Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound, variously known as the Wolfdog, the Irish Greyhound and the Great Dog of Ireland, is a gentle giant, fierce only when provoked. It is intelligent, intensely loyal and slow to anger Irish Wolfhounds do, nonetheless, have a mind of their own, so firm, gentle discipline is advocated in puppyhood.
Origin and history
The Irish Wolfhound is the national dog of Ireland, and its original role was to kill wolves. It is spoken of in many legends, but it almost certainly came from Greece with the invading Celts, circa 279 BC. The best-known story of an Irish
Wolfhound concerns the dog Gelert, given as a gift to Llewellyn, Prince of Wales, by King John of England around 1210. Prince Llewellyn went hunting, leaving the faithful Gelert in charge of his baby son. On his return he could see only Gelert, with blood on its mouth, and, thinking it had killed the child, he drew his sword and slew the dog. It was only then that he saw, nearby, the body of a wolf, and heard the happy chuckle of his child. Gelert had killed the wolf and saved the child. Full of remorse, Prince Llewellyn ordered a statue to be erected in memory of Gelert, and the dog's name has lived on through the centuries.
Irish Wolfhound Puppies
Irish Wolfhound puppies need firm but gentle discipline because members of the breed have minds of their own.
Good points
- Marvellous with children
- Good guard
- Happiest as a house-dog
Take heed
- Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked
Size
The minimum height and weight of dogs should be 31in (78.5cm) and 120lb (54.4kg); of bitches 28in (71cm) and 90lb (40.8kg). Anything below this should be heavily penalized. Great size, including height at shoulder and proportionate length of body, is the target to be aimed for. Ideally the breed should average 32-34in (81-86cm) in dogs, showing the requisite power, activity, courage and symmetry.
Exercise
Despite its size, the Irish Wolfhound does not require more exercise than smaller breeds, but it should have ample space in which to gambol. Let it have unrestricted play during puppyhood, but do not force it to take lengthy walks, rather allowing it to 'muscle up' by its own joyful activity. Irish Wolfhounds are usually taught both to walk and to move at the trot while being led; as they are so powerful, obedience is essential.
Irish Wolfhound Information
General appearance
The Irish Wolfhound should not be quite so heavy or massive as the Great Dane; but it should be more so than the Deerhound, which in general type it should otherwise resemble. Of great size and commanding appearance; very muscular, strongly 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.
Colour
The recognized colours are grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn or any colour that appears in the Oeerhound.
Head and skull
Long; the frontal bones of the forehead very slightly raised, very little indentation between the eyes. Skull not too broad. Muzzle long and moderately pointed.
Tail
Long and slightly curved; of moderate thickness and well covered with hair.
Feet
Moderately large and round, turned neither inwards nor outwards. Toes well arched and closed. Nails very strong and curved.
Irish Wolfhound Feeding & Grooming
Grooming
Brush regularly and remove long, straggly hairs from ears, neck and underside with finger and thumb. This is a natural-looking breed that is not difficult to groom.
Feeding
At least 330z (936g) of a branded, meaty product with biscuit added, or 5 cupfuls of a dry food, complete diet, mixed in the proportion of 1 cup of feed to 112 cup of hot or cold water.