Advice please - wolfhound lurcher

[wherethewildthingis]

Hi , I am looking for some advice and tips please! We lost our beautiful Saluki lurcher just before Christmas and are currently looking to adopt a lovely wolfhound lurcher. He had been straying and is approximately four years old, history unknown. We are close to the fens so it is likely he's been coursing at some point, I understand all the issues around this and we are prepared to keep him on lead , possibly forever!
While we are experienced lurcher owners we know nothing about the wolfhound aspect. Can anyone advise if there is anything specific these dogs need? For example (silly question alert) will he need to wear a greyhound collar ?
He seems to be a very gentle and quite timid dog but I would appreciate anyone who has experience of the breed giving me some tips about their character and preferences

Thanks in advance!

[wheelwarrior]

Bumping up as know one ladies here has a wolf hound

[WatcherOfTheNight]

@Wolfiefan can you help Op ?

Hopefully Wolfie can advise op

[picklemepopcorn]

Ooh, that sounds lucky for you and him! A friend has them, truly gentle giants.

[Wolfiefan]

Hi OP. I have a wolfhound. My first though!
Mine has no prey drive and we can let her off lead. They do really need to stretch their legs. (Any safe spaces near you?)
They are very sensitive. Mine doesn’t like to be left.
Their size is a massive consideration. Maybe less so for a cross. Mine uses a ramp to get in the car. Also training is a massive thing. Don’t want a wolfhound dragging you down the street or pulling you out the door! they are sensitive souls. Like being with their people and give the best leans! They don’t respond well to harsh correction (does anyone!)
Watch out for things on surfaces. They can reach!!
Obviously there are breed specific concerns like heart and osteosarcoma and bloat or pneumonia. Get insurance. A good one.
Yes to special collars. We use a wide martingale (I think it’s called!) from Posh Collars on FB. Dogmatics are useful. And some people use harnesses like perfect fit.
Happy to chat via PM.

[wherethewildthingis]

Thank you, he's not actually ever so big, I think his sighthound part must have been a small one ! If you've ever seen the dog the single family had on Emmerdale he looks exactly like that. He's quite underweight at the moment so I think will bulk out a bit. He's in quite a sorry state really at the moment.
He does seems a very sensitive and gentle soul so what you've said confirms my feelings!
In terms of him getting off lead I think we have to wait and see. We could take him out in the middle of nowhere and give it a try once we get to know him better! In the meantime I'm a runner so if he likes it, he will be running with me every morning to get his exercise in.
Thanks for the advice it's really helpful. We just want to give him a perfect home after all he's been through.

[wherethewildthingis]

dingle family I meant of course !

[Shmithecat]

My DF had a wolfhound cross lurcher. Yes, they are sensitive souls indeed, but also so affectionate. Didn't like being left alone or left out of anything! Head was like a breeze block i think his brain was too, not the smartest of creatures. I really loved him, he was the waggiest, happiest of dogs, found joy in simply breathing. He lived on a farm and rarely on a lead. Super friendly with everyone, and other dogs, but had a massive prey drive as far as cats were concerned...