeder near you. But even after you find a reputable breeder, there is the cost.
The average Wolfadoodle costs anywhere between $1,500 and $2,800. This price difference all depends on the gender and color of your Wolfadoodle. Most Wolfadoodles tend to be wheaten colors, but you can also get them in reds, silver, cream, black, and white.
Are You In Love?
What is an Irish Wolfadoodle? Only one of the best gentle giants around. You will love the docile and easy-going temperaments of the Wolfadoodle. They get along with everyone and don’t have a mean bone in their body. Wolfadoodles will quickly win your heart and become your best friend.
Below is a Pinterest-friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!
