How much exercise does an Irish Wolfhound need?
Daily exercise minutes, the activities an Irish Wolfhound enjoys and signs of too much or too little.
Adult Wolfhounds need about 60 minutes of exercise a day, including regular chances to stretch out and gallop in a large, securely fenced area. They enjoy steady walks, gentle hiking and lure coursing. Two walks a day plus a free run several times a week suits most.
Their chase instinct means off-lead running should only happen in enclosed spaces. They are sprinters rather than endurance dogs, and too much repetitive exercise can cause injury. Watch for lagging, stiffness or limping. In hot weather their size makes overheating a real risk, so walk early and late.
Irish Wolfhound exercise in numbers
Activity ranges are editorial planning estimates. The five-minutes-per-month puppy rule lacks scientific evidence. Adapt activity to the individual and seek advice for pain or exercise difficulty. PDSA puppy exercise guidance.
Editorial activity estimate
60 to 90 min
Puppy activity
Individual plan
adapt to age, health and development
Senior activity
Individual plan
adapt to comfort and ability
Size
giant
45 to 70 kg
Energy level
Playfulness
Handles heat
Handles cold