If you’re searching for a dog breed that’s a little out of the ordinary, the Irish Wolfadoodle might be just what you need.
This gentle giant is a cross between two famous dog breeds. Consisting of the stoic and proud Irish Wolfhound and the adorable and fluffy Standard Poodle, the Irish Wolfadoodle is definitely a fascinating combination.
Despite the vast differences in appearance and personality between the two parent breeds, the Irish Wolfadoodle manages to strike a perfect balance between the two.
This article will discuss the Irish Wolfadoodle’s history, appearance, personality, and more. If you’re already wishing to own one but want to learn more about the mix, this article is a good place to start!
Breed Overview
| Height: | 16 – 32 inches |
| Weight: | 70 – 120 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 8 – 12 years |
| Coat Colors: | Black, red, gray, silver, white, cream, and brindle |
| Temperament: | Calm, loyal, intelligent |
| Suitable for: | Families or singles with children and other pets; owners who prefer hypoallergenic breeds; families that need service dogs |
What Is an Irish Wolfadoodle?
The Irish Wolfadoodle, also known as an Irish Wolfhound Poodle mix, is a unique crossbreed created by crossing an Irish Wolfhound with a Standard Poodle. This results in a large and fluffy-coated dog with an affectionate and intelligent personality, making them an ideal choice for a family pet.
Do keep in mind that there is a difference between an Irish Wolfadoodle and an Irish Doodle, with the latter being a cross between a Standard Poodle and an Irish Setter.
Since they are often mistaken for each other, you should take note that these two hybrid pooches are polar opposites.
With a parent being the tallest breed in the world, the Irish Wolfadoodle is unmistakably large in size as well. It also inherits the calm temperament and intelligence of its Irish Wolfhound parent.
Irish Wolfadoodle Origin and History
The history and exact origins of the Irish Wolfadoodle remain a mystery. But one thing’s for sure; you can have an idea of the hybrid’s background by looking into its parent breeds.
One of the Irish Wolfadoodle’s parents, the Irish Wolfhound, was once a popular and noble breed used to hunt down game animals and even wolves; thus, its name. It was originally owned by royalty for such purposes.
Despite their fierce history and intimidating appearance, Irish Wolfhounds are usually seen as calm, gentle, and reserved compared to other breeds.
Today, they are famed for their loyalty, affection, and intelligence and are considered great family dogs.
Meanwhile, the famous Poodle is one of the oldest breeds originally trained to hunt waterfowl. They were also employed to detect truffles in the forest.
Aside from pooch duties, this regal breed was once bred to serve a very fitting job of being a companion to the nobility.
Furthermore, Standard Poodles were also trained to perform tricks, flaunt costumes, and show off their shaped coats as circus dogs.
As we can notice, the backgrounds of both parent breeds are somehow at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of personality and past duties. This can give us an idea of what to expect with the Irish Wolfadoodle.
In this video, you can witness the Irish Wolfadoodle’s size and likeness to an Irish Wolfhound, and its playfulness similar to a Poodle:
Irish Wolfadoodle Appearance
Seeing the Irish Wolfadoodle for the first time can give you an idea of its lineage. Although it resembles one of its parents more, the Irish Wolfhound, the combination of the two breeds is truly interesting.
Due to its Irish Wolfhound bloodline, the Wolfadoodle sports long legs, a long tail, a narrow and lean body, and an overall strong stance.
It also exhibits a long muzzle, almond-shaped eyes, and a broad face. The eye color of this pooch can either be brown or amber.
The Wolf Doodle’s curly coat is medium in length and can look quite fuzzy and shaggy yet dense.
Their coat color can be any of the Poodle’s coat colors, varying between black, red, gray, silver, white, cream, brindle, and parti. Some may be black with silver markings.
As with most hybrids, there is no guarantee that your Wolfadoodle will look exactly similar to other Wolfadoodles.
Genetics plays a big role in this matter, especially if the parent breeds’ appearances have a noticeable contrast.
Irish Wolfadoodle Size and Weight
An Irish Wolfadoodle is a large-sized dog. In terms of height, the hybrid can stand tall at around 16 to 32 inches when fully grown. As for weight, the Wolf Doodle can weigh anywhere between 70 and 120 pounds.
With its size, you might be wondering when your pup will reach its full size. At around 18 months old, you can expect your Wolfadoodle to have its full adult size. However, they can still pack weight until they turn two years old.
The massive height and weight of the Irish Wolfadoodle are both expected due to its parent’s genes. Having the Irish Wolfhound as one of its parents, you can expect to have a large crossbreed.
However, the Wolfadoodle is relatively smaller than its giant parent breed. A reason may be that the Poodle might have balanced out its stature due to its average height. Nevertheless, they are still quite large compared to most dogs.
Irish Wolfadoodle Temperament and Personality
The Irish Wolfadoodle’s temperament is similar to that of its parents, apart from its size and appearance. Dubbed the “gentle giant,” this hybrid breed is known for its calm and reserved demeanor.
Wolfadoodles are highly intelligent and loyal, much like their parent breeds, and typically don’t exhibit aggressive behavior, making them ideal family pets.
However, it’s important to keep a watchful eye when this big dog is around small children or animals.
Their active hunting instincts may come into play during playtime, which can lead to accidents. As a result, it’s best not to leave them alone with young children or smaller animals.
With proper socialization at an early age, Irish Wolfadoodles can be incredibly friendly and make great companions. However, they can also be shy, especially when meeting new people.
Irish Wolfadoodles are highly intelligent and can learn quickly, but they can also be stubborn at times during training.
Consistency and positive reinforcement are essential to effectively train these dogs. Obedience training can also be beneficial in promoting good behavior.
Irish Wolfadoodle Lifespan and Health Issues
It is said that large breeds usually have shorter lifespans. Fortunately, such is not the case for the Irish Wolfadoodle. With a lifespan of around 8 to 12 years, the Wolfadoodle can be your companion for a long time.
However, Wolf Doodles are prone to some health issues that are common to their parents. As an owner, it is in your best interest to be aware of these diseases to prevent their onset and progression.
Some of the most common health issues observed in Wolfadoodles are the following:
- Hip Dysplasia: Irish Wolfadoodles are unfortunately not exempted from developing hip dysplasia. This painful condition is caused by a deformity of the hip. At an early age, your pup’s thigh bone and pelvis socket may not grow uniformly. This results in the looseness of the hip joint.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Larger dogs like the Irish Wolfadoodles are more susceptible to dilated cardiomyopathy. This disease is caused by the degeneration of the heart muscle, which eventually causes organ failure. Symptoms include coughing, difficulty in breathing, and pale gums.
- Wobbler Syndrome: Typically seen in larger dogs, Wobbler syndrome or cervical spondylomyelopathy is a condition that affects a dog’s neck. Canines with this condition can experience neck pain and weakness. Severe instances can cause your dog to have impeded walking.
It’s a good idea to schedule regular visits to the veterinarian for your Irish Wolfadoodle to ensure that any early signs of disease or ailment are detected. Always remember that early detection means early resolution.
How to Take Care of Your Irish Wolfhound Poodle Mix
If you aspire to be an Irish Wolfadoodle owner, it is necessary to make yourself well-informed and ready for the responsibilities that come with having one as a pet.
Proper know-how about feeding, grooming, and training your Wolf Doodle is a must.
The following section can serve as a reference for new owners and seasoned experts on how to take care of an Irish Wolfadoodle.
Food and Diet
It is recommended that you feed your Wolfadoodle three small meals a day instead of free-feeding. Having food available to your dog at all times may promote issues like bloat and obesity.
Do take note that most large breeds go through a rapid growth stage. At this point, they will need the right kind of food to support muscle and bone development.
Protein levels in canine food are important to consider. However, it is also best to acknowledge other factors such as bone mass, joint development, and tendon strength apart from muscle mass.
Chicken, fish, and eggs are great sources of protein. Grains such as pearled barley, oatmeal, and brown rice are also a good addition to your dog’s diet.
Aside from these, fruits and vegetables like carrots and apples are good for their nutrition.
Cleaning and Grooming
The amount of shedding of your Irish Wolfadoodle will depend on the type of coat it inherits from its parent breeds. It can either be dense and curly like the Poodle’s coat or wavy and shaggy like the Irish Wolfhound’s coat.
If your Irish Wolfadoodle pooch takes on more of the Poodle’s genes, it is likely to shed less. Meanwhile, taking on more Irish Wolfhound coats would mean it would shed all year round.
Wolfadoodles that shed quite profusely may need to be brushed at least once a week in order to remove loose hairs or trapped dirt. Nonetheless, the Irish Wolfadoodle doesn’t need to be bathed too often.
Cleaning your Wolfadoodle pooch with a damp washcloth is usually enough. Only bathe your Wolfadoodle when it gets really dirty, especially when they engage in outdoor activities.
Training and Exercise
Irish Wolfadoodles typically have a laid-back temperament, which is likely inherited from the Irish Wolfhound. However, they still enjoy playtime and outdoor activities, possibly influenced by the energetic Poodle side of their heritage.
Given their large size, it’s important to provide these gentle giants with daily exercise and playtime to stretch their long legs. Regular physical activity also helps stimulate their minds and prevent boredom.
At least 75 minutes of exercise and mentally-stimulating activities each day is recommended for your Wolfadoodle. It’s also important to allocate enough space in your home or yard for them to move around freely and play.
Training your Wolfadoodle can also be a great way to keep them mentally stimulated and improve their behavior. By providing regular exercise and playtime, you can help ensure that your Irish Wolfadoodle remains healthy, happy, and well-behaved.
How Much Does an Irish Wolfadoodle Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
When it comes to cost, an Irish Wolfadoodle is typically more expensive than an Irish Wolfhound. Depending on the breeder, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $2,800 for an Irish Wolfadoodle from a reputable breeder.
If you’re interested in rescuing a Wolfadoodle, you may be able to adopt one for as little as $400.
To give you an idea of the initial costs involved owning an Irish Wolfadoodle, here is a breakdown in table form:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $80 – $150 |
| Bowls | $15 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $50 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $60 – $500 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $30 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $620 – $3,150 |
Now that you have an idea regarding the initial expenses that come with keeping an Irish Wolfadoodle, it’s finally time to actually get a pup of your own!
However, note that you also need to prepare the budget for recurring expenses and emergencies.
Places to Find Irish Wolfadoodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Irish Wolfadoodles are relatively new designer breeds, and it is quite tough to find breeders that offer them.
Since this hybrid is rather uncommon, puppy mills and reckless breeders take advantage of the situation by selling unhealthy pups. As a responsible owner, it is important to get your puppy from a proper source.
To have a more trouble-free experience with owning a Wolfadoodle pup, consider looking for reputable breeders that guarantee the quality and health of the pups they offer.
Here are some trusted Irish Wolfhound Poodle mix breeders you can check out:
- Native Doodles – This is a Doodle breeder based in Oklahoma City that offers multiple types of Doodle designer dogs, including the Irish Wolfadoodle. All of their dogs are raised on their 10-acre farm, enabling their dogs to roam free and play all day.
- High Bred Hybrids – High Bred Hybrids is a Wolfadoodle breeder located in Rifle, Colorado. Puppies from this breeder are born in a private nursery inside the owners’ home. Their dogs are free to frolic in their own outdoor play yard as soon as they grow older.
- Fat Baby Farms – Fat Baby Farms is a breeder of Irish Wolfadoodles and other hybrids in Southeast Tennessee. Their dogs are all fed a 100% raw diet, and puppies are nursed by their mothers until they are naturally weaned.
You might also want to consider adopting an Irish Wolfadoodle from a rescue and providing it a new home.
You can check out the following rescue groups to adopt a Wolfadoodle:
- Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoption – Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions is a website where you can find Irish Wolfhound, Wolfie hybrids, and other giant hybrids for adoption. They have Irish Wolfadoodles available on the site, so make sure to inquire if you prefer to adopt a pup.
- The Irish Wolfhound Foundation – The Irish Wolfhound Foundation (IWF) features an Irish Wolfhound rescue directory in the United States. You can try checking the platform out and inquire to a rescue near you to see if there are Irish Wolfhound mixes available, particularly Irish Wolfadoodles.
- Petfinder – Petfinder is a website where you can directly search for pooches available for rehoming. Irish Wolfadoodles are occasionally available for adoption on the website, so be sure to check the platform every now and then.
Hopefully, the sources listed above will aid you in your search for a Wolf Doodle companion. Getting one from a breeder or an adoption center is a good option, depending on your budget and preference.
Pros and Cons of Owning an Irish Wolfhound Poodle Mix
Like most breeds, owning an Irish Wolfadoodle has its advantages and disadvantages.
To help you assess if this pooch is the right breed for you, here are some pros and cons of owning an Irish Wolfadoodle.
First, let’s discuss the advantages of having an Irish Wolfadoodle mix:
- Minimal shedding: Due to the Poodle’s traits, the Irish Wolfadoodle tends to shed minimally. Among other breeds, a Wolfadoodle is a good option for people who suffer from allergies.
- Gentle giant: Wolfadoodles are not usually aggressive, and they’re well-known to be calm and reserved pooches despite their large size.
- Loyal and intelligent: The Irish Wolfhound Poodle mix is unmistakably a loyal and intelligent canine pal. Thus, if you are an owner who prefers an active dog you can have a fun-filled time, this breed is for you.
Now, let’s tackle the disadvantages of having an Irish Wolfadoodle mix:
- Predatory instincts: Irish Wolfadoodles tend to exhibit hunting behavior due to their lineage. Remember that its parent breeds, the Irish Wolfhound and Poodle, are both hunter breeds. It is best not to leave them alone with children or small animals.
- Difficult to train: Despite their loyalty and intelligence, Wolfadoodles can be quite stubborn, and training them can be challenging. These dogs are usually obedient, but you can impose a firm, patient hand if necessary.
- Prone to health issues: Due to the hybrid’s large size, they are also more prone to joint issues such as hip dysplasia. Monitoring the weight and providing a proper diet and ample exercise will most likely ensure good health for these shaggy pooches. On top of that, regular vet visits are a good practice to consider.
Aspiring to be a pet owner is not just a matter of fun and games. It takes plenty of research and self-assessment to prepare for your beloved companion’s arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Irish Wolfadoodles Easy to Train?
As discussed previously, Irish Wolfadoodles are easy to train and usually obedient buddies to their owners. However, these pooches can have stubborn and destructive tendencies.
Proper socialization at an early stage and showing them a firm hand can help in instilling discipline.
Are Irish Wolfhound Poodle Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Irish Wolfadoodles are popularly known for their hypoallergenic coats. Their minimal-shedding coat most likely came from their Poodle parent.
Even though this dog is great for people with mild allergies or asthma, you must consider a couple of things.
First of all, the Wolfadoodle’s coat is high maintenance. Due to the curly nature of its hair, it will need constant brushing or grooming. Secondly, maintaining this dog’s coat will take a hefty amount of time and money.
Do Irish Wolfhound Poodle Mixes Shed a Lot?
Depending on which parent breed’s coat it inherits, the Wolfadoodle will shed minimally or moderately.
If your Irish Wolfadoodle takes on the Poodle coat, it will most likely shed less than if it took on the Irish Wolfhound coat.
Nevertheless, brushing and grooming your Irish Wolfadoodle’s coat is good practice to keep it healthy and neat.
Final Thoughts
The Irish Wolfadoodle is truly one of the most lovable hybrids out there. This new pooch on the block is definitely on the road to being one of the most popular and well-loved designer breeds in the realm of dogs.
Their playful and fun-loving personality contrasts with their tall and proud stance. Undeniably, the Irish Wolfhound Poodle mix is a well-balanced result of an excellent combination of two top breeds.
However, you must consider a couple of things before feeding into the excitement of owning one. This giant hybrid will require a good amount of space at home.
This pooch will also need attention from its human companion, despite having a reserved temperament and a stoic aura.
So, do you think you are ready to take home an Irish Wolfadoodle? Let us know in the comments below!
