Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhound

The Irish wolfhound has a strong place in legend. It is the tallest breed of dog in existence and has the speed of a greyhound.

Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhound

The Irish wolfhound has a strong place in legend. It is the tallest breed of dog in existence and has the speed of a greyhound.

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History

The Irish Wolfhound is generally accepted to be the oldest Irish breed. It has been recorded for centuries in mythology as well as official records. The first written record of an Irish Wolfhound was in 391 AD when the breed was mentioned in Roman Council. However, they were already established in Ireland by 1^st century AD at the time when the mythological Irish hero Setanta earned the name ‘Cú Chulainn’ (‘hound of Culann’) after killing Culann’s Irish Wolfhound in self-defence.

Irish Wolfhounds were considered prized gifts in the Royal Houses of Europe from Middle Ages to 17^th Century. The numbers of animals subsequently deteriorated and almost became extinct, but for the revival in breeding with growth in Irish nationalism in the late 19^th Century. Like the Kerry Blue, the Irish Wolfhound was seen as a living symbol of Irish culture and Ireland’s Celtic origins.

The revival of the breed is also much due to the efforts of British Capt. G.A. Graham, who crossed the Irish Wolfhound with the Scottish Deerhound.

Irish Wolfhound

Courtesy of IrishDogs.ie

Irish Wolfhound
Courtesy of IrishDogs.ie

Irish Wolfhound

Courtesy of IrishDogs.ie

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Description & function

The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest Irish breed, and indeed the tallest breed in the world. On average, the male reaches 32-34 inches in height. The breed’s long legs and distinctive deep chest and muscular body give it a commanding yet elegant appearance. It is an extremely fast, intelligent animal that hunts by sight.

The Irish Wolfhound has a rough, wiry coat of hair. This may originally have been a finer coat of hair but has adapted to the Irish climate over the centuries. It is most commonly a grey and brindle colour, but can also be white, fawn, black, or even red brindle. As the Irish Wolfhound was crossed with the Scottish Deerhound, its coat may be any colour that appears on the Scottish Deerhound.

The Irish Wolfhound’s name originates from its purpose of hunting wolves rather than its appearance, and was used for hunting wolves and deer in Ireland up to the end of 17^th century. Known as the ‘Big Dogs of Ireland’, they were also used for hunting wolves in the forests of mainland Europe of wolves before they were cleared. They also quite territorial and make extremely good guard dogs.