What kind of dog is this?

[Ginger's Mom]

My husband sent me this picture... what kind of dog is this?! :eek: I almost think the picture is altered. Are there really dogs this large?

[goodtim'n]

Yes, that is an Irish Wolfhound, They are said to be at least 7 ft in lenght from tail to nose. If you go back into the forum of training and behavior and read the reply in the thread I put in there on BEING STALKED, you will then know why I mentioned this breed. I totally love this breed they are actually know as THE GENTLE GIANTS! I would dearly love to own one someday :D

[Kels]

Yes, Im sure that is an Irish Wolfhound. Apparently they are the tallest dog breed in the world.

Kels=) cheerleade

[canuckman]

I wonder why Irish Wolfhounds aren't more popular, i have never seen anyone with one where i live. I don't think there is even a Wolfhound breeder in Canada.

[goodtim'n]

The Heaviest and Largest one I saw, weighed 230 lbs. and I was at my vet's at the time and stool taller than the counter tops which I believe are pretty standard counters. These dogs are ENORMOUS! They due require a large living area within the house, they do take up a lot of space. You are not going to transport a dog of this size in your average car. They are like a SPECIAL NEEDS DOG, Everything needs to be especially accomodatingto them. But their temperment is wonderful. They must be house with dogs that can also endure their size. Rememer, Big dogs play Big, Small dogs play Small. They can very easily hurt another dog in fun playing due to the size. They can be very expensive to own. The bigger the dog the bigger the $Bill.

[theGoldenPup]

I've met one of them.

Another thing with them is that they aren't well known, and the fact that they are in the 'extreme' size group. Small dogs and large dogs have an increased number of health problems due to the selective breeding to keep the size trait. The body can't always function properly to accomadate the size of dogs. People have to be carefull with dogs like this, ramps to the car, beds, couches, carefull exercise, great training (...you think your golden pulls hard!...), and being able to deal with a hound!

All the same, great dogs.!

GoldenPup

[CaynCher]

Unfortunately, they also have a very short lifespan so they may not be here on earth very long to enjoy but they are a beautiful dog for the right owner.