Gentle giants: Irish Wolfhounds enjoy their time in Somero
A wide variety of dogs from all over Finland have visited Someron Koirametsä, and it’s been wonderful to hear that Irish Wolfhounds, too, have thoroughly enjoyed their time in Somero. The Irish Wolfhound enthusiasts of Southwest Finland have organized breed meetups here and consider our dog forest to be an excellent fit for this particular breed. One puppy meeting for an Irish Wolfhound litter was even held at Someron Koirametsä, and we heard that some visitors came from as far away as Oulu.
We’d now like to share the thoughts of Irish Wolfhound owners about this magnificent breed and how Someron Koirametsä suits their dogs. This article was created in collaboration with the Finnish Irish Wolfhounds Association (Suomen Irlanninsusikoirat ry).
What makes this giant breed so appealing?
The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest dog breed in the world. Males can reach a shoulder height of over 90 cm (35 inches) and weigh more than 70 kg (154 lbs). While they’re not as heavy or heavily built as Great Danes, they are significantly larger than the more commonly known Labrador Retriever. Despite their strong and powerful appearance, Irish Wolfhounds move with remarkable grace and efficiency for their size. Coursing and lure racing are typical activities for the breed.
According to their owners, some of the best qualities of Irish Wolfhounds are their gentle and calm nature, friendliness, sociability, and suitability as family pets. Most of the people we interviewed had fallen in love with the breed at a young age or had grown up with Irish Wolfhounds.
“The Irish Wolfhound is such an impressive sight, and its temperament is simply the best,” one owner described.
Their massive size also brings challenges, such as the need for larger gear and more spacious transportation. The breed’s exercise needs are best met off-leash, and free running in a fenced yard or field is ideal. Some Irish Wolfhounds have a prey drive, which is why fenced dog forests are especially appreciated by many of their owners.
“They’re happy with what they get, don’t store energy. Off-leash time in varied terrain is always the best,” one owner replied when asked about exercise.
Irish Wolfhound meetups in the dog forest bring joy to both dogs and people
The Irish Wolfhound meetups at Someron Koirametsä have been a delight for both the dogs and their people. The forest offers the opportunity to walk together, enjoy snacks at the grill shelter, and let the dogs explore the surroundings peacefully. For those who don’t have a large pack at home, meeting fellow hounds is a special treat.
Someron Koirametsä’s varied but safe terrain with its elevation changes has received special praise. All the interviewees would warmly recommend Someron Koirametsä to other Irish Wolfhound owners, and many already have. Irish Wolfhounds truly thrive in a diverse forest environment like this.
“Dog forests really vary, and some are immediately unsuitable for our breed. Your dog forest suits our breed incredibly well,” praised the organizer of one meetup.
In conclusion, it’s safe to say that Someron Koirametsä has found a special place in the hearts of Irish Wolfhounds as well. It’s a joy to offer an environment where these gentle giants can safely and freely enjoy the joy of movement and companionship. We warmly welcome Irish Wolfhounds and their owners again in the future!
Photos: Mira Terkola
The Visitor stories post series shares heartwarming and fun tales from visitors of Someron Koirametsä. Feel free to get in touch if you’d like to share a story about your dog’s adventures in the dog forest!
