15 Key Facts about the Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix

The Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix is a unique and fascinating hybrid breed, combining the large size and strong build of an Irish Wolfhound with the thick coat, gentle disposition, and diligent guard dog instincts of a Great Pyrenees.

This article will share 15 key facts about this breed that all potential owners of this mix need to know. This includes its origins, temperament, exercise and training needs, health concerns, grooming needs, and more!

Let’s start!

Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix – Parent Breeds

The Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix is a large, gentle giant of a dog. A mix of two ancient breeds, the Irish Wolfhound and the Great Pyrenees, this hybrid inherits the best traits of both parent breeds.

Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is one of the oldest and rarest breeds of dogs in the world. These massive hounds were once used for hunting wolves in Ireland, but they are now more often kept as pets.

Standing as tall as 32 inches at the shoulder, the Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest dog breeds. They are gentle giants, known for being good-natured and loyal to their families.

Great Pyrenees

People know the Great Pyrenees as a large, white, fluffy dog breed that is gentle and loving. They are great family dogs who are loyal and protective of their pack. They are also patient and good with children.

People originally bred Great Pyrenees to herd sheep in the mountains of Europe. Many people still use them as working dogs in different capacities today, but they also make great companion animals.

“The Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix possesses both the good and bad traits of both parent breeds”.

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Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix – What are their Main Features?

Large Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix is a large and powerful dog that is well-suited for guarding and protecting. This mix combines the best of both breeds, resulting in a dog that is loyal, intelligent, and fearless.

The main features of this breed include its size, strength, and protective nature. It is a stocky dog, with a large body and powerful legs. The Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix has a dense, double coat that can be red, white, or black in color.

It has a large head and long, hanging ears. The Irish wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix has a large, powerful jaw, and it is known for its deep bark. The dog’s coat is short to medium in length, and it sheds heavily once or twice per year.

Is an Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix Easy to Train?

The Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix is a unique and beautiful dog. But, is this hybrid easy to train?

They are an intelligent breed and have the ability to learn quickly. However, this breed can be stubborn and willful. So, training may take patience and persistence.

Potty Training

The Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix is a gentle giant that loves to cuddle. But don’t let their sweet disposition fool you, these dogs are also stubborn as can be when it comes to potty training. Here are a few tips to get your furry friend on the right track.

Patience is key when potty training any dog, but especially an Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix. They are notoriously slow to catch on, so be prepared for a long process.

Start by establishing a regular routine for taking your dog out to do their business. Go at the same time every day and take them to the same spot in the yard or park. Eventually, they’ll start to understand that this is where they’re supposed to go.

Incentives can also help with potty training an Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix, including treats or rewards for doing their business in the right location.

Obedience Training

Although this breed is not the easiest to train, obedience training is possible with patience and consistency.

With their large size, these dogs need firm and confident leadership in order to learn commands. However, once they understand what is expected of them, they can be obedient and well-behaved dogs.

You can teach them tricks like rolling over, sitting, and staying. However, they are not the most eager to please dogs, so you do have to work with them a little more. Enrolling them in a local dog obedience class is recommended if you are unsure.

Training these dogs is not an easy task and it will take time and effort on your part.

Socialization

The Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix is a large and friendly dog that loves to play with others.

Being very social animals, they love being around other dogs and people. They require a significant amount of physical activity and should be taken for walks or runs on a daily basis. They are also very intelligent and can learn tricks easily.

Without the appropriate socialization, this mixed breed can become anxious at times, resulting in undesirable behavior which may include excessive barking or chewing.

Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix – Aggression Levels

This mixed breed is a large and powerful dog that can sometimes have the reputation for being aggressive. 

 This is particularly the case if they feel threatened or if they sense their family is in danger.

Fortunately, the vast majority of Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mixes are not aggressive by nature. With proper training and socialization, they can be gentle giants who are great with kids and other animals.

However, it’s important to be aware of their potential for aggression and to never put yourself or your family in harm’s way. If aggression occurs, look for the triggers and address them in a structured way. If unsure, engage a dog behaviorist or trainer to assist.

What Exercise does an Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix Need?

Great Pyrenees running

This mixed breed needs plenty of exercises to stay healthy and happy. This mixed breed requires an hour of exercise. This can be a combination of walking, running, playing fetch, or any other activity that gets the dog’s heart rate up.

It’s important to make sure the dog has a chance to burn off all that energy, or else it may become destructive or restless.

If you’re thinking of getting an Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix, be prepared to provide them with their daily exercise requirements to ensure they stay healthy and well-behaved.

Running

One of the benefits of this breed is that they are great runners. This means that they can help you to get in shape and stay in shape. If you are looking for a way to get some exercise, then this may be the perfect option for you.

There are a few things that you need to keep in mind when you are running with your dog. First, you need to make sure that your dog is well-hydrated.

This means that you should bring along a water bottle and make sure that your dog has plenty of water to drink.

Second, you need to be aware of the temperature. If it is too hot outside, then your dog could overheat and become sick. Finally, you need to be aware of your own energy levels, to ensure you can keep up with your dog!

Walking

The Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix needs plenty of exercise to stay healthy and fit, and walking is a great way to do this.

Most Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mixes will happily walk for miles each day if given the chance. They are strong dogs with a lot of endurance, so they can handle longer walks than many other breeds.

Walking is also a great way to bond with your Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix. Spending time together outdoors with your dog is a great way to build a strong connection.

It’s also a chance for them to explore the world and use their natural instinct to sniff out new smells and sounds.

Swimming

The Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix is a large, powerful dog that is known for its athleticism and endurance. While this breed is not typically considered a swimmer. They can be trained to enjoy the water and use it as an exercise routine.

There are many benefits to swimming for dogs, including increased cardiovascular fitness, muscle development, and joint health.

Swimming is also a low-impact activity that is easy on the bones and joints, making it an ideal exercise for older dogs or those with joint problems.

Gradually increase the time of short sessions as your dog gets used to swimming if you are considering adding swimming to your dog’s exercise routine.

Hiking

Hiking is a great way to keep your Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix healthy and active.  The perfect way to get them moving is by going for walks or runs.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when taking your IWGP out for a hike:

1. Start slow and build up their endurance. Like all dogs, IWGPs can overheat quickly so it’s important not to push them too hard at first.

Get them used to the exercise by starting with shorter hikes and gradually increasing the distance.

2. Choose trails that are not too strenuous. Steep inclines and rocky terrain can be tough on their legs and joints, so look for relatively flat and smooth trails.

3. Bring plenty of water. Make sure to bring plenty of water for both you and your IWGP. Water is especially important in summer, as overheating and dehydration can be a big problem.

You should also take frequent breaks so that your dog can cool off by standing in a stream, or rolling around in the dirt.

Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix – Mental Stimulation

Irish Wolfhound with owner

The Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix requires mental stimulation in addition to physical activity to stay happy and healthy. Here are some suggested routines to keep their brain active:

Routines For Mental Stimulation

1. Interactive toys: Fill a Kong toy with peanut butter or another favorite treat, and watch your dog work to get it out. This will keep their minds challenged and engaged.

2. Search games: Hide treats around the house or yard, and let your dog search for them. This is a great way to give them the mental stimulation they need while also getting them some exercise.

3. Training exercises: Teach your dog new tricks or commands, and work on obedience training regularly. This will help them to stay focused and engaged, while also strengthening the bond between you two.

4. Hide and seek: Hide treats around the yard, and let your dog find them. This is a fun way to get them active while also providing them with mental stimulation.

5. Puzzle toys: There are a ton of great puzzle toys out there that can keep your dog entertained for hours. These are great to play with when you’re trying to give them extra mental stimulation and a way to bond with your dog.

6. Frisbee: This is a great way to get your dog active, and it s also fun for you to play with them.

7. Fetch: Another classic game, with the added benefit of getting your dog active.

8. Agility: Agility is a sport for both you and your dog. It s a great way to get active and bond with your dog at the same time.

9. Doggie daycare: If you re not able to walk your dog every day, doggie daycare is a great option. It gets your dog active, socialized with other dogs, and gives them the mental stimulation they need.

10. Dog park: Dog parks offer the same benefits as doggie daycare. They are a great way for your dog to get active, socialized, and mentally stimulated.

How to Groom an Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix?

Bathing a Great Pyrenees

The Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix is a large, powerful dog with a thick fur coat. Their maintenance needs are not for everyone, but if you are up for the challenge, here are some tips on how to groom your new pet.

Grooming Tips – Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix

First, you must invest in a good set of clippers and shears. The coat of this mix is thick and dense, so you will need to be able to clip through it without causing discomfort to your dog.

Start by clipping the hair around the face, then move down the body. Be sure to pay extra attention to the areas where the skin is thinner, such as the belly and under the legs.

Next, use a slicker brush to remove any loose hair or debris from the coat. This will help keep the coat clean and free of tangles.

Finally, you can use a conditioner to help keep the coat soft and smooth. Brush the conditioner through the fur, then rinse with lukewarm water. Towel dry and brush again to remove any excess water.

For their ears, you should clean them with a damp cloth. Clean them at least once every week, or more often if they seem dirty. Remember to brush their teeth at least once a week.

Brushing their teeth will help keep them healthy and free of bad breath. It is important to brush their teeth at least once a week to prevent any problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease.

You should also brush their paws to keep them clean and healthy. Brushing their paws will remove any loose fur and can help prevent bacteria from growing on their feet.

Cut their fingernails every two-to-three weeks. You should cut their nails when they are still young. If you do this when they are young, it will be easier to train them to let you cut their nails.

“You should try to cut the nails when they are not wiggly. If they are wiggling, it will be hard to cut their nails and you may end up hurting them. You may need to put them on a table or in your lap while you cut their nails”.

Are there Health Concerns with an Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix?

The most common health concern for this mixed breed is hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the hip joint does not fit properly into the socket. This can cause pain and lameness.

Other health concerns include elbow dysplasia, eye problems, andvon Willebrand’s disease.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia are conditions where the hip or elbow joints don’t fit properly into the socket. This can cause pain and lameness. It can be treated by surgery.

The Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix suffers from eye problems like cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and glaucoma. If not treated, these conditions will lead to blindness.

Von Willebrand’s disease is a bleeding disorder that affects both genders equally. It is caused by a deficiency of von Willebrand factor, a protein that helps the blood clot.

There is no cure for Von Willebrand’s disease, but it can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes.

“If you notice any problems with your Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix, take them to the vet immediately. You should also seek medical advice if they have a sudden change in behavior or appetite that can’t be explained”.

Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix – What Food can they Eat?

The Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix is a large, powerful dog with a hearty appetite.

They can eat just about anything, but they should not eat some things. Here are some guidelines for what food is best for your Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix.

As with any dog, the diet of an Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix should be based on high-quality, nutritious food.

This means avoiding processed foods and choosing foods that are rich in protein and other nutrients. Food options like chicken, fish, and eggs are great choices.

They can eat just about anything, but they should avoid some foods. For example, fatty foods can cause stomach problems and chocolate can be toxic to dogs.

Table Scraps

Irish Wolfhound eating table scraps

If you have an Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix, you may be wondering if it’s okay to give them table scraps. The answer is yes, but in moderation. It also depends on the type of table scrap and the health of your dog.

If you’re giving them something like chicken bones, it’s best to avoid doing so as it could cause gastrointestinal issues.

However, if you have some leftover cooked chicken or other meat that is safe for dogs, then it’s perfectly fine to give them a little bit as a treat. Just be sure not to overdo it as too many table scraps can lead to weight gain.

Doggie Treats

The Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mixes are big fans of doggie treats, however, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, this mix loves most food. They will eat just about anything you put in front of them. That means that you need to be careful about what kinds of treats you give them. You don’t want to overload them with calories or fat.

Second, this mix is very active. They need a lot of exercise to stay healthy and fit. Treats should be given in moderation so that they don’t get too many calories and put on weight.

Some healthy doggie treat options include carrots, sweet potato, squash, blueberries, and cranberries. Of course, you can also buy dog treats fresh from the store or online that are made just for this mix.

Finally, this mix is very intelligent. Trainers can quickly teach tricks and commands to them and reward them with treats.

Supplements

One way to help prevent your Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix from becoming overweight is to give them a supplement that contains omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain a healthy coat and skin, and can also help with joint health. Another supplement to consider for joint health is glucosamine, which is proven to slow down the progression of arthritis in dogs.  

Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix – Child Friendly

The Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix is a gentle giant that is great with children. These dogs are incredibly loyal and protective of their families, making them the perfect family pets.

They are also very intelligent and easily trained. However, they do require a lot of exercise and need plenty of space to run around.

Supervisors should always keep an eye on them around small children due to their large size.

Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix – Drooling Levels

They are gentle giants that make great family dogs, however, their drooling tendencies may not be for everyone. If you’re considering adding an Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix to your family, here’s what you need to know about their drooling levels.

While all dogs produce saliva and therefore some level of drool, the amount varies from breed to breed. The Irish Wolfhound is known for being a relatively clean breed with minimal drooling.

The Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, is known for being a very heavy drooler. So this mix will likely fall somewhere in between.

Drooling can be controlled by regularly brushing their teeth and providing plenty of dental chews.  Keep in mind that while drooling can be minimized.

Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix – Barking Levels

The Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix is a large and imposing dog. With its size comes a deep, booming bark that can be startling if you’re not expecting it.

One thing to keep in mind with this breed is that their barking can be excessive at times. If you’re looking for a quiet dog, this is probably not the breed for you.

However, if you don’t mind a little extra noise and are looking for an incredibly loyal friend, the Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees mix might be perfect for you.

How long does an Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix live?

The average life expectancy of an Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix is 6 – 10 years. With regular vet checkups and a healthy diet, your dog can enjoy a long, happy, healthy life by your side.

Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix – Puppy Prices

Irish Wolfhound Great Pyrenees Mix puppies are very rare and can be quite expensive. Prices for these puppies start at around $1,000 and can go up to $3,000 or more.

Another option when searching for this unique mixed breed is to check the local animal rescues and shelters. They are generally cheaper in price than most breeders, and might just have what you are looking for. 

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