If you’ve never heard of Irish Wolfhounds, you’re in for a treat. That’s assuming you love dogs. To be honest, seeing one of these giant dogs might be a little scary at first!
But there’s no need to be. Irish Wolfhounds might be bigger than the average dog — a lot bigger. But the people who own them know they’re just as kind, friendly, and snuggly as any other dog.
Irish Wolfhounds can stand as high as 3 feet at the shoulder. The males are often as much as 120 pounds, although they can get much larger. Their shaggy coat, long curly tail, and enormous paws all lend to the image that this dog is less dog and more wolf.
To make things even crazier, these dogs are known for their ability to “gallop.” Yes, you read that right — they gallop like horses. Can you imagine having a 120-pound dog run at you at 40 miles per hour?
As fierce as they might look, Wolfhounds are too calm, friendly, and sweet to serve as any kind of guard dog. But that’s okay because the sight of them alone is enough to scare off any troublemakers!
1. We’re going to need a bigger car
This guy’s name is Murphy and this picture of him was taken when he was only eight months old. By the time he was four years old, he’d reached 165 pounds.
Some dogs, no matter how big they are, don’t realize they’re not meant to sit in humans’ laps. When that’s the case, cuddles can become downright dangerous! Or at least pretty uncomfortable.
3. Who wouldn’t want an adorable Mini-Me?
What’s even better than a big, shaggy dog? How about a big, shaggy dog that has a tiny friend? These two pals could be twins, except for the size difference.
4. Were you done with this plate?
When you’re as tall as the dinner table, you can pretty much take whatever you want. Just think of yourself as your human’s diet enforcer. It’s called portion control, Dave!
5. That’s a big doggie bed
Some dogs have their own doggie beds, but that’s not good enough for this guy. His preferred bed is king-sized, thank you very much. He wants to stretch out.
Can you imagine growing up with a best buddy like this? Something tells me this little girl doesn’t have to be afraid of anything. She also might not need a real bed.
7. Does he wear a men’s large?
A lot of people like to dress their dogs up in human clothes. There’s just something so cute and funny about it. But when your dog is this big, you better pay close attention to sizing.
8. We call them “dogception”
When you look at this photo, you might initially see just one dog. That’s because the other one is snuggled deep in the softest, warmest beg you could dream of. These napping buddies are perfect for one another.
9. Some big birthday kisses
This lady was turning 110 so she was celebrating a special birthday with the biggest friend she could find. And the puppy was happy to supply plenty of kisses to the birthday girl.
10. Grandma vs. four dogs
Can you imagine trying to fight off four big dogs while you’re cooking Thanksgiving dinner? It might sound incredible to you, but for this grandma, it’s just a normal November.
11. That’s quite the contrast
Even in the animal kingdom, it’s not hard to find a best friend. And sometimes, opposites attract, just as they did for these dramatically different doggie pals.
12. How to make sure no one bothers you on your walk
Some people love to make small talk with strangers while other people prefer to be left in peace. If you don’t like chatting with others while you’re out on a walk, maybe you should borrow a leaf from this guy’s book and take three Irish Wolfhounds with you.
13. Why is this picture so funny?
This dog has his very own blanket, which might account for his dignified expression. Or maybe he was really concentrating on taking a good picture. Either way, well done, bud.
14. Friends come in all sizes
Is there anything cuter than animal friends who are dramatically different sizes? Just look at these three happy canine pals that aren’t letting their sizes get in the way of having a good time.
15. This is the safest cat in the world
This little kitten is only three pounds, but she feels right at home snuggled up to two, 180-pound dogs. It’s the perfect way to have an undisturbed nap! Who would dare to wake her up?
16. That’s always how it goes
We’ve all been there: Dad doesn’t want to get a new pet, but we all beg. He says he’ll never like them, but before you know it, they’re snuggled up like these two. Of course, there’s not always such a size difference!
17. “If I fits, I sits” can get dangerous
These dogs don’t care how big they are — they just want to be snuggled and loved like any other pet. Unfortunately, that means they still want to snuggle up on their human’s lap.
Most of us have never snuggled with an Irish Wolfhound so we can only imagine how warm it must be. Of course, you have to be willing to sacrifice half the bed!
19. “Just a routine inspection, ma’am”
This happy dog is getting a delicious treat: an ice cream cone all to himself! Of course, the fact he can reach the window without any help makes the process a little easier.
20. These two dogs look like movie stars
These two dogs look like the main characters of the blockbuster hit about unlikely animal friends. Sure, it’s been done before, but you know you’d still go see it.
When your dog is this big and can stand up on chairs like this, it’s hard to resist his kisses. No, literally, you probably can’t physically push him away. You just have to give in and let it happen.
22. When you and your dog wear the same size glove
Look at this enormous paw. It really puts just how big these dogs are into perspective. This paw is bigger than some people’s hands!
23. When you’re 5 feet tall, these dogs make you look tiny
This animal resort manager is only 5 feet tall, which is considered short for a human. But this picture really shows the contrast between her and the enormous dog that can easily put his paws on her shoulders.
When your dog is this big, you get used to giving up your seat. Let’s face it — if this dog wants to lay on the couch, nothing’s going to make him move until he wants to get up.
25. No wonder the pug looks scared
These dogs are probably pretty good friends, but it might still be a little nerve-wracking to be the small one of the two! I can’t get over this pug’s nervous expression as it’s followed by two much bigger dogs.
26. You’re blocking the window
When your dog is this big, it gets to do pretty much whatever it wants. Sure, you can still train and discipline him b but if he wants to look out a window, that’s what he’s going to do no matter what.
Have you ever seen a dog that’s so big, it can be a pretend “horse” for another dog? These canine companions probably don’t actually give each other rides, but it would be hilarious if they did.
28. Not quite your average dog and his boy
If you had a dog when you were growing up, you probably have fond memories of playing and snuggling. But even if you thought your pet was pretty large, it definitely wasn’t this big!
29. Sorry bud, you don’t fit there
This dog is determined to sit and snuggle on his human’s lap. In his defense, he looks like he’s trying really hard to sit as gently as possible. There’s just a limit to how delicate he can be.
Small dogs are known for overcompensating a little when it comes to their size. The smaller they are, the fiercer they have to be to prove themselves — even if that means facing down an Irish Wolfhound.
31. You’ve got to be strong to carry this guy
This dog might be big, but he enjoys going on hikes with his owners. However, they needed a plan to carry him if he ever got sick or hurt. Introducing the Wolfhound backpack!
32. Just how tall are these dogs?
This Irish Wolfhound owner said people often ask him how tall his dog really is and if he can take a picture with the dog’s paws on his shoulders. He said absolutely since it couldn’t seriously injure him. But he did say he is 6 feet tall.
33. Don’t mess with this kid
This little boy is taking a stroll with his dog like it’s a totally normal part of his day, and it probably is! One thing’s for sure — he’ll never have to worry about anything as long as that pup is by his side.
Sure, she’s smiling, but someone might want to check on this lady. Irish Wolfhound can weigh well over 100 pounds. Hopefully, she can still breathe!
35. That comparison though
When you first look at this photo, it looks like one of three large dogs. Then you spot the normal-sized dogs and realize just how huge those Wolfhounds really are.
36. Who’s in charge around here?
Sure, that Wolfhound is big, but his little friend might think he’s in charge, too. When it comes to dogs, size doesn’t matter nearly as much as attitude!
37. So what’s for dinner?
I don’t own an Irish Wolfhound, but I’m betting the people who do get used to having their dinner interrupted. After all, it’s easy for this breed to do if they’re taller than the table!
We’ve seen plenty of pictures of them next to other dogs, but have you ever seen an Irish Wolfhound next to a horse? They’re actually much closer in size to the horse than to any other canines!
If you look closely, you’ll see this guy managed to get the pup’s feet off the ground. That’s no easy feat, considering how heavy Irish Wolfhounds can get! But in his owner’s arms, he almost looks like a puppy.
40. I don’t think that’s a puppy
This lady shared a photo of her with her aunt’s Irish Wolfhound, saying she was pet sitting a “puppy” for the week. If that’s a puppy, I would hate to see the adult dog version!
When you want to demonstrate just how big your dog is, you need to place something else nearby for scale. How about a regular old banana? Hey, it might be silly, but it does the trick!
42. That’s not a sight you see every day
This poster was driving down the street when they spotted a lady walking her Irish Wolfhound. They couldn’t believe their eyes, so they rolled down the window and asked if they could take a picture.
43. If this is the way I go, I’m okay with that
Sure, they might accidentally crush you, but there are worse ways to go than being snuggled by a giant puppy. If I get taken out by 150 pounds of fluff, I died doing what I loved.
44. He hogs the pillows, too
When you have a dog that’s this big and he loves to snuggle, you’re going to give up a significant amount of your bed. His owner says he also hogs the pillows so each night is a battle!
45. This baby will never know fear
When you have a tiny new baby, the first thing you want to do is introduce him or her to your animals. They need to get used to each other and, of course, become best friends for life.
46. Is this dog even real?
Sure, the most impressive thing about Irish Wolfhounds is their size, but that tail is amazing. It looks like something straight out of a Maurice Sendak book.
In this dog’s head, he and his buddy are the same size. He’s trying his hardest to get down to his pal’s level, but unfortunately, this doesn’t cut it. But hey, it’s the thought that counts!
48. No matter what your size, bath time still stinks
When you’re an Irish Wolfhound, bath time is more complicated than usual. And, you have to use a lot more soap than for the average dog bath! This guy might be huge, but his face says he still hates his bath.
49. They might as well be twins
Siblings often love to do everything together, usually with the younger one copying what the older one does! Apparently, this translates across species — and very different dog breeds.
This guy is 6 feet 3 inches, which just goes to show how absolutely enormous his dog is. But they still look like they’re the best of friends!
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If you’ve never heard of Irish Wolfhounds, you’re in for a treat. That’s assuming you love dogs. To be honest, seeing one of these giant dogs might be a little scary at first!
But there’s no need to be. Irish Wolfhounds might be bigger than the average dog — a lot bigger. But the people who own them know they’re just as kind, friendly, and snuggly as any other dog.
Irish Wolfhounds can stand as high as 3 feet at the shoulder. The males are often as much as 120 pounds, although they can get much larger. Their shaggy coat, long curly tail, and enormous paws all lend to the image that this dog is less dog and more wolf.
To make things even crazier, these dogs are known for their ability to “gallop.” Yes, you read that right — they gallop like horses. Can you imagine having a 120-pound dog run at you at 40 miles per hour?
As fierce as they might look, Wolfhounds are too calm, friendly, and sweet to serve as any kind of guard dog. But that’s okay because the sight of them alone is enough to scare off any troublemakers!
