Irish Wolfhounds Made Easy

What is an Irish Wolfhound?
Irish Wolfhound is described by the American Kennel Club as a dog of great size and commanding appearance. This dog breed is quiet in nature and is a good family companion. However, the instinct to chase a fleeing prey is never lost because they have specialized skills for hunting.

Irish Wolfhounds are easy going dog and loyal to the owner. It can create a strong bond with the owner and his family. They are playful and behaves gently with children. This dog breed is aloof to strangers and often put them on guard. Because of the Irish Wolfhounds attachment to the owner, it has the capability to self-destruct when left alone for a long period of time.

This dog breed will need gentle and consistent training in order to retain a habit of obedience to the owner. Once properly done, the dog will follow the owners order and the owner will be in total control of the dog. Training is appropriate because Irish Wolfhounds by nature do not follow orders and work independently. This can be traced way back the ancient time when the dogs work separately from the owners.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) categorized dogs into 7 groups:

• Herding
• Hound
• Non-sporting
• Sporting
• Terrier
• Toy
• Working

The Irish Wolfhounds are recognized by AKC in 1897 and are categorized under the hound group. This is because of the ability of this dog breed to hunt. It has the hunting skill to look for wolf and gigantic Irish elk during the early times.

Aside from their natural instincts, they are blessed with large muscular body type. Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest of dogs and move in swift motion.

Dog lovers have enlisted characteristics anyone would love about an Irish Wolf hound:

• Strong
• Graceful
• Active
• Easy going
• Quite
• Hunting capability
• Responsive
• Loyal
• Affectionate
• Patient
• Devoted
• Sensitive
• Watchdog
• Friendly
• Alert
• Aware
• Guard dog
• Runner
• Fierce
• Family companion
• Intelligent
• Thoughtful
• Self-confident
• Sweet-temper
• Exceptional

Irish Wolfhound History
AKC believed that the Irish Wolfhound records can be traced from the Roman Records since 391 AD but some experts believe that it originated way back 7000 BC. Irish Wolfhounds are offered as royal gifts and they hunt wolves with their masters. They are called Cu Faoil by ancients that breed them as hunting dogs. They also serve as guardians of the castle and family companion since the early times.

During the early times, only the nobility of the English Conquest of Ireland has the right to own Irish Wolfhounds. The position of the person in the government determines the number of dogs the person will be allowed to own.

The breed almost disappeared but Englishman Captain George Augustus Graham revived the dog breed and it is what is referred today as the Irish Wolfhound. He did so by outcrossing the small number of surviving specimen. He sought the help of different breeds in order to reaffirm the dogs subsistence. The dogs that were recorded and contributed in outcrossing are Brozio, Great Dane, Deerhound, and Mastiff dogs.

Skillful and loyal dog
The American Kennel Club categorized the Irish Wolfhounds under the hound group because of their skill to hunt. They retains their loyalty to their masters during the early times as it is today to their owners. This breed has remarkable swiftness and power in all situations. They are the tallest and largest of all the dog breeds and are very muscular.

The usual coat color of Irish Wolfhounds may be grey, pure white, black, red, and steel grey. Their coat will need regular brushing and might need plucking at certain situations to remove dead hair. The size of the Irish Wolfhound is 32 inches for male and 30 inches for female. It weighs 120 lbs for male and 105 for female. However, sizes may vary depending on the location.

Because of their muscular and large body built, they require plenty of exercise every day. This in effect, will maintain healthy physical built and ensure good stamina. An advice given by experts is to make sure there is enough space at home like a large garden or fenced backyard where Irish Wolfhounds can move freely. Irish Wolfhounds are intelligent dogs. They can be trained to perform specific field tasks. They are eager to please the owner and are sensitive. Utmost care and attention must be given because as they age, they become weak.

They are great family companion and can be trusted at home with the kids even of tender age. They are playful but know the limitations. They behave well when the owner is around and obediently follows his owners command.

This dog breed is also prone to health problems like bone cancer, hip dysplasia and heart problems. It is advisable to consult a veterinarian to check the dog. The life span of this dog ranges from 7 to 9 years only.