Irish Wolfhound Portuguese Water Dog Mix

The Irish Wolfhound Portuguese Water Dog Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Irish Wolfhound and the Portuguese Water Dog. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Irish Wolfhound is known for being thoughtful, generous, and patient. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Irish Wolfhound or the Portuguese Water Dog? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Irish Wolfhound Portuguese Water Dog Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Irish Wolfhound Portuguese Water Dog Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Irish Wolfhound Portuguese Water Dog Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

Irish Wolfhound Portuguese Water Dog Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Irish Wolfhound History

The Irish Wolfhound is a large and powerful breed. They are a tall dog and were originally used in war to drag men off horses and chariots. Due to their size they were also used to help hunters. They were typically used with big game such as deer, boar, and wolves. They are typically used as family companions today. This dog is routinely mentioned in Irish folklore. They were typically prized for their ferocity and bravery. Under Irish law only kings and nobles were permitted to own the Irish Wolfhound, with the number of dogs owned being tied to the prestige of the title of the individual. They were such great dogs that they were common gifts between rulers. They are a relatively common breed in the United States ranking 77 among 155 breeds.

Portuguese Water Dog History

The Portuguese Water Dog is a very old breed. A Portuguese Water Dog is first described in 1297 in a monk’s account of a drowning sailor who was pulled from the sea by a dog with a "black coat, the hair long and rough, cut to the first rib and with a tail tuft.” These theories explain how the Poodle and the Portuguese Water Dog may have developed from the same ancient genetic pool. At one time the Poodle was a longer-coated dog, as is one variety of the Portuguese Water Dog. They are thought to have descended from one another. They are obviously strong swimmers and are good in and around the water. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1983.

Irish Wolfhound Portuguese Water Dog Mix Size and Weight

Irish Wolfhound
Height: 30 - 32 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 120 - 155 lb.
Lifespan: 6 - 8 years

Portuguese Water Dog
Height: 20 - 23 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 40 - 60 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years

Irish Wolfhound Portuguese Water Dog Mix Personality

The Irish Wolfhound and the Portuguese Water Dog might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.

Irish Wolfhound Portuguese Water Dog Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Irish Wolfhound mixed with the Portuguese Water Dog might be prone to joint dysplasia, VWD, PRA, osteosarcoma, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Irish Wolfhound Portuguese Water Dog Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Irish Wolfhound Portuguese Water Dog Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Irish Wolfhound Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in