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