It is fairly easy to look after the coat. All that is needed is a thorough weekly brush. The Irish Wolfhound has a rough, harsh coat that needs brushing at least three times a week, with some finger plucking to keep the coat in good condition and keep the dog comfortable.

Equipment needed: Slicker brush, comb.

Breed tip: Invest in a bath ramp or get help to put this giant in the bath — or you will break your back!

• Aim to brush and comb daily, and you will probably do it twice weekly. Occasionally, you can use Savlon (a mild, gentle antiseptic cream) on a cloth, then brush out well. This will keep the Irish Wolfhound clean and smelling fresh.
• Monthly, or when necessary, remove any unwanted bushy or long, dead hair from the neck and under the belly. Pluck it out with your finger and thumb. Scissors can be used for around the genitals, under the tail and the feet.
• Trim the hair flat to the pads but do not remove from between the pads.
• Check the dog’s nails. If they do not wear down, then, every month, cut the excess away with good nail clippers. Alternatively, use a rasp weekly, filing each nail a couple of times in turn so that they do not get hot. Keep going around until the nails are the correct length. The best time to do this is when your Irish Wolfhound is asleep after a meal. If you get it used to the procedure from a young age, the dog won’t mind you doing it.
• Check the ears and clean them with an appropriate cleaner once a week. Check the teeth once a week.
• Only bathe once a year during the summer
 months, on a nice, hot day outside. Use
 warm water and a good-quality shampoo.
• Try not to remove the natural oils from the coat, rinse well, towel-dry and then allow the coat to dry naturally. Do this in the morning, so you have the rest of the day for the coat to dry off.
• Do not use conditioners, as they will soften the coat; this is not allowed in the show ring.
• A good-quality dry shampoo brushed through the coat at about three-month intervals removes some grease and grime, and smells sweet.