Irish Wolfhound

Despite his size, this shaggy-coated sighthound has a peaceful and quiet personality. He is affectionate and loves to be with people. He makes a good pet because he is quiet indoors, after he has outgrown his puppy years. In just six months, these puppies weigh about 100 pounds. They require a lot of food, space and exercise.
 

Irish Wolfhound breed facts

The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of all dogs.

Irish Wolfhounds are called, interchangeably, "Irish dogs," "Big Dogs of Ireland," "Greyhounds (or Grehounds) of Ireland," "Wolfdogs of Ireland," "Great Hounds of Ireland." Irish Wolfhound is the more modern name.

By the year 391 A.D., the breed was known in Rome, when the first authentic mention of it was written by the Roman Consul Quintus Aurelius, who had received seven of them as a gift which "all Rome viewed with wonder."

Information you should know before owning an Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is a remarkable combination of power, swiftness, and keen sight.

The Irish Wolfhound is a large sensitive dog who requires lots of space to accommodate his great size, and an owner who can give him companionship.

Irish Wolfhounds should never be allowed to run loose.

Early Irish Literature abounds in references to these large dogs which are called, interchangeably, "Irish dogs," "Big Dogs of Ireland," "Greyhounds (or Grehounds) of Ireland," "Wolfdogs of Ireland," "Great Hounds of Ireland." Irish Wolfhound is the more modern name.

He was coveted for his hunting prowess, particularly in the pursuit of the wolf and the gigantic Irish elk, which stood six feet at the shoulders. With the disappearance of these animals from Ireland, and the excessive exportation of the dwindling ranks of Wolfhounds, the breed was allowed to become almost extinct.

It was at this point that Captain George A. Graham gathered the remaining specimens and restored the breed. His work began in 1862, and 23 years later, under his supervision, the first breed standard was set.

Because of his great size and the amount of exercise essential to his well being, the Irish Wolfhound is not a dog to be acquired without serious forethought. His ideal home is one, which provides fenced property of sufficient size to accommodate the galloping, natural to this athletic sight hound. Hunting by sight and chase is what he was bred and historically used for.

The Irish Wolfhound does best when human companionship is the core of his daily life. At maturity, he is a calm presence within a family circle. His nature and temperament make him totally unsuitable as a guard dog. Though alert he is not suspicious; though courageous he is not aggressive. Emphatically, the Irish Wolfhound is not a satisfactory choice for the city dweller or in closely populated suburbs where one might desire a guard dog to be on solitary duty from morning until night.

Is this a vulnerable breed? Yes, No	No
What size is this dog? Small, Medium, Large	Extra Large
How much excercise is required? 30 mins a day, 1 hour a day, Over 2 hours a day	Over 2 hours a day
How long is this dog's coat? Short, Medium, Long	Medium
How much grooming is required? Once a week, More than once a week, Every day	More than once a week
Does this dog shed? Does shed, Does not shed	Does shed
What area is this dog best suited to? Town, Country, Either	Country
What size house is required for this breed? Flat/Apartment, Small House, Large House	Small House
What size of garden is required? Small Garden, Large Garden, No Garden	Large garden

	General Appearance Of great size, strength, symmetry and commanding appearance, very muscular, yet gracefully built.
	Characteristics Of great power, activity, speed and courage.
	Temperament Gentle, kind and friendly nature.
	Eyes Dark. Elliptical (regular oval) and full. Eyelids black.
	Mouth Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Level bite tolerated but not desirable.
	Neck Rather long, very strong and muscular, well arched, without dewlap or loose skin about throat.
	Forequarters Shoulders muscular, giving breadth of chest, set sloping. Elbows well under, turned neither in nor out. Leg and forearm muscular, and whole leg strong and straight.
	Body Chest very deep. Breast wide. Back, long rather than short. Loins arched. Belly well drawn up.
	Hindquarters Muscular thighs and second thighs, long and strong, good bend of stifle with hocks well let down and turning neither in nor out.
	Feet Moderately large and round, turned neither in nor out. Toes well arched and closed. Nails very strong and curved.
	Tail Long and slightly curved, of moderate thickness and well covered with hair, carried low with an upward sweep towards the extremity.
	Gait / Movement Of great size, strength, symmetry and commanding appearance, very muscular, yet gracefully built.
	Coat Rough and harsh on body, legs and head; especially wiry and long over eyes and under jaw.
	Colour Recognised colours are grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, wheaten and steel grey.
	Size Minimum height for dogs: 79 cms (31 ins), bitches: 71 cms (28 ins). Minimum weight: 54.5 kgs (120 lbs) for dogs, 40.9 kgs (90 lbs) for bitches. Great size, including height of shoulder and proportionate length of body is to be aimed at, and it is desired to firmly establish a breed that shall average from 81-86 cms (32-34 ins) in dogs.