Irish Wolfoodle

by Mary Simpson

Published: January 16th, 2018

About Irish Wolfoodle

Weight

90-120 lb

Height

24-30 inches

Lifespan

8-12 years

Best Suited For

families or singles with kids and other pets, those looking for a companion dog, owners wanting a low- to non-shedding dog

Group

Not Applicable

Temperament

loyal, sociable, playful, calm, intelligent

Comparable Breeds

Irish Wolfhound, Poodle

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

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Why Does My Cat Have a Bald Spot?

Discovering a bald spot or missing fur on your cat can be both perplexing and concerning for any cat parent. A change in your cat’s coat could be nothing, but it could also be a red flag of behavioral issues or medical problems. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step to addressing the problem.In this post, we explore the mystery of cat alopecia, including possible explanations for cat hair loss, what you should do if you notice your cat has a bald spot, and how to prevent this problem from happening.Let’s get started…6 Reasons Your Cat May Have a Bald SpotThe first step to addressing your cat’s hair loss is to identify why it occurred. This will mean paying careful attention to other signs and symptoms, both physical and behavioral. Here are a few of the most common causes of significant hair loss in cats:Allergies and IrritationDoes your cat suffer from food allergies or environmental allergies? While most allergies won’t directly cause your cat’s hair to fall out, they trigger dry, itchy skin. As your cat scratches the area, trying to soothe the itch, they may damage the skin or hair follicles.Identifying the allergens can be difficult. You may wish to do allergy testing or try an elimination diet. But the good news is that once you know the trigger, eliminating it will solve the problem.OvergroomingCats are well-known for their careful attention to their grooming needs, licking themselves to keep their fur clean and shiny. However, there are some behavioral situations when a cat may start grooming excessively, causing damage to their coat or their skin, resulting in bald patches.The most common causes of overgrooming are stress and anxiety. Take a moment to reconsider your household and any recent changes that may have occurred. Did you move? Are you renovating your home? Did you add a new pet or family member to the household?Another potential behavioral explanation for overgrooming is obsessive-compulsive disorder. This may have started as stress or anxiety, or it may be genetic. OCD in cats could result from neurological conditions or other medical problems.

Can Cats Suffer From Depression?

Does your otherwise playful and friendly cat no longer seem interested in their favorite toys? It’s natural to worry when you notice a change in your best friend’s behavior. Changes in your cat’s mood or activity level may signal that something more serious is happening. We often watch for the warning signs of physical illness, but what about depression? Did you know that your cat can also struggle with their mental health? This article will examine the very real risk of feline depression, including the warning signs, what to do if you suspect your cat may be struggling, and prevention tips. Discover helpful strategies to boost your cat’s mental health and help them get back to their usual playful, purring self today. Can Cats Get Depressed? Cats are known for their independence and aloof attitude, but this doesn’t mean they don’t feel things – sometimes very intensely. Just like people, your cat can suffer from mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. Not only does depression impact them mentally and emotionally, but it can also affect their physical health and well-being. This is why it’s important for us to acknowledge the risks, identify signs that something is “off,” and seek help for our cats when needed. How Can I Tell if My Cat is Depressed? We all know cats are masters of hiding when they aren’t feeling well. This is why physical illnesses and sicknesses can be so difficult to spot. The same is true for cats who are facing challenges with their mental health. The signs are often subtle, meaning we, as cat parents, must be hyper-vigilant. Some of the more common warning signs to watch out for include: Increased vocalization (constant meowing, yowling)Loss of appetite Unexplained weight loss Sleeping more than usual or at times they’d typically be active Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyedDecreased grooming or attention to hygieneDull, matted coat No longer seeking attention or interaction Out-of-character aggression or irritability Hiding or isolating themselves Many of these signs can also be associated with physical illnesses or diseases. If you notice any of these changes, make an appointment with your veterinarian. They will run tests to rule out any physical health problems before discussing recommendations to help manage your cat’s mental health.

Never Scoop Again With Litter-Robot, The Purrfect Gift For Cat Lovers

Cats like a clean litter box just as much as cat owners do, but scooping clumps can be a hassle. Whisker’s Litter-Robot, the highest-rated, self-cleaning litter box for cats, eliminates the need to scoop the litter box. The newest model, Litter-Robot 4, provides a clean bed of litter for your cats after every use. It features patented sifting technology that sifts out waste after every use and deposits it into a tightly-sealed waste drawer, helping to keep odor under control. For Black Friday, you can scoop one up for less, with $75 off bundles with the Purrfect Litter-Robot accessories you will want.What Sets the Litter-Robot Apart? Litter-Robot 4 features an advanced, patented, sifting technology with QuietSift™ for nearly-silent sifting. That’s right, you don’t have to scoop and you don’t hear the litter being sifted. What could be better?

New Tool Detects and Predicts Dog Mobility Issues

Researchers at the University of Liverpool and experts at Dogs Trust have joined forces to create a unique new tool for detecting and predicting dog mobility issues. These veterinary experts have developed the GenPup-M questionnaire. This survey asks dog owners a series of questions to about their dog's mobility. The GenPup-M questionnaire is designed in a way that can help owners determine whether their dog might be experiencing mobility problems, even mild ones. Mobility-related problems are the third most commonly diagnosed disease in dogs. It’s estimated that 200,000 dogs are affected by musculoskeletal disease annually. According to some estimates, 20% of dogs have mobility issues before one year old, but most aren’t diagnosed until they are eight to 13 years old. Current mobility questionnaires are developed for dogs already diagnosed with mobility problems and track their quality of life. This means that many dogs spend the better part of their lives living with a painful condition that negatively impacts their overall health and well-being. A recent study, published in PLOS ONE confirms the validity of the GenPup-M questionnaire. The study involved 62 dogs - 31 with mobility issues and 31 without mobility issues.Scientists obtained the dogs’ clinical history from the owners, and all dogs received an orthopedic exam at the beginning of the study. Next, owners were asked to complete the GenPup-M questionnaire along with a previously validated mobility questionnaire.To determine the survey’s validity and its ability to identify mobility issues in dogs, scientists compared GenPup-M responses with the results of other expert tests, including advanced gait analysis.“Impaired mobility can affect a dog’s ability to engage in daily activities and interactions, move or exercise freely. If an animal is unwilling to or cannot play, exercise, or express normal behavior, this can impact its quality of life,” said Natasha Clark, veterinary surgeon and researcher at the Department of Musculoskeletal & Aging Science at the University of Liverpool. According to Clark, when done over time at regular checkups, the GenPup-M questionnaire can identify subtle changes in a dog’s mobility without the use of expensive and time-consuming gait analysis. This new tool can help vets diagnose and slow the development of mobility problems in dogs. “Our research doesn’t stop here and we will continue to research and develop GenPup-M to refine it as an even more effective tool for vets and dog caregivers,” added Clark.The Deputy Head of Research, Welfare Projects & Grants at Dogs Trust, Dr Jane Murray, said, “We are delighted to work collaboratively with the University of Liverpool on this study which serves to improve the well-being of dogs, as no dog is immune to mobility issues. Generation Pup is a ground-breaking study of the health, welfare, and behavior of our dogs and we hope this research helps more owners detect early signs of mobility issues, leading to veterinary and management interventions that can improve the welfare of the affected dogs.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Much Exercise Does My Cat Need?

Cats are often known for their laidback and aloof personalities, lounging around the house like true couch potatoes. But just like us, our kitties need regular exercise to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. That’s where your job as a cat parent comes in! In this article, we will explore the importance of exercise for your cat, including how much exercise they need, the benefits of being active, and fun ways to include more physical activity in your cat’s daily routine. Whether you have an energetic young kitten or a calm senior cat, understanding their exercise needs can make a significant difference in their overall well-being. How Much Playtime Does an Indoor Cat Need? When choosing the perfect pet for your family, you have likely heard about how laid back and easy to care for cats can be. After all, they just lounge around the house all day. Right? The truth is that your cat needs daily activity to stay healthy and in shape. The exact amount of exercise your cat needs will depend on several factors, including their age, breed, lifestyle, and individual health needs. For example, a cat that is obese and needs to lose weight to improve their health may need more physical activity than a cat that is already of a healthy weight. That being said, the general rule of thumb is that a healthy adult cat should be engaging in 30 to 60 minutes of active playtime every day, split into shorter 10 or 15-minute play sessions. If you are unsure about your cat’s specific needs, contact your veterinarian. They will be able to provide insight into how exercise and playtime can improve or help to maintain your cat’s quality of life at this stage and as they continue to age. How Do I Know My Cat is Getting Enough Exercise? There are several behavioral signs that a cat isn’t getting enough exercise that you can watch out for. Cats that don’t engage in regular physical activity often suffer from boredom, depression, or anxiety. While our cats obviously can’t speak to tell us this, we can pay attention to their body language and behavior to catch any signs of trouble. Some key signs to watch out for include: Destructive Behavior: One of the first signs people notice when a cat is bored is that they start to exhibit bad habits and destructive behavior. This could include scratching your furniture, tearing apart the toilet paper, ripping curtains or screens, or stealing items they know they shouldn’t. It’s like a young child. They are bored and looking for ways to keep themselves entertained. Excessive Vocalization: Do you have a naturally vocal cat? If so, they may be trying to tell you that something’s wrong verbally. Some cats, when bored, will cry out for attention. This is a behavior we see in our two every time their morning playtime is even 5 minutes late. Change of Appetite: If they are feeling anxious or highly stressed, some cats will stop eating. Others, like humans, will turn to food during times of boredom. Any unexplained changes to your cat’s diet should be considered a sign of trouble – whether it’s a need for more exercise or something health-related.Over-Grooming: Cats are masters of self-grooming, but if a cat is stressed, anxious, or bored, they may take their grooming too far. This can often lead to the development of bald patches or skin irritation. Aggression or Irritation: Some cats become irritable or upset when experiencing stress and anxiety. This could result in uncharacteristic biting or scratching directed towards you, other family members, or other pets in the home. Loss of Energy or Lethargy: This may come as a surprise as most people will associate not enough exercise with having pent-up energy just begging to come out. However, a cat that isn’t getting enough physical activity can become depressed, which may present as being lazy, uninterested, or more aloof than usual. Another important sign to watch out for is unexplained weight gain. Just as humans will gain weight if they aren’t getting enough exercise, so will your cat. Sure, they likely aren’t concerned with “how they look” each morning – but obesity is a growing problem in the United States and can introduce serious health consequences!

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