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Largest Dogs: Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Tibetan Mastiffs and others…

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www.terrificpets.com/articles/10298865.asp – Cached

The Irish wolfhound was bred to be a hunting dog. Although they have many talents, they were first and foremost a hunting dog and still are in their blood. When they first were developed, they were used for hunting large and dangerous game. Some of the animals they were known for hunting were the wolves and wild boars. This is partly how they got their name, “wolfhound”. They were taught not only to chase the wolf, but to kill it as well. They would shake it by the neck until it was dead. Their drive, courage and endurance are what made them such excellent hunting dogs.

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Description

This section is from the book “A History And Description Of The Modern Dogs Of Great Britain And Ireland. (Sporting Division)“, by Rawdon Briggs Lee. Also available from Amazon: A History and Description of the Modern Dogs of Great Britain and Ireland: Sporting Division.

Chapter XI. The Irish Wolfhound

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An Irish Wolfhound is identified as a sighthound within the various groups of dogs. A Sighthound is one that was used to hunt a particular prey based on the movement of that animal. A Scottish Deerhound coursed deer and Greyhounds chased hare. Although the wolf is no longer available for an Irish Wolfhound to hunt (probably not anything most of us would like to see anyway), many wolfhounds still have some of that coursing instinct remaining.

www.irishwolfhoundabc.com/lure_coursing_and_racing_with… – Cached

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Irish Wolfhound – American Kennel Club

• An Irish Wolfhound must be “of great size and commanding appearance.” He has a large, muscular greyhound-like shape, and he is the tallest of dogs, but not the heaviest. A superb athlete and an endurance runner, an old Irish …

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THE IRISH WOLFHOUND

The Irish Wolfhound is a giant sized dog, one of the tallest breeds in the world, reaching the size of a small pony.

Height: 28-35 inches (71-90 cm.)
Weight: 90-150 pounds (40-69 kg.)

The Irish Wolfhound can reach up to 7 feet tall when standing on his hind legs.

The Irish Wolfhound’s name originates from its use as a wolf hunter, and not from its appearance. This is a very old breed with Roman records dating as far back as 391 AD. They were used in wars, and for guarding herds and property and for hunting Irish elk, deer, boar, and wolves.

They were mentioned by Julius Caesar in his treatise, The Gallic Wars, and by 391 BC, they were written about by Roman Consul, Quintus Aurelius, who received seven of them as a gift to be used for fighting lions, bears, that in his words, “all Rome viewed with wonder”.

They were held in such high esteem that battles were fought over them. Irish Wolfhounds were often given as royal presents. Boar and wolf became extinct in Ireland and as a result the Irish Wolfhound declined in population.

A British army officer by the name of Captain George Augustus Graham bred them in the second half of the 19th century.

In 1879 he wrote, “It has been ascertained beyond all question that there are a few specimens of the breed still left in Ireland and England to be considered Irish wolfhounds, though falling short of the requisite dimensions. This blood is now in my possession.”

Captain Graham devoted his life to ensuring the survival of the Irish wolfdog. Owing to the small numbers of surviving specimens outcrossing was used in the breeding programme. It is believed that Great Dane, Deerhound and Mastiff dogs all played their part in Graham’s creation of the dog we currently know.

In 1885 Captain Graham with other breeders founded the Irish Wolfhound Club, and the Breed Standard of Points to establish and agree the ideal to which breeders should aspire.

The wolfhound of today is far from the one that struck fear into the hearts of the Ancient Romans.

Irish wolfhounds are often favored for their loyalty, affection, patience and devotion.

Although at some points in history they have been used as watchdogs, unlike some breeds, the Irish wolfhound is usually unreliable in this role as they are often friendly toward strangers, although their size can be a natural deterrent.

That said, when protection is required this dog is never found wanting. When they or their family are in any perceived danger they display a fearless nature. Author and Irish wolfhound breeder, Linda Glover believes the dogs’ close affinity with humans makes them acutely aware and sensitive to ill will or malicious intentions leading to them excelling as a guardian rather than guard dog.

References

Irish Wolfhound Information and Pictures, Irish Wolfhounds

All about the Irish Wolfhound, info, pictures, breeders, rescues, care, temperament, health, puppies and much more.
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/irishwolfhound.htm – Cached – Similar

Irish Wolfhound – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Irish wolfhound is a breed of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), specifically a sighthound. The name originates from its purpose (wolf hunting) …

Appearance – Temperament – Health – History

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Wolfhound – Cached – Similar

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Irish Wolfhound Training: Learn And Understand Your Dog Temperament!

The temperament of an Irish Wolfhound lends itself to command training in many ways. You will find that if you are willing to dedicate time to a weekly exercise regimen, your dog will have a positive outlet for its energy and be more than capable of grasping even complicated commands. Examining a few key points in the proper handling of this dynamic breed should help you in your pursuit of an obedient, loving animal for you and your family to enjoy.

The following are a few training tips regarding your Irish Wolfhound.

Commands

Proper Exercise Goes A Long Way

Leash Training – The Sooner The Better!
Go to the link for full details…

Irish Wolfhound Training: Learn And Understand Your Dog Temperament!

Irish Wolfhound Temperament, Irish Wolfhound Training

Read the reviews from other dog lovers!

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