By Marisa Laudadio
2:58pm PDT, Mar 17, 2024
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Kylie Kelce shared a heartbreaking Instagram post accompanied by wonderful photos of her dog, including an image of Winnie with the NFL star (seen here) and a pic of herself with Winnie when the dog served as a flower girl at the couple's 2018 wedding.
"When I was in high school I had a folder on my desktop labeled 'Gods gift to earth.' It was images of Irish Wolfhounds that I had collected from Google. I had fallen in love with the breed when I was a young and never let my fascination with them fade," Kylie began her post.
"It all lead me to Winnie and holy s*** did she live up to the hype. She was everything I had hoped for in a wolfie and more," Kylie continued.
"I lost part of my soul today, but I know she is at peace. I love you, Winn. You will always be my first born child," she concluded her post.
Keep reading for another photo of Winnie, Jason's thoughts on the breed, Travis Kelce's reaction to news of Winnie's passing and more about the incredible dog breed…
MORE: See the best photos from Jason Kelce's NFL retirement press conference
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In February 2024, a fan asked Jason Kelce on X, formerly Twitter, if he should get an Irish wolfhound.
Jason kept it real in his reply, writing, "They are wonderful animals, absolutely adore mine. Very loving and connected with their humans. Not for everyone though. If you travel a lot, have limited amount of space, keep food on the counter, and have nice furniture, they may not be for you."
When the poster responded to ask if dogs of the breed are like "overgrown lapdogs," Jason confirmed it, writing, "They very much are. Incredibly gentle, loyal, majestic lapdogs that hate being away from their owners."
MORE: Jason Kelce retires from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles: Coaches, teammates, athletes and more react
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Kylie Kelce's brother-in-law, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, reacted in the comments of her Instagram post mourning Winnie, writing, "You have [given] Winn an amazing life Ky!!"
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Fitness influencer Kayle Nicole — Travis Kelce's former girlfriend of five years — also took to the comments of Kylie Kelce's post about losing her beloved Irish wolfhound Winnie, writing, "Winnie girl. What a sweet life she lived."
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According to the American Kennel Club, male Irish wolfhounds grow to a minimum of 32 inches at the shoulder while females are usually 30 inches or taller.
Males weigh at least 120 pounds while females are at least 105 pounds. The AKC further states that "a male might stand nearly 3 feet at the shoulder and weigh up to 180 pounds."
The large dogs have a life expectancy of six to eight years.
This photo shows an Irish wolfhound competing in the Hound Group at the 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Presented by Purina Pro Plan at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City on May 8, 2023.
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According to the American Kennel Club, Irish wolfhounds are rated 5/5 for being "affectionate with family," 4/5 for being "good with other dogs" and 3/5 for being "good with young children."
The AKC further states that the breed is "characteristically patient with kids" though warns that even though owning one of the animals is a "unique, rewarding experience … acquiring a giant galloping hound is a commitment as big as the dog itself."
This photo shows an Irish wolfhound arriving at the Crufts Dog Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England, on March 8, 2024.
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Irish wolfhounds are the traditional mascot of the Irish Guards in Britain.
Princess Kate is see here placing a sprig of shamrock on Turlough Mór, also known as Séamus — the Irish Guards 17th Regimental mascot Irish wolfhound — during the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Aldershot, Britain, on March 17, 2023.
Why does the dog have two names?
According to The Guards Magazine, "Whilst the hound has the kennel name Séamus, having grown enough to answer to it, regimental custom and tradition dictates that the Irish Guards Mascot is named after an ancient High King of Ireland.
"After much deliberation, the Regimental Council agreed that a 'parade name' would be a suitable compromise and the 17th Regimental Mascot is now officially named Turlough Mór after a King who ruled Connaught from 1106 to 1156 and who ruled as High King of Ireland from 1136 to 1156. This Irish king was descended from Brian Boru, the name of the Irish Guards' first Regimental Mascot, and is also an ancestor of Captain Eoin O'Conor who is currently a serving Irish Guards officer."
As reported by The Guards Magazine, "Irish wolfhounds are recognised as among the biggest dog breeds in the world, standing up to 32 inches tall. Unfortunately, the breed suffers from a heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy which can affect their lifespan with less than 10% of the breed making it to 10 years of age."
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"The calm, dignified, and kindly Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of all AKC breeds," according to the American Kennel Club. "Once fearless big-game hunters capable of dispatching a wolf in single combat, Wolfhounds today are the most serene and agreeable of companions."
Thsio photo shows two Irish wolfhounds at the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England, on March 7, 2015.
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According to the American Kennel Club, Irish wolfhounds — which come in white, gray, brindle, red, black and fawn — "are too serene to be fierce guard dogs, but just the sight of them is enough to deter intruders."
This photo show Irish wolfhound Domhnall — then a mascot of the Irish Guards — during the 1st Battalion Irish Guards St. Patrick's Day Parade at Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow, England, on March 17, 2019.
