Irish Wolfhounds: Irish Wolfhounds are giant sized dogs, one of the tallest breeds in the world, reaching the size of a small pony. Their heads are long and their skulls are not too broad. Their muzzles are long and somewhat pointed. Their small ears are carried back against their heads when they are relaxed and part way up when they are excited. Their necks are long, strong and well arched. Their chests are wide and deep. Their long tails hang down and are slightly curved. Their legs are long and strong. Their feet are round, with well arched toes. Their wiry, shaggy coats are rough. The colors of their coats include gray, brindle, red, black, pure white or fawn, with gray being the most common.
Irish Wolfhounds are sweet-tempered, patient, kind, thoughtful and very intelligent. Excellent and can be trusted with children, Irish Wolfhounds are wlling and eager to please, and are unconditionally loyal to their owners and families. They tend to greet everyone as a friend, so do not count on them being a watch dog, but may be a deterrent simply due to their size. Irish Wolfhounds can be clumsy and are slow to mature in both body and mind, growing upwards until about two years, and filling out until four years when they are full grown. However, they grow rapidly and high-quality food is essential. Hard exercise is not recommended, particularly until two years of age while their bones are growing. Irish Wolfhounds are relatively easy to train. They responds well to firm, but gentle, consistent, leadership. This approach with plenty of canine understanding will go a long way because these dogs quickly grasp what you intend. Make sure your young Irish Wolfhound is given as much self-confidence as possible and that you are always consistent with them, so that your Irish Wolfhound grows into an equable, confident dog. Irish Wolfhounds get along well with other dogs and with other animals.
The Irish Wolfhound's name originates from its use as a wolf hunter, and not from its appearance. This is a very old breed with Roman records dating as far back as 391 AD. They were used in wars, and for guarding herds and property and for hunting Irish elk, deer, boar, and wolves. They were held in such high esteem that battles were fought over them. Irish Wolfhounds were often given as royal presents. Boar and wolf became extinct in Ireland and as a result the Irish Wolfhound declined in population. A British army officer by the name of Captain George Graham bred them in the second half of the 19th century. The breed was restored by the introduction of Great Dane and Deerhound blood. The Irish Wolfhound Club was founded in 1885 and it was recognized by the AKC in 1897. In 1902 a hound was first presented to the Irish Guards as a mascot. It was recognized by the Kennel Club as a sporting breed in 1925. The Irish Wolfhound Society was founded in 1981.
The Irish Wolfhound Size:
Height: 28-35 inches - the Irish Wolfhound can stand up as tall as 7 feet tall on his hind legs
Weight: 90-150 lbs |
