Irish wolfhound (wolfhound)

Many dog lovers are drawn to the Irish Wolfhound breed because of its remarkable size and kind nature. This magnificent Irish hound, with its powerful build and agile gait, was originally bred to hunt wolves. They are cherished friends today, respected for their steadiness and loyalty.

Aspect	Description
Breed Name	Irish Wolfhound
Size	Very large; males can reach up to 34 inches in height
Weight	100-180 pounds
Coat	Rough and dense; requires regular brushing
Color	Typically gray, but can also be brindle, red, black, or fawn
Temperament	Gentle, friendly, and good with children
Exercise Needs	Moderate; enjoys daily walks and playtime
Lifespan	6-10 years
Special Traits	Known for its impressive size and calm demeanor

Brief historical background of the formation of the Irish wolfhound (wolfhound) breed.

The wolfhound has a long and rich history that has been infused with myths and legends over the ages. a few resources that They are thought to have originated from a cross between native large British dogs and racing hounds from the Middle East.

He was a fighting dog whose job it was to knock people off chariots or horses. Along with protecting houses and livestock, they were also utilized for wolf, elk, and wild boar hunting. The fierceness and valor of the Irish Wolfhound in combat made them highly valued.

Irish law restricted the ownership of these dogs to kings and nobles, and the prestige of the title was correlated with the quantity of dogs possessed. Members of the lower nobility, for instance, were only permitted to own two wolfhounds. According to Irish legend, Finn MacCumhaill, the folk hero, possessed 500 Irish wolfhounds.

It was common for dignitaries to receive Irish Wolfhounds as gifts. They frequently wore collars made of gold and silver.

An interesting story about an Irish wolfhound sent to the Prince of Wales, Llewellyn, by King John of England in 1210. The dog"s name was Gelert and Llewellyn loved him more than life itself. One day, Llewellyn went hunting and entrusted Gelert to guard his young son. When he returned, he found the baby crib overturned and Gelert covered in blood. Distraught, he killed Gelert, but as the faithful dog lay dying, Llewellyn heard his son"s scream. He found the child, alive, next to the body of the wolf that Gelert had killed. Llewellyn mourned his dog forever and erected a monument to Gelert, which can still be seen in Caernarfon, Wales.

Even with its notoriety, the Irish Wolfhound’s population declined over time, particularly following the eradication of wolves and elk in Ireland. Few families kept Irish Wolfhounds as toys, and they were hardly ever used in the field.

Had Richardson not taken an interest in the breed, it might have gone extinct. Richardson published a book in the middle of the 1800s arguing that the Highland Deerhound and the Irish Wolfhound belonged to the same breed. He started raising Irish Wolfhounds, emulating the Deerhound in his breeding regimen.

To bring the Irish wolfhound back to life, George Augustus Graham used Tibetan mastiffs, deerhounds, greyhounds, and Great Danes. The Irish Wolfhound Club was established by Graham in 1885, and the breed was approved by the Kennel Club of England in 1925.

Keeping up the tradition, Irish Wolfhound males have served in the Clover Leaf Irish Guards in London since 1908. They have always been a publicly active symbol at the unit"s public appearances, parades, recruitment drives, children"s parties and other celebrations. The discipline and endurance required for this service are only achieved in the Irish Wolfhound through careful, regular training from puppyhood. This means: long hours of rehearsals with the military chapel and drill exercises on the parade ground, which is sometimes damp and noisy. Then the tense anticipation of crowned heads, officers and other distinguished people. And then permission for the dog to walk the honorary path with them.
An Irish Wolfhound in service has a uniform, food and housing, a constant companion, whose family he lives with and with whom he performs. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) knows her Irish wolfhound and, naturally, takes part in the development of his career.
Today, the Irish Wolfhound is once again experiencing the days of its glory and popularity, as in those distant times when it was famous for its enormous speed, strength and working qualities on the hunt, on the one hand, and devotion, kindness and love for people, on the other.

Despite the significant population in Russia, the Irish Wolfhound remains a breed little known to the general population, and its popularity is not very great. I think this is largely due to the existing stereotype that a huge dog “should” guard, be evil, protect and attack strangers. Many people, when buying a puppy, ask the breeder at what age a wolfhound can be “poisoned”, whether it is necessary to take a course in guard duty with it, etc.p. At shows, you can often see people who, with bated breath, ask the owner of an Irish Wolfhound, “Can I take a picture with your dog?”? Just hold it tight, otherwise it will bite!

Irish Wolfhound (wolfhound): Description. Appearance and character.

This historic breed was developed as a fighting and hunting dog in Ireland. In the 19th century, the Irish Wolfhound breed was almost extinct, but thanks to its revival, it is now a beloved and wonderful companion.

Among all dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is the tallest and largest sighthound. He used to be a vicious dog who would fight, but he has since changed into a gentle giant who gets along with kids, other dogs, and occasionally even cats. His large frame is maintained by his love of long walks, but other than that, he prefers to lounge around.

It is not advisable to live in an apartment with an Irish wolfhound, particularly if the home does not have an elevator. If this dog is sick, consider if you can help him up the stairs. These enormous creatures are happiest in homes with sizable fenced yards.

Irish wolfhounds aren’t the best dogs for keeping watch. He is bold but not aggressive, and he won’t post about a stranger. The Irish wolfhound is a polite dog that gets along with all people. Early socialization and training will make him docile toward domestic cats and empathetic toward other dogs. However, he will be viewed as prey by other animals, such as street cats.

The Irish wolfhound is not for everyone, just like any other dog. Its enormous size ought to be considered. Potential owners should be aware of his health issues. Furthermore, the life expectancy of this breed is only 6–8 years.

Even small children shouldn’t ride Irish wolfhounds since they are not ponies. Not designed for overstretching are its joints. Furthermore, it was not designed to pull carts or sledges.

Renowned for its striking stature and mild disposition, the Irish Wolfhound is a devoted and loving breed that is an excellent friend for both individuals and families. These dogs, who were originally bred to hunt wolves, are renowned for their strength and speed but also for having a calm exterior that belies their intimidating appearance. Irish Wolfhounds can thrive in a variety of living environments and bring happiness and coziness to their owners’ lives with the right care, training, and socialization.

Care

The Irish Wolfhound is a house dog despite his size. He is virtually undetectable indoors and loves being around people.

Irish Wolfhounds who are adults require multiple quick walks every day. To lower the risk of gastric torsion or bloat, refrain from exercising (training) for one hour prior to meals and for two hours following meals.

For this breed, walking on a leash is imperative. Being sighthounds, they will disregard your orders and pursue any running animals they come across. A stalking greyhound can cause harm or even death in a city because it is entirely focused on its target. Additionally, if your neighbor’s poodle or cat becomes its prey, it may harm or even kill the animal it is pursuing, which could negatively impact your relationship with them.

Regularly pluck the dying guard hair to keep the coat neat. Remove any extra hair from the ears gently. Trim the hair on the neck and legs carefully with a trimming knife or thinning scissors. Lastly, trim long hair at the base of the tail and beneath the belly. The sleek, clean appearance of your Irish Wolfhound will highlight its elegant lines.

Health

Irish wolfhounds are prone to several illnesses.

• Sensitivity to anesthesia: sighthounds, including Irish wolfhounds, are sensitive to anesthesia and some other drugs that can cause death of the dog. This sensitivity is likely due to a lower percentage of body fat in this breed than in other breeds.
• Dysplasia of the hip joint : Some dogs experience pain and lameness in one or both hind legs, but you may also not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As a dog ages, arthritis may develop.
• Elbow dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition common in large breed dogs. This is believed to be caused by different growth rates of the three bones that make up the dog"s elbow, causing weakness in the joints. This can lead to painful lameness.
• Hepatic Shunt (Portocaval, Portosystemic): – an abnormal connection of the portal vein branches, with some of them bypassing the liver. This is a big problem, since the liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, metabolizing nutrients. Signs can include neurobehavioral abnormalities, lack of appetite, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), intermittent gastrointestinal problems, urinary tract problems, drug intolerance, and growth retardation. Signs usually appear before age two. Corrective surgeries, as well as a special diet, can help in long-term treatment.
• Heart disease: Irish wolfhounds may be predisposed to heart disease, primarily heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart muscle becomes very thin and cannot contract normally. Because the heart has to work, it gets bigger. Dogs with this condition have abnormal heart rhythms and signs of heart failure, including weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, depression, collapse, difficulty breathing, a soft cough, and a swollen abdomen.
• Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy: This condition occurs when pieces of cartilage material block the blood vessels that supply the spinal cord, causing partial or complete paralysis of the hind legs. The condition usually affects dogs between 3 and 6 years of age and can occur suddenly during any activity. There is no cure, but some dogs get better over time. Some dogs can live their lives with minimal treatment, while others are completely paralyzed.
• Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD): This is an orthopedic disease caused by abnormal growth of cartilage tissue in the joints, usually occurring in the elbows, but also seen in the shoulders. This causes painful stiffness in the joint to the point that the dog cannot bend the elbow. It can be detected in dogs as young as four months of age. Overfeeding puppies "growth formula" or high-protein foods can contribute to its development.
• Osteosarcoma: usually affects large and giant breeds. Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer . The first sign of osteosarcoma is lameness, but x-rays are needed to determine if cancer is the cause. Osteosarcoma is treated aggressively, usually with amputation of the limb and chemotherapy. With treatment, dogs can live from nine months to two years or more. Luckily, dogs adapt well to life on three legs.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): this is a degenerative eye disease that eventually leads to blindness due to the loss of the eye"s photoreceptors.
• Gastrodilation-volvulus (bloat):Usually called gastric torsion, it is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dogs, especially if they are fed once a day and eat quickly, drink large amounts of water quickly, or exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat occurs when the stomach is stretched by gas or air and then twists.

Reviews

• But there are only a few things that bother me and stop me from getting a wolfhound – serious breed diseases, washing such a horse at home in the bathtub (I can"t imagine this, probably that"s why this breed is not for the city) and how in extreme old age such a giant can overcome 5 floors of stairs when going for a walk.
• The wolfhound adapts well to any environment, whether it is large open spaces where it can run and hunt to its heart"s content, or a city apartment where it will lazily stretch out, allowing children to crawl on it and to fiddle with like a big toy. Despite the huge growth, the wolfhound is amazingly "compact", unobtrusive, in it there is no unnecessary activity, fuss; living space in the house occupies less than a zverg.
• I want no one to have a shadow of doubt: the Irish wolfhound is not a guard, not a service and not fighting dog. For many centuries, a loyal attitude towards a person has been fixed in the breed, aggressive dogs were simply excluded from dilution. Irish wolfhound – a borisai dog that was used to hunt a wolf, deer, wild boar. Modern wolfhounds participate in the run behind a mechanical hare.
  So what is the attractive force that makes the Irish wolfhound so popular all over the world? Yes, he is big (the tallest dog in the Guinness Book of World Records is the Irish Wolfhound), but there are Great Danes and Mastiffs that are just as impressive; yes, he is beautiful, but he will never outshine an Afghan Hound or a Russian Greyhound in terms of coat beauty; yes, he is fast at running, but he is unlikely to rival a Greyhound. And yet, there is no other breed that combines such qualities as majestic appearance, crushing strength, impetuous speed, the highest intelligence and devoted love for its owner.
• Wolfhounds, of course, eat a lot, but not more than other large breeds, and many – even less – due to the peculiarities of their structure. This is primarily a greyhound. Wolfhounds are perfectly happy to stay home alone, and if there are other dogs in the house – then with even greater pleasure.Of course, a small puppy should not be left alone immediately and for a long time, but this is with any breed. An adult dog does not need any permanent nurse, many wolfhound owners are working people, working with the whole family. Sometimes dogs themselves head to the sofa, seeing how they are getting ready for work in the morning, and coming home early from work you can see a sleepy, discontentedly yawning face – I was sleeping, why so early?
  Any dog ​​would rather live in a house than in an apartment, but with active walking and varied weekends, wolfhounds get along well in apartments.
  Wolfhounds are different from others in many ways, as all breeds are different from each other, but first of all they are dogs, large, powerful, lively and active, in need of training – because such a large and ill-mannered dog is not good and does not bring honor to the breed.
• Wolfhounds adapt perfectly to any conditions of keeping, be it large open spaces, where they can run and hunt to their heart"s content, or a city apartment, where they lazily stretch out, allowing children to crawl on them and play with them, like with a big toy. Despite their enormous height, wolfhounds are surprisingly "compact", unobtrusive, there is no unnecessary activity or fuss in them; takes up less living space in the house than the Zwerg.

Game "put the picture together"

Pros and cons.

Pros

• The Irish Wolfhound is a good-natured dog that gets along well with everyone. Loves children and animals that live with him.
• This breed does not have a seasonal shedding, and therefore it is necessary to periodically remove dying hair.
• Irish wolfhounds are smart and very trainable.
• Despite their enormous size, the wolfhound is surprisingly “compact”, unobtrusive, there is no unnecessary activity or fuss in them.

Cons

• Irish wolfhounds are not recommended for apartment living.
• They live very short lives and have a number of health problems.
• The wolfhound will scare off intruders with its size. But, despite its courage, it will not protect its owner.
• Irish wolfhounds should only be walked on a leash so that they do not run away chasing, for example, a cat or a dog.

Breed standard.

The page that lists the most important cynological terms and concepts also contains information on what the breed standard is.

Irish wolfhounds were employed in Ireland for wolf and deer hunting up until the end of the 17th century. In the days before all of Europe’s forests were cleared for development, they were also employed to hunt wolves that roamed large areas.

A succinct historical résumé

It is known that the continental Celts had dogs similar to the Greihunds, which, probably, came from the greyhound dogs depicted in Egyptian drawings. Like their continental relatives, Irish Celts were also interested in breeding large greyhounds. These huge Irish greyhounds could be both smooth or hard-willed, but later hard wool began to dominate, possibly due to the Irish climate. The first written mention of these dogs was made by the Roman consul in 391 A.D.e., but already in the first century AD in Ireland it was an established breed (when Setanta took the new name Cuchulainn, which meant "Culann"s dog"). Also by the first century AD.e. refers to the mention of the outcome of the tribe of the Uysnakhs, who took 150 Irish dogs with them there. Undoubtedly, Irish greyhounds formed the basis for the creation of Scottish deerhounds. A pair of Irish wolfhounds was considered a valuable gift in the royal houses of Europe, Scandinavia, etc. from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. They were sent to England, Spain, France, Sweden, Denmark, Persia, India and Poland. In the 15th century, each county was required to keep 24 wolfhounds to protect farms from wolf attacks. Cromwell"s ban (1652) on the export of wolfhounds for some time contributed to the preservation of their numbers, but the gradual disappearance of wolves and the constant demand abroad for these dogs led to the fact that by the end of the 17th century, Irish wolfhounds were on the verge of extinction. The revival of interest in the breed coincided with the rise of Irish nationalism in the late 19th century. The Irish Wolfhound became a living symbol of Irish culture and Celtic past. At this time, one determined enthusiast, Captain Graham, tried to find and acquired several dogs from the few greyhounds of the true wolfhound type remaining in Ireland. By adding deerhound blood and occasionally outcrossing with the Russian Borzoi and Great Dane, he eventually obtained a type of dog that remained constant in each generation. Eventually, the results of his work were recognized as a legitimate revival of the breed. In April 1879, the Irish Kennel Club allocated a class for Irish Wolfhounds at its show, and in 1885 a breed club was formed. The Irish Wolfhound is now as popular as it was in the Middle Ages. Wolfhounds are kept and bred in fairly large numbers outside of Ireland.

The Irish Wolfhound should not be as heavy or massive as the Great Dane, but heavier and more massive than the Deerhound, which he should nevertheless resemble in general appearance. A dog of enormous size, imposing in appearance, very muscular, powerfully built, yet elegantly proportioned, free and energetic in movement; neck and head carried high; tail in the form of an upraised sickle with a slight curve at the end. Enormous size (height at withers and proportional length of body) is what should be strived for, it is desirable that the height of males in the breed should consistently be 81-86 cm, with appropriate strength, activity, courage and proportionality of build.

"Lions in battle, lambs at home."

The facet joints are elongated and elevated, with a very slight curvature, and the ocular groove is hardly perceptible.

• Cranial region:

• Skull: Not too wide.

• Muzzle: Long and moderately tapering.
• Teeth: Scissor bite ideally, straight is acceptable.
• Eyes: Dark.
• Ears: Small, rose-shaped ears (carried on in the manner of a greyhound).

Quite lengthy, extremely robust and muscular, nicely arched, and free of loose skin at the throat or dewlap.

Long, with ribs that are fully formed.

• Back: Rather long than short.
• Loin: Slightly arched.
• Crop: Very wide at the sacrum.
• Chest: Very deep, moderately wide, chest wide.
• Ribs: Well developed.
• Belly: Well tucked up.

Long, somewhat curved, moderately thick, and densely hair-covered.

• Forelegs:

• Shoulders: Muscular, giving width to the chest, sloping.
• Elbows: Set deep under the chest, turning neither in nor out.
• Forearms: Muscular.
• Forelegs: Very massive, fairly straight.

• Hindquarters:

• Hips: Long and muscular.
• Knees: Well defined.
• Shins: Well muscled, long and strong.
• Cocking joints: Located low and are not deployed either inside or out.
• Hind paws: Moderate size, round, not turned inward or outward. Fingers are well curved and collected. The claws are very strong and curved.

A lynx can jump three or four meters with ease.

• Free and energetic movements: Rough and hard on the body, legs and head; especially wiry above the eyes and under the lower jaw.

Gray, tiger, red, black, pure white, decay, red, and any other color found in dirhaund are all acceptable color choices.

• Desirable height at the withers for males: from 81 to 86 cm.
• Minimum height for males: 79 cm.
• Minimum height for females: 71 cm.

• Minimum weight for males: 54.5 kg.
• Minimum weight for bitches: 40.5 kg.

Any departure from the previously stated guidelines ought to be regarded as a mistake, with the penalty commensurate with the severity of the infraction.

• Too light or too heavy head.
• Frontal bone too prominent.
• Crooked front legs; weak pasterns.
• Weak hind legs and general underdevelopment of muscles.
• Too short body.
• Swayback, over-arched or straight back.
• Large, flat-hanging ears.
• Toe-in or clubfoot. * Splayed toes.
• Short neck; dewlap
• Chest too narrow or too wide.
• Tail too curved.
• Nose any color other than black.
• Lips any color other than black.
• Eyes too light. Pink or liver colored eyelids.

• Aggressiveness or shyness.
• Any dog ​​clearly showing physical or behavioral abnormalities should be disqualified.

Choosing a Puppy

• If you are still in the process of choosing a breed that will suit your lifestyle and requirements, read the article Choosing a Breed and Gender of a Puppy.
• If you have already decided on the breed and now the question is where and how to choose a healthy puppy with the right character.

Video

The Irish Wolfhound is a breed that captivates people’s hearts and minds with its majestic appearance and kind nature. These canines, renowned for their magnificent stature and majestic appearance, have been treasured historically as devoted friends and fearless hunters. They are excellent in family settings because of their gentle and amiable disposition; they are just as devoted to their owners as they are to their children.

Irish Wolfhounds are surprisingly low-maintenance dogs in terms of exercise, despite their size; however, because of their large frame, they do require regular attention to their health. A balanced diet and routine examinations are essential to maintaining their health. They are a great addition to many homes because of their amiable and laid-back nature, which provides both security and company.

Selecting an Irish Wolfhound is making a commitment to a breed that offers warmth and grandeur. Their presence will add elegance and a hint of the majestic to any home, making life there more enjoyable. An Irish Wolfhound can be the ideal pet for you if you’re willing to meet their special needs and appreciate their loyalty.

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