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Irish Wolfhounds have their origin from the Cu. These are very large dogs that are used for the hunting of wolves and boars. Irish Wolfhounds used to be given as royal gifts and they eventually became so well-liked that their export from England had to be stopped.

The Wolfhound disappeared from Ireland during the year of 1766, but was later brought back to Ireland by the Romans. This breed of dogs was eventually revived by the incursion of Great Dane and Deerhound blood.

General Appearance

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. 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 of age. 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.

Temperament

Irish Wolfhounds are sweet-tempered, patient, kind, thoughtful and very intelligent. Excellent and can be trusted with children. Willing and eager to please, they are unconditionally loyal to their owner and family. They tend to greet everyone as a friend, so do not count on them being a watch dog, but may be a deterrent simply due to his size. This giant breed can be clumsy and are slow to mature in both body and mind, taking about two years before they are full grown. However, they grow rapidly and high-quality food is essential.

Height and Weight

Height: 28-35 inches (71-90 cm.)
Weight: 90-150 pounds (40-69 kg.)

Ailments

The most common causes of death in the Irish Wolfhound are bloat, cancer and heart disease. They also have growth problems so feeding and exercise are very important particularly in the growing dog. Wolfhounds are very difficult to breed from and mothers have to be constantly monitored during the first 3 weeks or so as they can very easily crush their puppies by accident.

Intelligence

The Irish Wolfhound is a relatively easy dog to train. A gentle approach, with plenty of understanding, will be rewarded by an obedient dog. As puppies, they are very quiet and well behaved. Jumping up should be discouraged from day one as adult dogs can weigh a lot and will easily knock people over.

Show Characteristics

The Irish Wolfhound should have a large head with a long muzzle. The jaws should be strong and have a complete scissor bite. Both the nose and the lips should be black. The eyes should be oval and dark in colour. The ears should be small in size, rose-shaped, hanging away from the face and dark in colour. The neck should be long, strong, muscular and well arched with no loose skin at the throat. The chest should be very deep and the back long with the belly being well drawn up. The front legs should straight, strong and muscular, the back legs, strong, muscular and long. The feet should be large and round with well arched toes. The tail should be long, slightly curved and be well covered with hair. The coat should be rough and harsh and wiry over the eyes and jaw. The colours desired are grey, steel grey, brindle, red, black, white, fawn and wheaten.


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