| Although not for the faint of heart, Irish | | | | family. |
| Wolfhounds are strong, muscular, beautiful dogs | | | | The Irish Wolfhound is actually the tallest hound in |
| that are usually even tempered and friendly. | | | | the entire world and they are a stately and proud |
| Originally they were used in Ireland to hunt | | | | dog. Their coats feel rather rough to the touch, |
| wolves and Irish elk. But today they are a | | | | and they come in a variety of different colors, |
| favorite among dog enthusiasts for their gentle | | | | including brindle, pure white, red, brown, black, |
| disposition and commanding appearance. | | | | gray, and fawn. |
| The temperament of this dog breed is | | | | They typically live to be about seven, although |
| soft-natured and easygoing. They are calm around | | | | there are dogs that live to be as old as ten. |
| the house and patient. These qualities make them | | | | Increasing numbers of breeders, however, are |
| a good dog with children, pets, and other dogs. | | | | now selecting for longevity and this will hopefully |
| History of the Breed | | | | increase the lifespan of the Irish Wolfhound in the |
| The Irish Wolfhounds in their earliest form were | | | | future. |
| actually dogs that went to war and were trained | | | | What Irish Wolfhounds Need |
| to kill men and beasts. They were also used as | | | | If you decide that you want to own an Irish |
| guard dogs and as hunting dogs early on as well. | | | | Wolfhound, it is important that you take into |
| It is believed that their history has been long, | | | | consideration the special needs of these dogs and |
| perhaps even reaching all the way back to the | | | | take care of them properly to promote the best |
| first century BC. During the 19th century, when it | | | | health possible. They need plenty of room to |
| became popular to give a number of these dogs | | | | stretch out and a daily long walk. |
| as gifts to foreign royalty and as the wolf | | | | Irish Wolfhounds need to be with people and need |
| became extinct in Ireland, they almost became | | | | plenty of interaction, so before you purchase one, |
| extinct. | | | | you need to be sure that you have the time to |
| Thankfully, Captain Graham began to breed Irish | | | | properly take care of your dog. |
| Wolfhounds with other breeds, such as Great | | | | It is important that you train your Irish Wolfhound |
| Danes and Deerhounds, to keep the breed from | | | | well or he may get out of hand. Starting to train |
| dying out. This interbreeding led to variations in | | | | from the time your dog is a puppy will help you |
| color and in a mellowing of the temperament as | | | | avoid problems later in the dog's life. |
| well. | | | | Having an Irish Wolfhound can bring a great deal |
| Characteristics of Irish Wolfhounds | | | | of joy and pleasure to your life and these dogs |
| Although in history these dogs were used as war | | | | make wonderful companions. If you are ready to |
| dogs and guard dogs, the Irish Wolfhound today | | | | invest some time in a dog, take care of a dog |
| does not make a great guard dog. While they do | | | | properly, and you want a dog that will keep you |
| have a penchant to hunt, these dogs love people | | | | company, you may want to consider having an |
| and require a great deal of interaction with the | | | | Irish Wolfhound as a pet. |