IRISH WOLFHOUND Breed Standards
The Irish Wolfhound is an ancient breed whose origins are shrouded in mystery and obscured by time. Experts on the breed believe it was brought to Ireland sometime around 1500 BC, possibly from Greece. Known to the Celtic people as Cu, meaning hound or wolf dog, the Irish Wolfhound is mentioned in Irish laws and literature predating the Christian era. Traditionally the dog could only be owned by the nobility, but by the time the Romans first encountered the Irish Wolfhound in 391 AD it had become more widespread. The dog was prized by the Irish people for its ability to take down wolves and enormous Irish Elk, which often stood over eight feet in height.
By the 19th century the Irish Wolfhound had fallen on very hard times. The Irish Elk was long extinct, and wolves had also disappeared from the Emerald Isle during the previous century. The dog’s numbers were further cut down by the Irish Potato Famine of 1845, and by the 1860s the breed had almost gone the way of its former quarry. In 1862, a breeder by the name of Captain George Graham took it upon himself to save the breed. Graham gathered the last remaining wolfhounds in Ireland and successfully bred them to Scottish Deerhounds, Great Danes, Tibetan Wolfdogs and other large breeds. Through his efforts the breed was saved, and enjoyed a renaissance as a show breed and companion pet. The Irish Wolfhound was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1897
SKILLS: The Irish Wolfhound is an ancient breed of the Greyhound family. He was used to hunt wolves and elk and to accompany Irish nobles to war. Even though this original purpose is no longer valid, the instincts originally developed for the chase are still very much a part of the modern hounds, so proper fencing is important. 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.
SIZE: 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. 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: Hair - Rough and hard on body, legs and head; especially wiry and long over eyes and under jaw. The recognized colors are gray, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, or any color that appears in the Deerhound.
CARE REQUIRED: The rough, medium-length coat needs regular and thorough grooming with a brush and comb. This with keep the coat in good condition. About once or twice a year pluck the coat to remove excess dead hair. This breed is an average shedder.
CHARACTER: Irish Wolfhounds are sweet-tempered, patient, generous, thoughtful and very intelligent. Excellent, and can be trusted with, children. Dignified and willing, they are unconditionally loyal to their owner and family.
TRAINING: Let a puppy decide for itself how much exercise it wants. Forced exercise and long distance walks are too taxing for this dog's body when it is young. The Irish Wolfhound is relatively easy to train. He responds well to firm, but gentle training.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Irish Wolfhound is not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. You must have a lot of room in your home, heart, yard and car to successfully own this giant breed. They need to be part of the family and would be very unhappy in a kennel. Being sighthounds, they will chase and so need a secure, fenced area for exercise.
EXERCISE: These giant dogs need lots of space to run, but do not need any more exercise than smaller breeds. They will adapt to their families situation, but would love to go for long walks with its family. Puppies should be allowed to choose how much exercise it needs. Too much forced exercise is not good for its growth and development.
