anyone here have one of them as a family pet ?
I want to get one early next year

TK, I've thought about getting one often, but am concerned about their lifespan. It would be a shame to get a dog through puppyhood and get used to them as a regular member of the family, only to have them pass on after 6-9 years. Perhaps a Scottish Deerhound would provide the size and grace, but live maybe 10-12 years.

I have been around a couple, some of them are fearless, and some of them don't know they are a 250 pound dog.

well my thoughts on a dogs lifespan are that if they have a joyful and healthy life while their with you , and die of old age then its understandable . It not like they were taken from you too soon if that makes sense .
My baby is a 65lb bull/boxer im not trying to replace him or anything like that . I would like to just get him a buddy and ive always been curious about this breed. Plus im part Irish .

My impression...

Irish Wolfhounds are almost totally in the hands of dog show enthusiasts. There are few if any working dogs anymore. Do your homework...MANY show breeds have serious health/genetic problems that would/could not be tolerated in working dog circles

Study first...buy later.

My sister has had them for years, very large expensive dogs. They are great pets loving etc but they do not live very long. 6 to 8 years for a healthy one. Many are not, she has lost three at two to four years. As has been said, they are mostly now in the realm of dog show owners.

Norwegian Elk/Wolf hound instead?

Scottish Deerhound is similar in stature but lighter in weight...probably live considerably longer than a Wolfhound. Might be a breed to consider.

I want one of each mentioned in this thread ...

quote:

Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
I want one of each mentioned in this thread ...

Bill, collecting dogs is not like guns....you have to feed them :-)