How Much Does an Irish Wolfhound Cost? (2024 Price Guide)

Irish Wolfhound price and expenses how much does an Irish Wolfhound cost

Multiple things go into the Irish Wolfhound cost. Aside from the purchasing fee, pet owners must also consider the expenses included in keeping a healthy and happy member of the family.

In this article, we will tackle the different financial points an aspiring Irish Wolfhound owner must keep in mind before getting one.

We will also discuss helpful financial tips that will prevent you from breaking the bank. Let us start!

The Average Cost of an Irish Wolfhound Puppy

Average cost of Irish Wolfhound puppy

The price of an Irish Wolfhound puppy from a reputable breeder ranges between $1,400 and $2,500. However, if you prefer getting one from a champion bloodline, expect to pay between $2,200 and $6,200.

Generally speaking, the Irish Wolfhound tends to be one of the most expensive dog breeds, especially if you get yours from a reputable breeder.

Although, the Irish Wolfhound dog price isn’t much far off from the cost of other large dog breeds.

One of the major factors contributing to the price is the breed’s size. Due to the Irish Wolfhound’s giant build, the maintenance and sustenance for these hounds are usually pricier. 

Here’s how gigantic Irish Wolfhounds are:

A Day in the Life: Irish Wolfhound Edition

Factors Affecting the Cost of an Irish Wolfhound Puppy

As you might have noticed, large-sized breeds tend to cost a lot, including our beloved Irish Wolfhound breed. But aside from size, have you ever pondered on what factors make up the cost of this giant pooch?

If you want to welcome an Irish Wolfhound into the family, you must be knowledgeable about these factors. This will help you set your expectations on what Irish Wolfhound you’ll get.

That said, here is a complete list of factors affecting the price of an Irish Wolfhound:

  • Age: Generally, an adult dog is likely to cost less than a younger one. Young Irish Wolfhounds are in demand because most owners want to raise them from puppyhood. Most breeders make use of this fact, so they sell their puppies at a higher price point. If you want to save, then go for an adult Irish Wolfhound.
  • Appearance: Like with any other dog breed, coat color can impact the cost of an Irish Wolfhound. The rarer the coat color, the more expensive it becomes. Coat color trends and popularity can also contribute to the cost due to higher demand.
  • Bloodline: The bloodline of a dog is one of the major contributing factors to the cost. Irish Wolfhounds coming from a champion lineage can set you back $2,200 at minimum. These top-notch dogs are more expensive due to their appearance and genetics.
  • Breeder’s Reputation: Purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder will cost you significantly more than getting one from a puppy mill or a backyard breeder. Reputable breeders sell at a higher price due to their expertise with the breed and the careful breeding process they employ.
  • Health Guarantees: Usually, breeders provide health guarantees for their pooches. These ensure that their puppies for sale are free from any genetic diseases and receive essential vaccinations. If a puppy does fall ill, the breeder can offer to shoulder the vet bills.
  • Registration Papers: In order to document your Irish Wolfhound’s pedigree, you must have it registered to a kennel club. The registration paper serves as your proof of ownership and your dog’s birth certificate. You can register your Irish Wolfhound with the American Kennel Club for a fee.
  • Puppy Training: Some Irish Wolfhounds undergo training at a young age. Dogs trained by expert dog trainers are best for busy dog owners who don’t have the time for their puppies to be potty trained and properly socialized. Training costs often incur a high price.

Enumerated above are just some of the significant factors affecting the cost of an Irish Wolfhound. Keep in mind that some breeders may charge more for puppy logistics and puppy vaccinations.

Taking note of these factors may help you find the best deal for acquiring an Irish Wolfhound. The list may also serve as a reference while budgeting for a puppy.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Irish Wolfhound From a Rescue? 

Adopting an Irish Wolfhound from a rescue will only cost you around $100 to $600

This is noticeably cheaper than the Irish Wolfhound cost from a reputable breeder because most dogs from rescues were previously abandoned or neglected.

Another reason is that animal shelters don’t capitalize on these puppies. These rescue centers are usually funded by donations.

Note, though, that it is rare to spot an Irish Wolfhound in adoption centers as they’re not a popular breed to begin with.

Also, the adoption fee mentioned earlier is just a cost estimate you can expect from a local animal shelter. Prices may shift if the shelters already provided the pups vet services like vaccinations and spaying/neutering.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Adoption: Process, What to Ask and Tips to Get Approved

Initial Cost of Irish Wolfhound Ownership

Irish Wolfhound initial costs

Now that you have an idea of the Irish Wolfhound price, let us look at the initial costs you have to consider before welcoming your giant pooch into its new home. It is essential to know these costs to prepare your budget ahead.

Here are some of the initial expenses you need to cover when tending to an Irish Wolfhound:

  • Food and Treats: If you haven’t realized yet, Irish Wolfhounds are giant dogs, and with great size comes great appetite. These dogs grow rapidly and will require a hefty amount of food. Prepare a budget of around $100 to $120 for their meals.
  • Food and Water Bowls: Most owners usually overlook a good set of feeding and water bowls. Stainless steel bowls are recommended over plastic ones since they last longer and are easier to clean. These bowls usually cost around $15 to $35.
  • Bed: Large dogs are prone to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These ailments may also be genetic, but a dog’s living conditions play a key role in developing these health problems. One good way to preserve their health is by providing them with a proper bed. High-quality beds usually cost from $50 to $200.
  • Crate: Dog crates are essential to have when owning an Irish Wolfhound. Aside from being a pet vessel during trips, it can also serve as a safe space for your dog when you’re not at home. Crates for an Irish Wolfhound will cost you between $60 and $500.
  • Leashes and Collars: Aside from crates, leashes and collars are two of the necessary things an owner should prepare upon getting a puppy. Choose a set that fits your dog properly and doesn’t easily break. These two usually cost around $15 to $50.
  • Toys: Irish Wolfhounds, just like other dogs, will chew on anything unless you provide them with chew toys to gnaw on. Toys keep them physically and mentally stimulated, so it’s a good idea to purchase them some. Toys from a local pet store can cost you $30 to $50.
  • Grooming Essentials: The Irish Wolfhound’s shaggy coat needs regular grooming to keep it neat and tangle-free. Their other body parts also require cleaning from time to time to prevent diseases from progressing. Grooming tools such as brushes, shampoo, toenail clippers, and toothbrush kit will cost you around $40 to $180 a set.
  • Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: As a responsible owner, you must be on guard against worms, fleas, and ticks harming your new puppy. Deworming and preventive treatments are usually provided by breeders and shelters. However, if these weren’t covered, prepare a budget of $50 to $200.
  • Initial Vet Visits: Besides the preventive medications mentioned earlier, you will also need to shell out a few bucks for vet expenses. This ensures that your dog is not developing major health conditions or doesn’t have genetic diseases. The cost for your pup’s initial vet visits is around $100 to $300.
  • Initial Vaccine Shots: Your pup’s initial vaccination is one of the essential things to prioritize. This will most likely secure your pup’s health against diseases. They usually need shots for distemper, parainfluenza, rabies, parvovirus (DHPP), and hepatitis. If your puppy is unvaccinated, you will need around $75 to $200 for the initial shots.
  • Neutering or Spaying: Usually, a puppy purchased from a breeder is already “fixed.” If not, it is necessary to get it spayed or neutered if you don’t have plans of breeding it. Doing so will cost you between $50 and $500.
  • Dog License: Licensing your dog is a good way for it to be identifiable in vet records. Also, this will enable your pup to become part of a country-wide dog registry. A license will usually cost you around $10 to $20.
  • Microchip: A microchip is an electronic device implanted into your dog’s skin. It will come in handy if your dog goes missing since your pup’s information can easily be identified via scanning the microchip. Microchipping usually costs $40 to $60.
  • Miscellaneous Supplies: Other essentials to have as a dog owner will be first aid kits, a poop scooper, poop bags, inducers, vitamins, potty pads, and more. Depending on what you need, allotting $15 to $30 of your budget will be enough.

Here’s a summary of the initial costs for an Irish Wolfhound puppy:

Type of ExpenseCost
Food and Treats$100 – $120
Food and Water Bowls$15 – $35
Bed$50 – $200
Crate$60 – $500
Leashes and Collars$15 – $50
Toys$30 – $50
Grooming Essentials$40 – $180
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications$50 – $200
Initial Vet Visits$100 – $300
Initial Vaccine Shots$75 – $200
Neutering or Spaying$50 – $500
Dog License$10 – $20
Microchip$40 – $60
Miscellaneous Supplies$15 – $30
Total Initial Cost$650 – $2,445

You need to prepare a budget between $650 and $2,445 for the initial costs upon welcoming your Irish Wolfhound puppy into the family. 

Do take note that these price ranges will still vary depending on where you purchase these items.

Furthermore, the necessities mentioned above are just the basic stuff you must consider before having a pup. Your actual spending may still vary. 

You might also want to assess if you already have the other essentials at home to cut down on the total cost.

Annual Cost of Owning an Irish Wolfhound 

Irish Wolfhound yearly and monthly costs

Let’s say you’re fully equipped to cover the upfront and initial Irish Wolfhound costs. What’s the next thing to consider?

Aside from the initial costs, you need to be aware of the recurring expenses you need to cover as your furry buddy grows and ages through the years. 

The table provided will give you an idea of these necessities and their estimated price ranges.

Here’s a table summarizing the annual cost of owning an Irish Wolfhound:

Type of ExpenseYearly Estimate
Food and Treats$900 – $1,200
Toys$30 – $150
Bed and Crate$240 – $500
Leashes and Collars$30 – $50
Grooming Essentials$200 – $500
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications$150 – $250
Routine Veterinary Care$200 – $400
Pet Insurance$800 – $1,500
Vaccinations$80 – $250
Miscellaneous Supplies$30 – $50
Yearly Total$2,660 – $4,850
Average Monthly Cost$222 – $404

You might get surprised that the yearly cost is on the pricier side when owning an Irish Wolfhound. Remember that owning a giant breed will require a bigger budget than owning a smaller dog breed.

On top of recurring needs such as food and treats, you will need to dedicate a big portion of your funds to a pet health insurance plan in case of emergency medical bills. 

The average annual price of pet insurance for Irish Wolfhound is $800 to $1,500. Thus, you should compare pet insurance prices from different companies before settling for one. 

In addition to pet insurance, allocating between $200 and $400 yearly for routine vet care isn’t that bad at all. 

Take note that prevention is better than cure, and the cost of an annual check-up for your pooch is relatively smaller than paying for medical expenses.

Other Potential Expenses

So far, what we have discussed is just the basic cost of the necessities of caring for an Irish Wolfhound. The following points are just discretionary ones, but you could encounter these depending on your situation.

Here are some of the potential expenses you might encounter for an Irish Wolfhound:

  • Dog Walking: Usually, individuals in your neighborhood who want to earn extra income are perfect for dog walking. They can accompany your dog outside if you are too busy to do so. Dog walking fees will typically cost you $10 to $20 each day.
  • Pet Daycare: A better option in place of pet sitters is a pet daycare. Pet daycares or dog boarding services are establishments that can look after your dog while you’re away for a few days. They usually charge higher than pet sitters, which play around $20 to $30 per day.
  • Grooming Services: The Irish Wolfhound’s shaggy coat will require grooming now and then. While considering the option of grooming at home, taking your shaggy pooch to the groomer is recommended. Grooming usually costs $30 to $60.
  • Kennel Club Certifications: You can register your Irish Wolfhound for around $40 to $85 to the American Kennel Club (AKC). This is entirely optional, but if you plan to sign your dog up for dog shows or competitions, this is a must.
  • Emergency Medical Costs: Emergency expenses are a must-have for every pet owner if unforeseen medical situations arise. According to a news report from CNBC, the average price of emergency treatment for pets is around $1,000 to $5,000.

Just to reiterate, these expenses are only optional to consider. But it is recommended that you prepare your budget, or make yourself aware at least.

That said, the most critical point among these is to prepare an emergency fund for your Irish Wolfhound. Saving up for an emergency fund will help you when unexpected medical situations arise.

Places to Find Irish Wolfhound Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Irish Wolfhound puppy for sale and adoption

Now that you’re equipped with the financial know-how from purchasing/adopting an Irish Wolfhound puppy to its maintenance, you are now ready to add one into the household!

But first, selecting a proper place to get your Irish Wolfhound from is one crucial step. It is recommended to get a puppy from reputable Wolfhound breeders instead of backyard breeders or puppy mills despite being cheaper options.

Irish Wolfhound puppies coming from these sources usually have health conditions. Therefore, you might end up spending more on resolving the puppy’s medical concerns.

Buying one from a reputable breeder will most likely prevent you from experiencing this issue.

Here’s a list of reputable breeders where you can find an Irish Wolfhound puppy for sale:

  • Carroy Kennels Irish Wolfhounds – Carroy Kennels Irish Wolfhounds is a breeder in California. They’ve been breeding dogs from show champion breeding stock for quite a while now. Their dams and sires are composed of multiple titleholders in conformation, obedience, and coursing.
  • Tralen – Tralen is an Irish Wolfhound breeder in Colorado. For many years, they have titled many dogs in conformation, lure coursing, and barn hunt. They also breed according to the breed standards created and maintained by the Irish Wolfhound Club of America.
  • Coleraine Irish Wolfhounds and Glen of Imaal Terriers – Coleraine Irish Wolfhounds and Glen of Imaal Terriers is a breeder located in Missouri. All of their Irish Wolfhounds underwent tests for hips, elbows, eyes, and heart issues. They are a member of the Irish Wolfhound Club of America.

If you want to cut costs on the puppy price and are considering adopting an Irish Wolfhound instead, here are a few rescues to check out:

  • Irish Wolfhound Rescue of the Mid-South (IWRMS) – The IWRMS is a charitable organization in Virginia. It is a sister organization to the Irish Wolfhound Association of the Mid-South (IWAMS), and they provide rescue and placement for adult dogs in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.
  • South Central Irish Wolfhound Club (SCIWC) – The SCIWC is an organization in Texas that has rescued purebred Irish Wolfhounds for over 40 years. Admitted Wolfies into the club’s rescue program are evaluated, spayed/neutered, given shots, microchipped, treated with heartworm prevention medication, and given medical treatment if necessary.
  • Rocky Mountain Irish Wolfhound Association (RMIWA) – The RMIWA is a non-profit organization in New Mexico. Their goal is to maintain an active rescue, rehabilitation, and placement program for abused, neglected, surrendered, or abandoned Irish Wolfhounds.

These are some of the reputable breeders and adoption centers where you can get an Irish Wolfhound. May it be getting a pup from a breeder or deciding to give a rescued Wolfie a new home, it’s entirely up to you.

Hopefully, this list of places will help you find your beloved Irish Wolfhound according to your preference.

READ NEXT: 13 Ways to Find Free Puppies in Your Area for Adoption (2023)

Money-Saving Tips for Irish Wolfhound Owners

After going through all of these expenses and costs, it is easy to become frustrated from all of the spending you need to consider. 

Let us discuss some budget-saving tips so you can enjoy the presence of your pup while saving money.

Remember that you don’t need to spend on all of the things mentioned earlier. Some are optional, and some can be replaced by budget-friendly but decent alternatives.

Here are some money-saving tips for owning an Irish Wolfhound:

  • Invest in high-quality essentials. Buying high-quality essentials may be financially straining at first. However, high quality usually means long-lasting. Simply put, it is better to do a one-time, big-time expense than to buy cheaper, less durable things frequently.
  • Prepare homemade dog food. Commercial dog food may seem like the complete package of a meal for our pooches, but it may become expensive, especially if your Wolfie’s a picky eater. A more budget-friendly option is preparing homemade dog food. White meat, vegetables, and some grains are beneficial not just for them but for your wallet too.
  • Groom your Irish Wolfhound at home. Grooming an Irish Wolfhound can be challenging, especially given its shaggy coat and being the world’s tallest dog breed. However, if you dedicate a bit of time to learning how to groom this giant properly, it can save you a good amount of money. There are lots of online tutorials about pet grooming on the internet.
  • Visit the vet regularly. As contradicting as it may seem, taking regular trips to vet clinics for your Irish Wolfhound will save you more money than encountering medical emergencies. Emergencies are not only expensive, but they can also be stressful. Surely no dog owner would like to experience having to pay thousands for the treatment of their dogs.

These tips aimed at saving your wallet will help you avoid becoming a financially-stressed pet owner. After all, having a dog is supposed to be a joyful experience and not a toxic one.

Final Thoughts

The Irish Wolfhound price may fall into the more expensive category, but it isn’t far off from other giant breeds. Do take note that owning a large breed means higher initial and annual costs compared to smaller breeds.

Despite the higher cost of owning an Irish Wolfhound, there are multiple ways for you to become a budget-conscious pet parent. Going through the given tips above doesn’t only make your pet buddy happy but also you as the owner.

Hopefully, this guide has made you realize the cost of having an Irish Wolfhound and has inspired you to become a financially savvy owner.

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