Originally bred to hunt wolves, the Irish Wolfhound, originating from Ireland, is the tallest breed of dog in the world. The male Irish Wolfhound has an average height of thirty-three to thirty-six inches whereas the female has an average height of twenty-nine to thirty-four inches. Males weigh, approximately, one hundred and thirteen pounds and females weigh, roughly, one hundred and six pounds. Despite their size, the Irish Wolfhound is a sensitive, gentle and caring dog. Once used as war dogs, by the ancient Celts, the Irish Wolfhound is a very old breed and is believed to be from the first century BC and, perhaps, even earlier. The Irish bred these dogs to protect their homes and livestock although, the breed today, with its' gentle nature, is not suitable as a guard dog. Like all other giant breeds the Irish Wolfhound has a shorter life span with a life expectancy between six to seven years.
