Irish wolfhound

The origin of the Irish Wolfhound is poorly known. However, the ancient version of the Irish Greyhound is different from the modern one. Its existence is reported among the Celts of Ireland, whom it follows in their movements. Celtic myths and legends refer to the Irish Wolfhound. The first historical occurrence of the breed is reported in 391 BC, when Roman consul Quintus Aurelius refers to a gift of "seven Irish dogs," presents from his brother intended to fight in the arenas against bears and lions. The Irish Wolfhound is then used for hunting, guarding, war and games. The breed is used to hunt wolves and deer until the seventeenth century. Its ownership is reserved for kings and nobility, and it is also used as a prestigious gift. However, its export is banned by Oliver Cromwell in 1652. After the total disappearance of wolves in Ireland in 1786, the numbers of the Irish Wolfhound decrease until it is almost extinct in 1840. From 1862, Captain George Augustus Graham brings together several individuals of the breed and relaunches it through crosses with Deerhounds, Borzois and Danes as well as Tibetan Mastiffs. The physical appearance of the breed is thus recovered. In 1879, the breed participates in its first dog show and a breed club is created in 1886 by Graham.

An effective and dissuasive guard dog, it needs firm but gentle training. Although it is a sighthound and therefore a hunting dog, it is now used mainly for pleasure and guarding. This dog needs a lot of space and needs to run frequently in complete freedom. A great hunter, its innate need to run makes it appreciate the sighthound track where it can let loose in greyhound races whether in PVL (Lure Coursing) and/or Racing events. Because of the great size it will reach in adulthood, basic obedience is necessary. It is essential to instill the recall. It must also know how to walk on a leash without pulling. Like any dog, it is necessary to get it used to the presence of cats from a very young age to establish good future cohabitation. The Wolfhound's diet must receive great attention, especially during its growth which can continue up to 15 months. It will only be mature and truly "finished" around 3/4 years of age. Affectionate and loyal, this enormous dog loves human company. Despite its impressive size, it displays a peaceful character and is very gentle with children. Only downside: it needs a lot of space and is hardly suited to city living (unless walked regularly). Finally, its hunter instinct can push it to run away to pursue small animals circulating in the neighborhood. It is necessary to properly fence its property or attach it when it is outside if its recall is not well trained.

It is, along with the Great Dane, the largest dog breed in the world. The Irish Wolfhound has an elongated and imposing body, with massive musculature, as well as a wide croup and back. The legs are long, straight and with strong bone structure. The Irish Wolfhound should not be quite as heavy or as massive as the Great Dane, but it is more so than the Scottish Greyhound (Deerhound) to which it should resemble in general type. Of great size and imposing appearance, very muscular, built for strength, but with elegance. Its gait is easy and active. Head and neck are carried high. The tail is carried with a slight curve toward the end. Great size including height at withers and length of body in proportion is the goal sought. The aim is to fix a breed with an average size of 32 inches (81 cm) to 34 inches (86 cm) in males which demonstrates the required power, activity, courage and harmony in form.