Irish Wolfhound

AKC Group: Hound

Club: Irish Wolfhound Club of America

Corresponding Secretary : Judith Simon
Address: 7155 County Road 26, Maple Plain, MN , 55359-9517
Website: www.iwclubofamerica.org
Email: Stoneybrookjudy@aol.com
Club Type: Specialty

General Apperance:

Of great size and commanding appearance, the Irish Wolfhound is remarkable in combining power and swiftness with keen sight. The largest and tallest of the galloping hounds, in general type he is a rough-coated, Greyhound-like breed; very muscular, strong though gracefully built; movements easy and active; head and neck carried high, the tail carried with an upward sweep with a slight curve towards the extremity. The minimum height and weight of dogs should be 32 inches and 120 pounds; of bitches, 30 inches and 105 pounds; these to apply only to hounds over 18 months of age. Anything below this should be debarred from competition. Great size, including height at shoulder and proportionate length of body, is the desideratum to be aimed at, and it is desired to firmly establish a race that shall average from 32 to 34 inches in dogs, showing the requisite power, activity, courage and symmetry.

Coat:

Rough and hard on body, legs and head; especially wiry and long over eyes and underjaw.

History:

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.

Interesting 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" and "Great Hounds of Ireland." Irish Wolfhound is the more modern name.
  
  
• By the year 391 AD, the Irish Wolfhound 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."
  
  
• Despite his intimidating size, the nature and temperament of the Wolfhound make him totally unsuitable as guard dog, watch dog, or patrol dog. Though alert he is not suspicious; though courageous he is not aggressive.
  
  
• Wolfhound puppyhound lasts a year or more, and a Wolfhound "puppy" can weigh about 100 lbs.
  
  
• The Irish Wolfhound was coveted for his hunting prowess, particularly in pursuit of the wolf and the gigantic Irish elk. However, with the disappearance from Ireland of these animals, and the excessive exportation of the Wolfhound, the breed became almost extinct.