Post by DogGoneGood on Mar 10, 2009 1:23:16 GMT -5
Group: II - Hounds
Origin: Ireland
Date of Origin: Antiquity/1800s
Purpose: Sight and Scent Hunting
Originally used by the Celts to hunt wolves, this majestic dog was probably transported to Ireland by the Romans. In the second half of the 19th century, the breed was sucessfully re-created, using stock related to the ancient Wolfhound. Affectionate and loyal, today's Wolfhound makes an excellent companion and an effective guard dog. However, due to its size, it needs a great deal of space and is therefore not ideally suited for city life.
General Appearance:
Of great size and commanding appearance, the Irish Wolfhound is remarkable in combining power and swiftness with keen sight. The largest and tallest of the galloping hounds, in general type, he is a rough coated, Greyhound-like breed; very muscular, strong, though gracefully built; movements easy and active; head and neck carried high; the tail carried with an upward sweep with a slight curve towards the extremity.
Coat and Colour:
Hair rough and hard on body, legs and head; especially wiry and long over eyes and underjaw. The recognized colours are grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, or any other colour that appears in the Deerhound.
Head:
Long, the frontal bones of the forehead very slightly raised and very little indentation between the eyes. Skull not too broad. Muzzle long and moderately pointed. Ears small and Greyhound-like in carriage.
Neck:
Rather long, very strong and muscular, well arched, without dewlap or loose skin about the throat.
Forequarters:
Shoulders muscular, giving breadth of chest, set sloping. Elbows well under, neither turned inwards nor outwards. Forearm muscular, and the whole leg strong and quite straight.
Hindquarters:
Muscular thighs and second thigh long and strong, as in the Greyhound, and hocks well let down and turning neither in nor out. Feet moderately large and round, neither turned inwards nor outwards. Toes well arched and closed. Nails very strong and curved.
Body:
Back rather long than short. Chest very deep. Breast wide. Loins arched. Belly well drawn up.
Tail:
Long and slightly curved, of moderate thickness, and well covered with hair.
Faults:
Too light or heavy a head, too highly arched frontal bone; large ears and hanging flat to the face; short neck; full dewlap; too narrow or too broad a chest; sunken or hollow or quite straight back; bent forelegs; over bent fetlocks; twisted feet; spreading toes, too curly a tail; weak hindquarters and a general want of muscle; too short in body. Lips or nose livercoloured or lacking pigmentation.
List of Points in Order of Merit:
l. Typical - The Irish Wolfhound is a rough-coated, Greyhound-like breed, the tallest of the coursing hounds and remarkable in combining power and swiftness.
2. Great size and commanding appearance.
3. Movements - easy and active.
4. Head - long and level, carried high.
5. Forelegs - heavily boned, quite straight; elbows well set under.
6. Thighs - long and muscular; second thighs, well muscled, stifles nicely bent.
7. Coat - rough and hard, especially wiry and long over the eyes and under jaw.
8. Body - long, well ribbed up, with ribs well sprung, and great breadth across hips.
9. Loins - arched, belly well drawn up.
10. Ears - small, with Greyhound-like carriage.
11. Feet - moderately large and round; toes, close, well arched.
12. Neck - long, well arched and very strong.
13. Chest - very deep, moderately broad.
14. Shoulders - muscular, set sloping.
15. Tail - long and slightly curved.
16. Eyes - dark.
Note: The above in no way alters the “Standard of Excellence” which must, in all cases, be rigidly adhered to; they simply give the various points in order of merit. If, in any case, they appear at variance with Standard of Excellence, it is the latter which is correct.
Size:
The minimum height and weight of dogs should be 32 inches (81 cm) and 120 lb. (54 kg); of bitches 30 inches (76 cm) and 105 lb. (48 kg), these to apply only to hounds over 18 months of age. Anything below this should be debarred from competition. Great size, including height at shoulder and proportionate length of body, is the desideratum to be aimed at, and it is desired to firmly establish a race that shall average from 32-34 inches (81-86 cm) in dogs, showing the requisite power, activity, courage, and symmetry.
Temperment:
Irish Wolfhounds are sweet-tempered, patient, generous, thoughtful and can be trusted with children. Dignified and willing, they are unconditionally loyal to their owner and family. Not a guard dog by nature, but may be a deterrent simply due to his/her size. They tend to greet everyone as a friend, so use of them as watch dogs is not recommended; although when they or their owners are put in real danger, they display a fearless nature.
Health:
Irish Wolfhounds do not live long lives. Published lifespan estimations vary between 4.95 and 8.75 years. Dilated cardiomyopathy and bone cancer are the leading cause of death and like all deep-chested dogs, gastric torsion (bloat) is also common; the breed is also affected by hereditary intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.
By the age of 8 months, Irish Wolfhounds appear adult, and many owners start stressing them too much. Outstretched limbs and irreparable damage are the result. Wolfhounds need at least 18 months to be ready for lure coursing, running as a sport, and other strenuous activities.
Wolfhounds should not receive additional supplements when a good dog food is used. It is generally accepted that they should be fed a large breed puppy food until 18 months old and then change to a large breed adult food. Most breeders today recommend that they not be supplemented in order to slow their rapid growth. Wolfhound puppies around 10 weeks old grow about 2 cm a week and put on one pound a day.
Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest of dog breeds so they are well suited to rural life; but their medium energy profile allows them to adjust fairly well to suburban and urban life as well, provided they receive appropriate exercise.
Life Expectancy:
11 Years
History:
Present in Ireland almost 2,000 years ago, this noble breed had almost completely vanished by the mid-1800s, when it was revitalized by Captain G.A. Graham, a British army officer.
Early Irish Literature abounds in references to these large dogs which are called, interchangeably, "Irish dogs," "Big Dogs of Ireland," "Greyhounds (or Grehounds) of Ireland," "Wolfdogs of Ireland," "Great Hounds of Ireland." Irish Wolfhound is the more modern name.
He was coveted for his hunting prowess, particularly in the pursuit of the wolf and the gigantic Irish elk, which stood six feet at the shoulders. With the disappearance of these animals from Ireland, and the excessive exportation of the dwindling ranks of Wolfhounds, the breed was allowed to become almost extinct.
It was at this point that Captain George A. Graham gathered the remaining specimens and restored the breed. His work began in 1862, and 23 years later, under his supervision, the first breed standard was set.
Because of his great size and the amount of exercise essential to his well being, the Irish Wolfhound is not a dog to be acquired without serious forethought. His ideal home is one, which provides fenced property of sufficient size to accommodate the galloping, natural to this athletic sight hound. Hunting by sight and chase is what he was bred and historically used for.
The Irish Wolfhound does best when human companionship is the core of his daily life. At maturity, he is a calm presence within a family circle. His nature and temperament make him totally unsuitable as a guard dog. Though alert he is not suspicious; though courageous he is not aggressive. Emphatically, the Irish Wolfhound is not a satisfactory choice for the city dweller or in closely populated suburbs where one might desire a guard dog to be on solitary duty from morning until night.
Sources:
Canadian Kennel Club Official Breed Standards - Irish Wolfhound
The New Encyclopedia Of the DOG by Bruce Fogle DVM Page 110
Wikipedia - Irish Wolfhound
AKC- Breed History
Origin: Ireland
Date of Origin: Antiquity/1800s
Purpose: Sight and Scent Hunting
Originally used by the Celts to hunt wolves, this majestic dog was probably transported to Ireland by the Romans. In the second half of the 19th century, the breed was sucessfully re-created, using stock related to the ancient Wolfhound. Affectionate and loyal, today's Wolfhound makes an excellent companion and an effective guard dog. However, due to its size, it needs a great deal of space and is therefore not ideally suited for city life.
General Appearance:
Of great size and commanding appearance, the Irish Wolfhound is remarkable in combining power and swiftness with keen sight. The largest and tallest of the galloping hounds, in general type, he is a rough coated, Greyhound-like breed; very muscular, strong, though gracefully built; movements easy and active; head and neck carried high; the tail carried with an upward sweep with a slight curve towards the extremity.
Coat and Colour:
Hair rough and hard on body, legs and head; especially wiry and long over eyes and underjaw. The recognized colours are grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, or any other colour that appears in the Deerhound.
Head:
Long, the frontal bones of the forehead very slightly raised and very little indentation between the eyes. Skull not too broad. Muzzle long and moderately pointed. Ears small and Greyhound-like in carriage.
Neck:
Rather long, very strong and muscular, well arched, without dewlap or loose skin about the throat.
Forequarters:
Shoulders muscular, giving breadth of chest, set sloping. Elbows well under, neither turned inwards nor outwards. Forearm muscular, and the whole leg strong and quite straight.
Hindquarters:
Muscular thighs and second thigh long and strong, as in the Greyhound, and hocks well let down and turning neither in nor out. Feet moderately large and round, neither turned inwards nor outwards. Toes well arched and closed. Nails very strong and curved.
Body:
Back rather long than short. Chest very deep. Breast wide. Loins arched. Belly well drawn up.
Tail:
Long and slightly curved, of moderate thickness, and well covered with hair.
Faults:
Too light or heavy a head, too highly arched frontal bone; large ears and hanging flat to the face; short neck; full dewlap; too narrow or too broad a chest; sunken or hollow or quite straight back; bent forelegs; over bent fetlocks; twisted feet; spreading toes, too curly a tail; weak hindquarters and a general want of muscle; too short in body. Lips or nose livercoloured or lacking pigmentation.
List of Points in Order of Merit:
l. Typical - The Irish Wolfhound is a rough-coated, Greyhound-like breed, the tallest of the coursing hounds and remarkable in combining power and swiftness.
2. Great size and commanding appearance.
3. Movements - easy and active.
4. Head - long and level, carried high.
5. Forelegs - heavily boned, quite straight; elbows well set under.
6. Thighs - long and muscular; second thighs, well muscled, stifles nicely bent.
7. Coat - rough and hard, especially wiry and long over the eyes and under jaw.
8. Body - long, well ribbed up, with ribs well sprung, and great breadth across hips.
9. Loins - arched, belly well drawn up.
10. Ears - small, with Greyhound-like carriage.
11. Feet - moderately large and round; toes, close, well arched.
12. Neck - long, well arched and very strong.
13. Chest - very deep, moderately broad.
14. Shoulders - muscular, set sloping.
15. Tail - long and slightly curved.
16. Eyes - dark.
Note: The above in no way alters the “Standard of Excellence” which must, in all cases, be rigidly adhered to; they simply give the various points in order of merit. If, in any case, they appear at variance with Standard of Excellence, it is the latter which is correct.
Size:
The minimum height and weight of dogs should be 32 inches (81 cm) and 120 lb. (54 kg); of bitches 30 inches (76 cm) and 105 lb. (48 kg), these to apply only to hounds over 18 months of age. Anything below this should be debarred from competition. Great size, including height at shoulder and proportionate length of body, is the desideratum to be aimed at, and it is desired to firmly establish a race that shall average from 32-34 inches (81-86 cm) in dogs, showing the requisite power, activity, courage, and symmetry.
Temperment:
Irish Wolfhounds are sweet-tempered, patient, generous, thoughtful and can be trusted with children. Dignified and willing, they are unconditionally loyal to their owner and family. Not a guard dog by nature, but may be a deterrent simply due to his/her size. They tend to greet everyone as a friend, so use of them as watch dogs is not recommended; although when they or their owners are put in real danger, they display a fearless nature.
Health:
Irish Wolfhounds do not live long lives. Published lifespan estimations vary between 4.95 and 8.75 years. Dilated cardiomyopathy and bone cancer are the leading cause of death and like all deep-chested dogs, gastric torsion (bloat) is also common; the breed is also affected by hereditary intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.
By the age of 8 months, Irish Wolfhounds appear adult, and many owners start stressing them too much. Outstretched limbs and irreparable damage are the result. Wolfhounds need at least 18 months to be ready for lure coursing, running as a sport, and other strenuous activities.
Wolfhounds should not receive additional supplements when a good dog food is used. It is generally accepted that they should be fed a large breed puppy food until 18 months old and then change to a large breed adult food. Most breeders today recommend that they not be supplemented in order to slow their rapid growth. Wolfhound puppies around 10 weeks old grow about 2 cm a week and put on one pound a day.
Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest of dog breeds so they are well suited to rural life; but their medium energy profile allows them to adjust fairly well to suburban and urban life as well, provided they receive appropriate exercise.
Life Expectancy:
11 Years
History:
Present in Ireland almost 2,000 years ago, this noble breed had almost completely vanished by the mid-1800s, when it was revitalized by Captain G.A. Graham, a British army officer.
Early Irish Literature abounds in references to these large dogs which are called, interchangeably, "Irish dogs," "Big Dogs of Ireland," "Greyhounds (or Grehounds) of Ireland," "Wolfdogs of Ireland," "Great Hounds of Ireland." Irish Wolfhound is the more modern name.
He was coveted for his hunting prowess, particularly in the pursuit of the wolf and the gigantic Irish elk, which stood six feet at the shoulders. With the disappearance of these animals from Ireland, and the excessive exportation of the dwindling ranks of Wolfhounds, the breed was allowed to become almost extinct.
It was at this point that Captain George A. Graham gathered the remaining specimens and restored the breed. His work began in 1862, and 23 years later, under his supervision, the first breed standard was set.
Because of his great size and the amount of exercise essential to his well being, the Irish Wolfhound is not a dog to be acquired without serious forethought. His ideal home is one, which provides fenced property of sufficient size to accommodate the galloping, natural to this athletic sight hound. Hunting by sight and chase is what he was bred and historically used for.
The Irish Wolfhound does best when human companionship is the core of his daily life. At maturity, he is a calm presence within a family circle. His nature and temperament make him totally unsuitable as a guard dog. Though alert he is not suspicious; though courageous he is not aggressive. Emphatically, the Irish Wolfhound is not a satisfactory choice for the city dweller or in closely populated suburbs where one might desire a guard dog to be on solitary duty from morning until night.
Sources:
Canadian Kennel Club Official Breed Standards - Irish Wolfhound
The New Encyclopedia Of the DOG by Bruce Fogle DVM Page 110
Wikipedia - Irish Wolfhound
AKC- Breed History
