Irish Wolfhound 1902: A Comprehensive Guide to the Breed's History, Temperament, and Care

The Irish Wolfhound is an ancient breed with a rich history dating back to the 5th century. They were originally bred to hunt large game such as wolves and elk.

These gentle giants were highly valued by Irish nobility for their hunting prowess and loyalty. They were often kept as companions and guard dogs.

The Irish Wolfhound is known for its calm and gentle temperament, making them a great family pet. They are not generally aggressive and are often described as laid-back.

Despite their large size, Irish Wolfhounds are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, requiring only moderate exercise to stay healthy.

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The Irish wolfhound's history is steeped in myth and legend, with the first recorded mention coming from ancient Rome in 391 AD, when Roman Consul Quintus Aurelius was gifted seven Irish wolfhounds.

These gentle giants were longtime favorites amongst nobility, including Henry VIII, Elizabeth I of England, and Henry IV of France, who often gave them as gifts between friendly kingdoms.

In Ireland, the large sighthounds gained fame and popularity among chieftains and were often employed to hunt large game, but their success as hunters led to their near-extinction in the 1700s.

The breed was revived in the 1800s by British army captain George Augustus Graham, who bred the Irish wolfhound with other breeds to standardize and reinvigorate the breed.

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The Irish wolfhound has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The first recorded mention of the breed comes from 391 AD, when Roman Consul Quintus Aurelius was gifted seven Irish wolfhounds.

These gentle giants were favorites among nobility, including Henry VIII, Elizabeth I of England, and Henry IV of France, who often received them as gifts. They were highly valued for their hunting prowess and were used to hunt large game in Ireland.

The Irish wolfhound's fame and popularity among chieftains led to their widespread use in hunting. However, after they successfully rid the Irish land of big-game animals, their numbers began to decline in the 1700s.

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In 1862, a British army captain named George Augustus Graham took it upon himself to protect, standardize, and reinvigorate the breed. He achieved this by breeding the Irish wolfhound with other breeds, including the Glengarry deerhound, borzoi, Tibetan mastiff, and Great Dane.

The result of Graham's efforts is the Irish wolfhound we know today. Despite their gentle nature, Irish wolfhounds require very specific living conditions and considerations due to their size and weight.

The story of Gelert, an Irish hound, is a heart-wrenching tale that showcases the breed's bravery and loyalty. Llewellyn, the prince of Wales, found Gelert covered in blood, presumed the dog had savaged his infant son, and plunged his sword into Gelert's side.

The story of Gelert has been passed down through the centuries, embodying the strong and sentimental attachment the Irish had to their native hound. Despite some questioning its authenticity, the tale remains a powerful symbol of the breed's character.

In 1210, King John of England gifted Gelert to Llewellyn, highlighting the high esteem in which the breed was held. Unfortunately, the breed's fate was soon sealed.

By 1836, the Irish Wolfhound was included on a list of animals that had disappeared from Ireland, marking the breed's decline.

The Irish Wolfhound is a large breed, with expected heights at the withers ranging from 81-86 centimetres (32-34 inches). The minimum heights for dogs and bitches are 79 cm (31 in) and 71 cm (28 in) respectively.

Its coat is hard and rough, with a wiry texture on the head, body, and legs. The beard and hair over the eyes are particularly wiry.

The breed comes in a variety of colours, including black, brindle, fawn, grey, red, pure white, or any colour seen in the Deerhound.

The Irish Wolfhound is a large breed, with a height range of 81-86 centimetres (32-34 inches) at the withers.

Its size is more massive than the Scottish Deerhound but less so than the Great Dane.

The coat is hard and rough on the head, body, and legs, with the beard and hair over the eyes particularly wiry.

The breed comes in many colours and patterns, including black, brindle, fawn, grey, red, pure white, and any colour seen in the Deerhound.

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The Irish Wolfhound is a sighthound that hunts by visual perception alone.

Its neck is muscular and fairly long, and the head is carried high.

A healthy Irish Wolfhound weighs at minimum 54.5 kg (120 lb) for dogs and 40.5 kg (89 lb) for bitches.

Its coat sheds moderately throughout the year, but it does not have heavier shedding seasons like most double-coated canines.

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Irish Wolfhounds are known for their unique personalities, often described as individualistic and quirky.

They are generally introverted, intelligent, and reserved, making them quiet by nature.

Their calm demeanor makes them a great breed for families, especially those with older children.

Irish Wolfhounds are patient with kids and can be a great addition to a family with the right amount of space and attention.

However, they do require regular socialization from an early age to ensure they get along with other pets and people.

They can be rambunctious in puppyhood, but most adults are content with a daily walk and some quality time at home.

Irish Wolfhounds are not naturally protective of their territory, but they can become fiercely loyal and protective of their family.

Their size can be a natural deterrent, but they are often friendly towards strangers, making them unreliable as watchdogs.

Despite this, they have a fearless nature and will defend their family if they sense any danger.

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The Irish Wolfhound is a fascinating breed with a rich history. The original Irish Wolfhound originated in Ireland.

Interestingly, the modern breed was developed in Gloucestershire, England.

Here are some key facts about the breed's classification:

Irish wolfhounds have thick, double coats that require regular brushing to keep them free of debris, mats, and loose dead hair. Brushing once a week is a good routine to maintain their fur.

Their wire-textured hair tends to stay pretty clean, but they still need occasional baths, which can be a challenge due to their large size. A large tub with easy access is a must for bath day.

Regular brushing is also a good time to check for things like nail length, ear health, and dental health. Their nails should be trimmed if you can hear them tapping against the floor, and ear canals should be pale pink with minimal wax.

Irish wolfhounds are prone to serious health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and heart disease. They also have a shorter lifespan, averaging just 7 years.

With their size comes a higher risk of bloat, a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly. Knowing the signs of bloat is crucial to ensure your Irish wolfhound receives emergency medical attention if needed.

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Irish wolfhounds have thick, double coats that require regular brushing to keep their fur free of debris and loose dead hair. Brushing your Irish wolfhound once a week will keep their coat in good condition.

Their wire-textured hair tends to stay pretty clean, but they do need occasional baths, especially when they get dirty. You'll need a large tub for them to access when bath day arises.

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Regular brushing is also a good time to check for nail length, ear, and dental health. Their nails should be trimmed if you can hear them tapping against the floor.

Ear canals should be pale pink with very little wax, and you should look for any signs of movement or foreign objects, especially if you and your dog spend a lot of time outdoors.

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The Irish wolfhound is a breed prone to various health issues due to its size, with a lifespan of just 7 years on average.

Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are common concerns in the breed, and reputable breeders should test for these conditions.

A thorough eye evaluation and heart exam are also essential to ensure the health of breeding stock.

Irish wolfhounds are also at risk for pneumonia, heart disease, various cancers, and liver shunt, making additional screening crucial.

Bloat is a serious condition that can affect larger breeds, and it's essential to recognize the signs and seek emergency medical attention if you suspect your dog is suffering.

Not all Irish wolfhounds will experience serious health issues, but being aware of these common concerns is vital when considering the breed.

Reviving the Irish Wolfhound was a challenging task. Captain George Augustus Graham decided to revive the breed in 1863.

Graham initially acquired dogs descended from H.D. Richardson, who had scoured the Irish countryside for dogs purportedly descended from the surviving strains of old Irish hounds. However, these dogs were not enough to build a breed.

Graham used Scottish Deerhounds and Great Dane crosses to augment his stock, which provided the size and heavy bone he needed. He also incorporated a bit of Borzoi blood from "Korotai", owned by the Duchess of Newcastle.

A one-time cross to a Tibetan Mastiff named Wolf, which some believe was a rare Kyi Apso, produced two daughters, Vandal and Nookoo, who are behind every Irish Wolfhound alive today.

Irish wolfhounds are tranquil and easy-going, making them great family companions. They have a short lifespan of 6 to 10 years and are prone to various health issues.

Their immense size requires specific living arrangements, including a large, fenced-in yard and ample indoor space. A layout with no stairs is ideal, as it will be easier to transport a sick or injured Irish wolfhound.

Loyal and sensitive, Irish wolfhounds thrive in the company of their humans and shouldn't be left alone for long periods of time. They have a medium exercise need, but will love getting outdoors to stretch their long legs.

Irish wolfhounds are generally calm, but have a strong prey drive and should be with experienced dog owners. They have a low drool amount, but may still be suitable for someone with less severe dog allergies due to producing less dander than some other large dogs.

Here's a quick rundown of the ideal living situation for an Irish wolfhound:

If you're fortunate enough to have the space, lifestyle, and knowledge to support an Irish wolfhound, you'll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful, loving, and devout companions you'll ever know.

Captain George Augustus Graham was responsible for reviving the Irish wolfhound breed in the late 19th century. He acquired dogs from Ireland, including "Faust" of Kilfane and "Old Donagh" of Ballytobin, which were said to descend from original Irish wolfhound strains.

Graham's breeding program heavily emphasized the Scottish Deerhound and Great Dane, as he believed they were derived from the wolfhound. He also included an outbreed, a Borzoi and a "Tibetan wolfdog" (which some suggest was a Tibetan Kyi Apso), in his breeding program.

By 1885, Graham had founded the Irish Wolfhound Club and established the Breed Standard of Points to define the ideal characteristics of the breed. The Irish Wolfhound was officially recognized as a distinct breed, and it has since become a beloved companion animal.

The Irish Wolfhound is a national symbol of Ireland and is often considered the national dog of Ireland. It has also been adopted as a symbol by both rugby codes, with the national rugby league team nicknamed the Wolfhounds and the Irish Rugby Football Union renaming their A (second-level) national team the Ireland Wolfhounds in 2010.

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Here are some key characteristics of the modern Irish Wolfhound:

These characteristics make the Irish Wolfhound a great companion animal for many families. However, it's essential to consider the breed's short lifespan and potential health issues before committing to an Irish Wolfhound.