Irish Wolfhound

Brushing Routine

Brush 2-3 times weekly with a slicker brush and wide-toothed comb to work through the rough, wiry double coat. Hand-strip the coat 2-3 times per year to maintain the correct harsh texture. A stripping knife helps maintain the rough topcoat between full strips. Pay attention to the beard, eyebrows, and longer furnishings.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 6-8 weeks with a texturizing shampoo for wire coats. Their sheer size makes bathing a two-person job -- use a walk-in shower or professional tub. Avoid conditioners that soften the wiry coat. Towel dry and air-dry to preserve the rough, natural texture.

Common Issues

• Beard matting and odor from food and water
• Sheer size making home grooming extremely challenging
• Joint issues (especially elbows and hips) requiring gentle handling and soft surfaces during grooming
• Bloat risk requiring rest before and after grooming
• Tail and ear tip injuries during the grooming process

Extend Your Grooming Results

Clean the beard after every meal -- use a snood during feeding to keep it cleaner. Pull loose dead coat by hand between professional strip sessions. Keep the nails short since their giant frame puts significant pressure on the toes. Provide a non-slip surface for grooming since slippery floors stress their joints.

Seasonal Care

Irish Wolfhounds shed moderately in spring and fall. Their rough coat provides good insulation in both heat and cold, so never shave them. In Houston summers, their giant size makes them heat-sensitive -- groom in air-conditioned spaces and ensure water access. Monitor for hot spots in humid weather.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 2-3 times weekly, daily beard cleaning, hand-strip 2-3 times yearly, ear cleaning weekly, nail trims every 2-3 weeks (critical for joint health), professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.