The Seamus Irish Wolfhound is a majestic breed with a rich history. This ancient dog was bred to hunt large game, and its size and strength are a testament to its original purpose.
Originating in Ireland, the Seamus Irish Wolfhound has been a loyal companion to nobility and commoners alike for centuries.
Standing between 30-35 inches tall at the shoulder, the Seamus Irish Wolfhound is an impressive sight to behold. Its short, dense coat comes in a variety of colors, including gray, brindle, red, black, and white.
Physical Characteristics
The Seamus Irish Wolfhound is an impressive breed, and one of its most notable features is its massive size. They can grow up to 35 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their heads are long and narrow, with a flat skull and a well-defined stop.
Their ears are small and rose-shaped, hanging close to the head.
Their eyes are dark and expressive, with a gentle, soulful gaze.
Their coats are rough and wiry, with a variety of colors including gray, brindle, red, and black.
Care and Training
Training an Irish Wolfhound requires patience and consistency, especially when it comes to teaching them to walk on a lead. They have a natural tendency to be independent, but with early socialization, they can learn to obey commands.
One key aspect of training is to teach your Irish Wolfhound to walk on a lead when they're young, as this will make it easier to control them when they grow up. A male Irish Wolfhound on their hind legs can stand at a stunning seven feet tall!
While they may not need extensive training, it's essential to remember that they are a gentle breed, but fierce when provoked. This means they require gentle yet firm handling, especially during training sessions.
Here are some key training tips to keep in mind:
- Start training early, ideally from puppyhood.
- Be consistent and patient with your training methods.
- Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior.
Family Life Suitability
Living with an Irish Wolfhound can be a wonderful experience for a family, as long as everyone is aware of their size and energy level. They are quiet and friendly dogs, devoted to their family.
Irish Wolfhounds can be perfect for families with older, sensible children who understand their limitations. However, they are way too big to live with small children, especially as they can be very bouncy adolescents.
Dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and adults should always supervise interactions between them. This ensures everyone's safety and helps them learn to get along.
Training
Training an Irish Wolfhound requires patience and consistency, especially when it comes to teaching them to walk on a lead. This is crucial as they can grow up to be quite large and difficult to control if not trained properly.
One of the most important things to teach your Irish Wolfhound is to walk on a lead without pulling. This can be achieved by starting with short training sessions and rewarding them with treats and praise when they behave well.
Irish Wolfhounds are known to be independent and strong-willed, so it's essential to establish a clear hierarchy and set boundaries early on. This will help prevent unwanted behaviors and make training more effective.
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A male Irish Wolfhound on their hind legs can stand at a stunning seven feet tall, so it's not surprising that they require gentle yet firm training.
Here are some key training tips to keep in mind:
- Start with short training sessions to keep your Irish Wolfhound engaged.
- Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to encourage good behavior.
- Establish clear boundaries and a hierarchy to prevent unwanted behaviors.
By following these tips and being consistent, you can develop a strong bond with your Irish Wolfhound and help them become a well-behaved and loyal companion.
Nutrition and Feeding
Giant-breed dogs have giant appetites and require a different balance of minerals and vitamins to support their joint and cartilage needs.
The Irish Wolfhound is prone to bloating and stomach problems, so it's essential to feed them smaller, more frequent meals to minimize the risk.
Feeding your dog smaller meals can help prevent bloating and stomach issues, which is especially important for the Irish Wolfhound breed.
If you're unsure about how to feed your dog, check out our handy guide for more information and tailored advice.
Intriguing read: Giant Irish Grey Wolfhound
History and Events
The Irish Wolfhound breed has a rich history that spans thousands of years. 3000 years ago, Phoenician traders brought sighthounds to the UK, where they were later crossed with Mastiffs to produce a giant Greyhound-like dog.
In Ireland, these dogs were crossed with the Irish Sheepdog to become the legendary Irish Wolfhound, known for defending sheep against wolf attacks. The breed's success led to a decline in the wolf population, with the last wolf killed in Ireland in 1786.
Captain George Graham's breeding program in the mid-19th century aimed to save the Irish Wolfhound breed, but instead, he created a new one by incorporating Scottish Deerhounds, Great Danes, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, Russian Wolfhounds, and Tibetan Mastiffs.
History and Origins
The Irish Wolfhound breed is an ancient one, with roots dating back to the UK 3000 years ago when Phoenician traders brought sighthounds to the region.
These sighthounds were later crossed with Mastiffs to produce a giant Greyhound-like dog. The Irish Wolfhound was likely created in Ireland by crossing this breed with the Irish Sheepdog.
The Irish Wolfhound became famous in Ireland for its ability to defend sheep against wolf attacks, and it was so successful that the wolf population began to dwindle. The last wolf was killed in Ireland in 1786.
With no wolves to protect the sheep from, the Irish Wolfhound's popularity declined, and the breed nearly died out.
Trooping the Colour
Trooping the Colour is a highly anticipated event, and this year's parade was no exception. Seamus, the Irish wolfhound and regimental mascot of the Irish Guards, stole the show.
Seamus is a two-year-old canine who was trained with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. He's a pampered pooch with his own room within the Irish Guards.
During the parade, Seamus was accompanied by his handler, Drummer Adam Walsh. Seamus has become a beloved figure, with social media users praising his role in the event.
Seamus has even caught the attention of notable figures, including television personality Lorraine Kelly and MP Seema Malhotra, who expressed their admiration for the handsome mascot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the wolfhound in the Irish Guards coronation?
The Irish Guards' regimental mascot is a wolfhound named Turlough Mor, also known as Seamus. He will star in the BBC show "Coronation Tailors: Fit For A King
Who is the Irish Wolfhound in Irish mythology?
In Irish mythology, the Irish Wolfhound is associated with legendary heroes such as Cú Chulainn and Finn McCool, often depicted as loyal companions. These iconic hounds are deeply rooted in Irish folklore, symbolizing strength, loyalty, and bravery.
What is the Irish mascot for Shamus?
Seamus is the 17th regimental mascot of the Irish Guards, acquired in 2020 from a breeder in North Yorkshire.
Sources
- Irish Wolfhound Dog Breed Information (purina.co.uk)
- 17th Regimental Mascot of the Irish Guards (guardsmagazine.com)
- Seamus the Irish wolfhound 'stealing the show' at Trooping ... (yahoo.com)
- Irish Wolfhound (iwclubofamerica.org)
- Vulnerable Breed (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- Pedigree of Seamus Dublin O'Shee Of Eagle (iwdb.org)
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