The   Irish wolfhound was the most treasured and sought after hunting dog of the early centuries, not only because of his hunting skill but because he was an outstanding guardian and companion. When hunting game such as wolves, elk and boars, the Irish wolfhound hunted by sight rather than scent. This attribute led to the term gazehound or sight hound.  http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/irshwfhd.cfm

I will give thee a dog which I got in Ireland.

He is huge of limb, and for a follower equal to an able man.

Moreover, he hath a man�s wit and will bark at thine enemies but never at thy friends.

And he will see by each man�s face whether he be ill or well disposed to thee.

And he will lay down his life for thee.�

(from "The Icelandic Saga of Nial�)

 

Please think carefully before you consider an  Irish wolfhound as an addition to your family, they are not like other dogs.  My saying is �Irish Wolfhound, everything else is just another dog�, and for me this is very true.   I have owned other breeds in the past, and would never consider sharing my life with anything other than a wolfhound again.  They have won my heart in every way. 

 

The dog of kings and the king of dogs, the  Irish wolfhound is a living symbol of the Celtic people.  A dog from the time of heroes, it is entwined in Irish lore and legend.  The tallest of dogs, the noble Wolfhound is an enormous shaggy member of the Greyhound family and combines their great speed with enormous power.

 

The wolfhound is a kindly, tolerant dog, gentle by nature, BUT do not be misled by the Gentle Giant image, a young hound can be unruly with great personality.  Wolfies do not realize their size and that welcoming tail can catch both child and adult unawares.  Great care must be exercised, particularly with young children, it would be all too easy for a small child to be knocked over, albeit unintentionally.

 

Your life will change, gone are the days of long holidays, only a specialist kennels can accommodate them adequately.  Leftovers will no longer remain on kitchen counters, ornaments and everything else sacred must be moved above tail wagging level. 

 

Lure Coursing, is an excellent way to motivate yourself to keep your hound(s) in condition!  Your hound will be trim and muscular; keeping the heart, lungs and circulation in great shape. We know how keeping fit and healthy can add years on our own lives; imagine what this form of exercise will do for your hound(s).  Your  irish wolfhound needs to show its functionality not just be a friendly, loving couch potato. Please give Lure Coursing great consideration for your hound as more and more it is becoming obvious that lure coursing can help us extend the lifespan of our beloved hounds.   Contact the American Kennel Club (AKC)  http://www.akc.org/   or The  Irish Wolfhound Club of America (IWCA) http://www.iwclubofamerica.org/  for details of your nearest clubs/events.  It is noted that in general females take to coursing more readily than males, something you may want to consider when deciding on gender.

The  Irish wolfhound is a remarkable combination of power, swiftness, and keen sight.  They are a large sensitive dog who requires a lot of space to accommodate his great size, and a dedicated owner who will give him companionship and a lot of time.  The largest and tallest of the galloping hounds, rough-coated, very muscular, strong though gracefully built.  The minimum height and weight of dogs should be 32 inches and 120 pounds; of bitches, 30 inches and 105 pounds.  This applies to hounds over 18 months of age.

 

                  By the later part of the 19^th Century, Irish wolfhounds very nearly became extinct.

                  An Irish wolfhound was the first pure-bred dog in the New World; one traveled with Columbus on his  

            fourth voyage.

                  In spite of its size, the Irish wolfhound is absolutely trustworthy with children.

                  A dog of nobility, an Irish wolfhound was so valued in the 1700s that a condemned man could buy his

            life with one.

                  Irish Wolfhounds were used to fight wild animals in the arenas of imperial Rome.

                  Known as the Gentle Giant, the Irish Wolfhound�s motto is: �Gentle When Stroked, Fierce When

            Provoked�

                  The most common colors are wolf grey and sandy wheaten.  Fawn, red, white or black are allowed

            but much rarer.

Very importantly, Wolfhounds are �people dogs�  They LIVE to be with their family!!!  We would prefer it if you didn't have to work all day.  The sorrowful howls of a lonely hound will affect the entire town, not just your next door neighbors.  You�ll be very unpopular, but worst of all; you�ll have a very unhappy hound.  So think before you consider any dog if you have to leave him home alone all day, and if you really must have a dog, maybe you could look into pet sitters, or day care for your dog.  Would you leave your child home alone?

 Irish Wolfhounds were born and bred to hunt, and are in NO WAY a guard dog.  In fact, he will welcome strangers.  Certainly NEVER consider a wolfhound to guard a car lot or some such business.  He may intimidate and be a wonderful deterrent.  BUT, trust me, a lonely hound will welcome an intruder to brighten up his day!!!  But in saying this, he will defend YOU to the death.