Height: over 32 inches (male); over 30 inches (female). Size:
Very Large.
Weight: over 120 pounds (male); over 105 (female). Availability: May take some
effort to find.
History:
The Irish Wolfhound is an ancient breed, known in Ireland since before the Romans
invaded. Many tales of these imposing dogs exist from 200 BC onwards. Used for
battle, hunting and guarding duties, the wolfhound gradually came to specialize
in hunting wolves. After the wolf population was eliminated from the British
Isles, wolfhound numbers decreased substantially. The Great Famine in the 1840's
was also hard on this giant breed since people were unable to feed these huge
dogs. In the late 1800's Captain George A. Graham dedicated himself to restoring
the breed to its ancient type. Generally a companion dog today, the Irish Wolfhound
is also capable at lure coursing.
Description:
One of the largest dogs, a virtual king of dogdom, the stately Irish Wolfhound
can reach the size of a small pony. Standing on his hind legs, a large specimen
can reach over 7 feet tall! He gives an appearance of both strength and grace.
His neck is long and his tail hangs down with a slight curve. He has a rough,
shaggy coat and wiry bushy eyebrows of gray, brindle, red, black or white. The
ears are carried back against the head except when the animal is excited, when
they may prick up part-way.
Notes:
Beware of hip dysplasia. Prone to bloat. Puppies most be nourished carefully
with a high quality diet for proper development. You must have a lot of room
in your home, heart, yard and car to successfully own this giant breed. Can
be clumsy. Generally good with other pets, but might "course" a smaller
dog in an open yard. Slow to mature, an Irish Wolfhound is still a puppy at
age 2. This gentle giant lives an average of 7-9 years.
Personality:
Gentle, patient, sweet, loyal and affectionate. Generous, intelligent and reliable.
Dignified and willing. Not a guard dog by nature, he can serve as one simply
because of his huge presence. Responds well to firm, but gentle training.
Behaviour:
Children: Excellent with children..
Friendliness: Fairly friendly with strangers.
Trainability: Slightly difficult to train.
Independence: Not particularly dependent or independent.
Dominance: Moderate.
Other Pets: Generally good with other pets.
Combativeness: Friendly with other dogs.
Noise: Average barker.
Grooming and Physical Needs:
Grooming: Regular grooming needed.
Trimming & Stripping: Some trimming or stripping (little skill required).
Coat: Medium coat.
Shedding: Average shedder.
Exercise: Needs lots of exercise.
Jogging: An excellent jogging companion.
Indoors: Relatively inactive indoors.
Apartments: Not recommended for apartments.
Outdoor Space: Best with a large yard.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Owner: Good for novice owners.
Longevity: Short (under 10 years).
Talents:
hunting, sighting, tracking, guarding, and lure coursing.
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