At a glance
Basic requirements and commitment level
Daily requirements
Context & compatibility
Is this right for you?
Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well
A good match
- Have space for a giant dog and a gentle routine
- Prefer steady walks over speed work
Not ideal
- Live in tight spaces with lots of stairs
- Prefer daily long-distance runs
Care & health
Setup, routines, and health considerations
Care overview
A gentle giant—calm, polite, and unhurried, with daily life shaped by scale more than intensity. Big-dog logistics are part of the deal.
Environment & space
Best with easy movement (minimal stairs) and enough room for a giant body to live comfortably.
Daily routine
Steady walks and gentle conditioning, with impact kept sensible—especially during growth and in older age.
Health sensitivities
Owners commonly plan around joint comfort, cardiac screening discussions in lines, and deep-chested bloat awareness.
Grooming / coat
Moderate grooming—regular brushing for a rough coat and seasonal shedding.
Background
Origins and how that history shapes what you see today
Origin region
Ireland
Background
An ancient Irish giant hound with long ties to hunting and status, the modern breed was rebuilt mainly in the 1800s after numbers dropped. Historically used on large game and later deer, it’s built for size and reach more than speed. Today, they’re usually calm and kind, but their scale turns everyday ownership into big-dog logistics.
Social & behavior
Temperament and interaction style
Personality & activity
Calm, gentle, and unhurried for their size—more steady companion than high-energy athlete. Enjoys space and relaxed walks.
Handling & social style
Polite and usually easy with visitors. Handling is simplest when greetings are controlled and manners are practiced early.