We've had 10 Wolfhounds and I can/will unequivocally say, they are the gentlest and most wonderful family/friends we've ever had. Unfortunately, they don't live nearly long enough. 6-8 years is too short of lifespan, when you get as attached to them as we do. Our children had the benefit of being raised by Wolfhounds, so they all hope to have them once they've gotten their own families. There's hardly a day goes by that I don't think of them, and sincerely wish I could have them all back.
Ooch! 6-8 years? It's my understanding that little dogs generally live longer than big dogs, but I thought that even the biggest get at least 10. I don't think it's good to keep a breed going if it only gets 6-8. JMHO. I still feel the emotional trauma of euthanizing my two cockapoos, Tighthead and Loosehead, when they were sixteen, and the poor little boys were falling apart.
I know that "suitable" lifespan is subjective, but I agree that 6 years seems too short. I don't think that dogs should be bred with a lower expected lifespan than 10 years. The Power of the Dog Rudyard Kipling There is sorrow enough in the natural way From men and women to fill our day; And when we are certain of sorrow in store, Why do we always arrange for more? Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware Of giving your heart to a dog to tear. Buy a pup and your money will buy Love unflinching that cannot lie- Perfect passion and worship fed By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head. Nevertheless it is hardly fair To risk your heart for a dog to tear. When the fourteen years which Nature permits Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits, And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs To lethal chambers or loaded guns, Then you will find-it’s your own affair- But… you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear. When the body that lived at your single will, With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!). When the spirit that answered your every mood Is gone-wherever it goes-for good, You will discover how much you care, And will give your heart to a dog to tear. We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way, When it comes to burying Christian clay. Our loves are not given, but only lent, At compound interest of cent per cent. Though it is not always the case, I believe, That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve: For, when debts are payable, right or wrong, A short-time loan is as bad as a long- So why in-Heaven (before we are there) Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
Our girl is heading toward 11. She struggles now with her back hips, which has been helped with medication and supplements. But she still wants to come out and be out on our land with me, still actually runs two or three times a week and on rare occasion will even still play with our puppy. I really don't know how much longer we have with her but am very grateful to have had so much more than the average.
We had a wolfhound. Best guard dog ever. She had such a powerful bark and so terrifyingly large that people would sit in their car and wait to be rescued when visiting the farm. She was an utter softie though. Really never would bite anyone. Would lick you to death though and pummel you with her wagging tail that was like being hit with a branch. She had that sighthound instinct to chase any game that moved though and unstoppable once running.
Sighthounds are the sweetest most laid back dogs! We have adopted retired greyhounds for 24 years and always go for the 90 lb XL boys. They love to be couch potatoes and sit in our lap. Our current ex racer Archibald is 94 lbs and sleeps between my hubs and I at night like a person. He’s extremely tall for a greyhound but still much smaller than Walter. I’ve always wanted a wolfhound but their short life span worried me as I get so incredibly attached to them. They are such gorgeous and sweet dogs!
Walter is devastatingly handsome, just a big hunk of love - those boys are lucky to have such a good boy to play with and Walter found the greatest family ❤.
What a sweet, gentle, loving giant. I've only seen one in person, and he was as big as Walter. This was so sweet to watch him with your boys. What a sweetheart! I'm just seeing this for the first time. Thanks for sharing❤
I hope you have many years with Wolter, My Sadness comes from knowing the Boys will have to Experience the loss of him at a very young age... We have had 7 Wolfhounds and they ranged from living 2 1/2, 4, 6, 6, 4, 8 and 10.... Have another one in the wings for the boys to cling too... Food for Thought, love the video!
I wish I could post a photograph. Roy is brindle coloured. Huge floppy ears. Beautiful short but thick velvet coat. He is so gentle and loyal and affectionate. Loves his family. I've only ever met one full blood Irish Wolfhound and I was stunned at how soft the coat was. Once you go big dogs you never go back ❤️❤️❤️❤️
What a big boy! He's so sweet! I love the bond the boys have with Walter. He's their protector. He's like a big pillow to lay on. You did well picking him for your family growing up with the kids. He's special.
Walter is such a caring older brother. God bless that beautiful family. I have a mini Irish Wolfhound and she is the most incredible dog, absolutely perfect, never does a thing wrong, even without me ever needing to teach her. Pure love and devotion, like Walter.
We're on our 6th and 7th Wolfhound and seeing Walter with the boys is just about right. They can be a little shy with grownups to start, but introduce children and it's love at first sight. Absolutely wonderful family dogs. They just have a lot of soul.
Those one sided conversations with his dog soothe the soul, especially for a young one navigating the world around him. I did the same with my childhood dog. She was my rock when I couldn't talk to anyone else
Oh Walter looks like a beautiful boy... I've a very large golden retriever x poodle ( not quite as big as Walter) i would really like a wolfhound as well , i just don't think you can beat big gentle dogs ❣️
Those might be the safest children in America. God help anyone fool enough to try and hurt those boys. You'd see a Teddy Bear turn into a Grizzly in a heartbeat.
I'd claim that my two cockapoos, Tighthead and Loosehead, were attack dogs, and people would seem doubtful (it didn't help that they both looked like Ewoks, and tried to kiss everybody). So I'd command "Attack!", and they'd roll over on their backs with their legs in the air (as of course I'd trained them to do). Whereupon I'd explain, "See, I said 'Attack!', and they had an attack!"
Walter is a beautiful wolfhound. " Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked ," is a breed description, but I've never heard of one being mean in any way. When I was a teenager, I remember a little old man who used to being his wolfhound bitch with him to the shop for groceries. She was almost bigger than him, and all he did was to stick hid walking stick into the soil, ( not even deep ) drape the leash over it, and aske her to lie down, which she did, then off he'd go to get bread etc. It didn't matter how long it took him to return, she would lie patiently, and put up with anyone. young or old, big or small, who came to say hello and pat her. When the old chap died, a few months later, she died a few days later of a broken heart. She was only three or four years old, so she had five or so years left yet. So sad, because her old chap was such a lovely gentle man too, and loved Tara so much. I still think of them fifty and more years later. I wish you and your lovely family, rainbows.
For the last 10 years I PROUDLY OWN AN IRISH WOLFHOUND-- MINI!!!!! YES!!! A W H. MINI!!!! 70 POUNDS & I LOVE HIM!!! ENJOY YOUR BEAUTIFUL BABY. IRISH WOLFHOUNDS ARE.....GENTLE GIANTS!!!!
The single greatest family dog ever. We raise Irish wolfhounds and our pup from our last litter is now in crufts for best youth in the breed his name is bellanaguna fingal boy, keep an eye out 😉
As a pitbull owner for 30 + years wich are my nr one breed .. still , since their loyalty to the family is of a unknown kind of loyalty for many … the irish wolfhound always crossed my mind as a if ever dog .. I find the breed very intresting , beautifull , gentle and so on… But their lifespan result in not “ owning “ one and probably i never will / can👀 dogs eventually grow mature mentally and physically at 3 or 3,5 years .. I mean .. Then you are halfway ..😞 Amost getting a “ the best ones die to soon “ kind of a vibe 😬 Wich is a bit sad because i truly think they are one of the most intresting dogs Great video by the way , And your children are doing a superb job respecting a sweet and nice dog . Well done Family !
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Walter will protect your boys with every once of his body!
We've had 10 Wolfhounds and I can/will unequivocally say, they are the gentlest and most wonderful family/friends we've ever had. Unfortunately, they don't live nearly long enough. 6-8 years is too short of lifespan, when you get as attached to them as we do. Our children had the benefit of being raised by Wolfhounds, so they all hope to have them once they've gotten their own families. There's hardly a day goes by that I don't think of them, and sincerely wish I could have them all back.
Ooch! 6-8 years? It's my understanding that little dogs generally live longer than big dogs, but I thought that even the biggest get at least 10. I don't think it's good to keep a breed going if it only gets 6-8. JMHO.
I still feel the emotional trauma of euthanizing my two cockapoos, Tighthead and Loosehead, when they were sixteen, and the poor little boys were falling apart.
Can’t u increase lifespan by making them smaller? 6 years is just cruel
I know that "suitable" lifespan is subjective, but I agree that 6 years seems too short. I don't think that dogs should be bred with a lower expected lifespan than 10 years.
The Power of the Dog
Rudyard Kipling
There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie-
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find-it’s your own affair-
But… you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.
When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!).
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone-wherever it goes-for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.
We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long-
So why in-Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
I made the switch 10 years ago from wolfhound to deerhound their longevity is far greater with my eldest boy to date being 12!
Our girl is heading toward 11. She struggles now with her back hips, which has been helped with medication and supplements. But she still wants to come out and be out on our land with me, still actually runs two or three times a week and on rare occasion will even still play with our puppy. I really don't know how much longer we have with her but am very grateful to have had so much more than the average.
Our neighbour has a wolfhound. Just beautiful. I've met a few wolfhounds and they're all the same. Big soft squashy living toys
We had a wolfhound. Best guard dog ever. She had such a powerful bark and so terrifyingly large that people would sit in their car and wait to be rescued when visiting the farm. She was an utter softie though. Really never would bite anyone. Would lick you to death though and pummel you with her wagging tail that was like being hit with a branch. She had that sighthound instinct to chase any game that moved though and unstoppable once running.
Sighthounds are the sweetest most laid back dogs! We have adopted retired greyhounds for 24 years and always go for the 90 lb XL boys. They love to be couch potatoes and sit in our lap. Our current ex racer Archibald is 94 lbs and sleeps between my hubs and I at night like a person. He’s extremely tall for a greyhound but still much smaller than Walter. I’ve always wanted a wolfhound but their short life span worried me as I get so incredibly attached to them. They are such gorgeous and sweet dogs!
Walter is absolutely gorgeous. What an adorable dog...and so unbelievably gentle with the children...it's fantastic ❤️
This is why Irish wolfhounds are the best dog to grow up with 🐺❤
Every dog is the best dog to grow up with. Why? Cause they're dogs.
Walter is devastatingly handsome, just a big hunk of love - those boys are lucky to have such a good boy to play with and Walter found the greatest family ❤.
It's the short lifespan of these dogs that counts them out for me.
It's sad when people with poor communication skills think a conversation is one sided because only one party is verbal. Good on that boy.
Your kids are the safest kids in the neighborhood!
What a sweet, gentle, loving giant. I've only seen one in person, and he was as big as Walter. This was so sweet to watch him with your boys. What a sweetheart! I'm just seeing this for the first time. Thanks for sharing❤
I hope you have many years with Wolter, My Sadness comes from knowing the Boys will have to Experience the loss of him at a very young age... We have had 7 Wolfhounds and they ranged from living 2 1/2, 4, 6, 6, 4, 8 and 10.... Have another one in the wings for the boys to cling too... Food for Thought, love the video!
Wolfhounds are so big but really sweet dogs!!!! Can even be super shy even though so big.
I've had Australian Cattledogs, kelpies and German Shepherds and now I've got an Irish Wolfhound X Ridgeback. Best dog ever. Ever. Ever.
A wolfhound and ridgeback mix sounds amazing!!
I wish I could post a photograph. Roy is brindle coloured. Huge floppy ears. Beautiful short but thick velvet coat. He is so gentle and loyal and affectionate. Loves his family. I've only ever met one full blood Irish Wolfhound and I was stunned at how soft the coat was. Once you go big dogs you never go back ❤️❤️❤️❤️
How lovely… wish we could see 🤗
What a big boy! He's so sweet! I love the bond the boys have with Walter. He's their protector. He's like a big pillow to lay on. You did well picking him for your family growing up with the kids. He's special.
Walter is such a gentle soul, what a sweetheart.
Very beautiful, I grew up with the Irish wolfhound named Christy, when she ran around the backyard it was like a horse.
Walter is such a caring older brother. God bless that beautiful family. I have a mini Irish Wolfhound and she is the most incredible dog, absolutely perfect, never does a thing wrong, even without me ever needing to teach her. Pure love and devotion, like Walter.
Walter & the children are so happy together! It’s so good to see ❤
Kids and dogs it's a special thing everyone remembers their first hairy friend
A Gentle Giant! What a great family.
I love it when dogs and children are the best friends. ❤️❤️❤️
Omg - he’s beautiful!!💜💜
I love that his name is Walter 🥰
This is how you raise a family💖💖💖💖
Bucket list dog. 💜🐕💜
Who else had a big smile from start to finish?
Such sweet dogs. We had two together when I was a teenager. Love em' . Love that look in their eyes, as if they are looking into a faraway place.
We're on our 6th and 7th Wolfhound and seeing Walter with the boys is just about right. They can be a little shy with grownups to start, but introduce children and it's love at first sight. Absolutely wonderful family dogs. They just have a lot of soul.
I wish I had a Walter in my life.
No need for a babysitter, you have Walter!
Those one sided conversations with his dog soothe the soul, especially for a young one navigating the world around him. I did the same with my childhood dog. She was my rock when I couldn't talk to anyone else
Walter is a beautiful and Gentle Dog who lives with a loving and Caring family
I have a Great Pyrenees who has many of the same characteristics, She is gentle but, still family guardian.
Such a special bond!
Wow, is he beautiful or what! Inside and out. Your family is just wonderful and so joyous.
Great family dynamics there. Wish I had a dog growing up 🐶
I _looove_ Wolfhounds. They're wonderful and gentle - almost all of the giant breeds are. I wish they lived longer though, poor things
Walter is awesome! He is fortunate to have such a loving home that understands his needs.
YOU'RE AWESOME!!
ALWAYS, Paula C ❤
Well, look at those precious angels. Of course they love Walter and Walter loves them. BTW I'm sure Walter does miss them while they're gone.
Every boy should have a pony!😹😻
Wolfhound are incredible dogs. I adore them, they are so clever and gentle. Kings of dogs.
This is so sweet❤️Those little boys will always remember Walter and how great their childhood was having him❤️
I love Wolfhounds. I have two right now. Walter seems to be a gem.
❤❤ Absolutely
He looks just like my Irish Wolfhound. She's heading toward 11!
Thank you great video well done for getting Walter he is a great pal lovely family
They are BOTH so lucky!
The boys will grow up happy kids, and remember Walter all of their lives.
Irish wolfhounds are the best! My god, they are so magnificent!
Magic.
An inseparable bond here with man's most loyal friend and two little men.
had Irish 🐺/ Great Dane Mix!
Great name for a lovely gentle giant
I was lucky to grow up with a Gentle Giant too.
Such a gentle horse!
I never thought I would see IRL versions of Calvin and Hobbes!
They are like 3 little animals. So cute 🥰
they are a very gentle breed :) completely different from the wolf hunting breed of old:) and very intelligent tooo
Beast Walter in the World Thanks for sharing Please send more
Oh Walter looks like a beautiful boy... I've a very large golden retriever x poodle ( not quite as big as Walter) i would really like a wolfhound as well , i just don't think you can beat big gentle dogs ❣️
He’s beautiful xxx
Cudowna rodzinka
Cudny piesek ❤❤❤
❤ Walter!
Wonderful Walter... What a gorgeous dog ❤❤
walter is great
EVERY child needs a Walter!!
Those might be the safest children in America. God help anyone fool enough to try and hurt those boys. You'd see a Teddy Bear turn into a Grizzly in a heartbeat.
Wonderful video for Saturday morning.👍⭐️👍⭐️
I'd claim that my two cockapoos, Tighthead and Loosehead, were attack dogs, and people would seem doubtful (it didn't help that they both looked like Ewoks, and tried to kiss everybody). So I'd command "Attack!", and they'd roll over on their backs with their legs in the air (as of course I'd trained them to do). Whereupon I'd explain, "See, I said 'Attack!', and they had an attack!"
Those dogs are amazing
I love these big beauties, they are such gentle giants ……….Donna in Toronto
Stunning Boy Walter 🙏❤️
Walter is fantastic!!!!!
La familia mas hermosa
Walter is a beautiful wolfhound.
" Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked ," is a breed description, but I've never heard of one being mean in any way.
When I was a teenager, I remember a little old man who used to being his wolfhound bitch with him to the shop for groceries.
She was almost bigger than him, and all he did was to stick hid walking stick into the soil, ( not even deep ) drape the leash over it, and aske her to lie down, which she did, then off he'd go to get bread etc.
It didn't matter how long it took him to return, she would lie patiently, and put up with anyone. young or old, big or small, who came to say hello and pat her.
When the old chap died, a few months later, she died a few days later of a broken heart.
She was only three or four years old, so she had five or so years left yet.
So sad, because her old chap was such a lovely gentle man too, and loved Tara so much.
I still think of them fifty and more years later.
I wish you and your lovely family, rainbows.
A little pack with a huge furball!!
I love Walter too!❤️
Beautiful pup😻😻😻
For the last 10 years I PROUDLY OWN AN IRISH WOLFHOUND-- MINI!!!!! YES!!! A W H. MINI!!!! 70 POUNDS & I LOVE HIM!!! ENJOY YOUR BEAUTIFUL BABY. IRISH WOLFHOUNDS ARE.....GENTLE GIANTS!!!!
Walter. PERFECT NAME!!!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
A gentle giant.
❤❤❤ Yep! Awesomeness!❤❤❤
The single greatest family dog ever. We raise Irish wolfhounds and our pup from our last litter is now in crufts for best youth in the breed his name is bellanaguna fingal boy, keep an eye out 😉
A big lap dog 😍
You can't beat the Irish 😂❤🇮🇪🇪🇺🕊🙏
When I Was Growing Up I Had A Dog That Never Barked But I Knew He Talked 2 Me... RIP Patches!
Walter is so gentle with his family, but if someone threatened one of the boys Walter would go ballistic on the threat.
❤❤❤❤
They do talk! You just need to pay attention and speak wolfhound! 😅
Those kids aren't going to be so happy when Wolfie bites the dust in 4 years.
Kids: “We take our hairy horse for walks.”
Awwwwww
Leider werden diese wunderbaren Hunde nur max. 6 Jahre alt.😥😥😥😥 Viele Grüsse aus Germany
❤
Walter does talk to bis brothers.
As a pitbull owner for 30 + years wich are my nr one breed .. still , since their loyalty to the family is of a unknown kind of loyalty for many … the irish wolfhound always crossed my mind as a if ever dog ..
I find the breed very intresting , beautifull , gentle and so on…
But their lifespan result in not “ owning “ one and probably i never will / can👀
dogs eventually grow mature mentally and physically at 3 or 3,5 years ..
I mean ..
Then you are halfway ..😞
Amost getting a “ the best ones die to soon “ kind of a vibe 😬
Wich is a bit sad because i truly think they are one of the most intresting dogs
Great video by the way ,
And your children are doing a superb job respecting a sweet and nice dog .
Well done Family !
Walter is a comedian