Choosing an Irish Wolfhound

Despite facing near extinction in the 17th century, the Irish wolfhound has been the National Dog of Ireland for over 2,000 years. The largest and tallest of the galloping hounds, this breed makes an excellent companion dog, but their life expectancy – 6 to 8 years – is short.

History and Origin

The Irish wolfhound is an ancient breed used by the Celts nobility for hunting wolves and the extinct Irish elk. Their bravery and skills are legendary, and only royalty were permitted to own them. They were sent as gifts to nobility throughout Europe, and they became a favored breed in the Roman Empire.

Historically, they have been referred to as Irish greyhounds. Their likeness adorned many jars, porcelain works, bottles as well as in art. However, the breed was exported excessively and was threatened with extinction. A Scottish captain in the British army, named George Graham, is credited for rescuing the breed from oblivion.

Graham, a deerhound breeder, collected wolfhounds over a period of 23 years and developed the breed standard.

In 1885, under the supervision of Captain Graham, the first breed standard was written for the Irish wolfhound. The American Kennel Club then accepted the breed and he found a home in the hound class.

Appearance and Size

The Irish wolfhound is the tallest dog in the world, standing 28 to 35 inches and weighing between 90 and 150 pounds. They have a long head with a pointed muzzle and a black nose. The eyes of the Irish wolfhound are medium-sized and dark in color and the ears are triangle-shaped hanging down from the head. The body is long and muscular with a long tail that hangs down with a curve towards the end. The Irish wolfhound's coat is rough and wiry with long hair under the eyes and under the jaw. They come in colors of gray, brindle, pure white, fawn, wheaten or a steel gray/blue.

Personality Traits

The Irish wolfhound is an intelligent, quiet, loyal breed that can move with elegance and grace.

Home and Family Relations

The Irish wolfhound is patient and very slow to anger. They are gentle with children, but smaller children need supervision around them due to their large size. The Irish wolfhound is good around other household pets, but must be taught not to chase them. They are friendly and loyal to their family, but reserved with strangers. However, they are not a good watchdog by nature, but may be a simple threat to strangers due to their size.

Training

The Irish wolfhound has a mind of his own and needs a firm, yet gentle, hand by the owners starting at a young age. They need socialization and basic obedience classes at an early age developing into the more advanced obedience classes to make the enjoyable, loving companions.

Grooming

The Irish wolfhound needs daily brushing to keep the coat free of knots. The hair on the eyes, neck, and underside may need to be trimmed from time to time.

Special Care

The Irish wolfhound needs plenty of space and a reasonable amount of yard to exercise. They need a secure fenced in yard because, as a sighthound, their natural desire to chase little critters will overcome them.