Irish Wolfhound

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The Irish Wolfhound is a breed of domestic dog, specifically a sighthound. The name originates from its purpose of wolf hunting rather than from its appearance. Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest dog breed on average, though Great Danes can exceed their height.

History

The Irish Wolfhound is an ancient breed used by the Celts nobility for hunting wolves and the extinct Irish elk. Their bravery and skills are legendary, and only royalty were permitted to own them. They were sent as gifts to nobility throughout Europe, and they became a favored breed in the Roman Empire. Historically, they have been referred to as Irish Greyhounds. Their likeness adorned many jars, porcelain works, bottles as well as in art. However, the breed was exported excessively and was threatened with extinction. A Scottish captain in the British army, named George Graham, is credited for rescuing the breed from oblivion. Graham, a deerhound breeder, collected wolfhounds over a period of 23 years and developed the breed standard. In 1885, under the supervision of Captain Graham, the first breed standard was written for the Irish Wolfhound. The American Kennel Club then accepted the breed and he found a home in the hound class.

Appearance and Size

The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest dog in the world, standing 28 to 35 inches and weighing between 90 and 150 pounds. They have a long head with a pointed muzzle and a black nose. The eyes of the Irish Wolfhound are medium-sized and dark in color and the ears are triangle-shaped hanging down from the head. The body is long and muscular with a long tail that hangs down with a curve towards the end. The Irish Wolfhound's coat is rough and wiry with long hair under the eyes and under the jaw. They come in colors of gray, brindle, pure white, fawn, wheaten or a steel gray/blue.

Personality

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 their 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. Irish Wolfhounds are highly sensitive, requiring a positive environment, encouraging attitude and non-overbearing training methods.

Wikipedia and GNU

The content of this entry is from the Wikipedia article "Irish Wolfhound" licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.

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Videos of Irish Wolfhounds

Dogs 101- Irish Wolfhound

For more, visit animal.discovery.com Standing up to 7-feet-tall on its hind legs, the Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dogs in the world!

Dogs 101 ~ Irish Wolfhound

no copyright infringement intended :

Irish Wolfhound Are Lap Dogs Too!

My brother took his Irish Wolfhound to see our Mom at her Assisted Living Facility. This is how he relaxed.

Big Dog - Irish Wolfhound Pt. 1

My girlfriend and I were in Carmel, California (most dog friendly town ever) and spotted this huge Irish Wolfhound. The owner said these types of dogs are known to grow large, but that her specific dog was abnormally large for his breed, about 180 - 200 lbs....something like that. My girlfriend is in the video next to the dog and shes 5'3 - 5'6 with heels on, so you can get an idea... Honestly...i'm a dog lover, and feel i've seen BIG dogs....but this guy tops em -- hes easily the biggest dog i've ever seen

Wolfhound Plays with Pals

Our Irish Wolfhound Mr Benson plays like a puppy with Alfie, Diesel and Maya the mini schnautzer, whippet & chihuahua


Bella and Wiley (our Irish Wolfhound Mix) dogs play in the snow December 18, 2009.AVI

Bella and Wiley seem to have some fans from their noisy playing video that a ton of people have seen. Well here they are in the blizzard we just got.... making the same noises but running full speed in the snow..... they love to play!

Irish Wolfhound Puppies - 8 weeks old

Eight Irish Wolfhound Puppies playing outside. In this clip they are 8 weeks old.

Irish wolf hound Vs. Jack Russell terrier! Dogs play fighting!!

hight, weight and strenght vs. speed agility and brains!

Finding & Breeding Dogs : Where Can I Buy Irish Wolfhound Puppies?

A veterinarian is a reliable source of information when looking to buy Irish wolfhound puppies, and they can put someone into contact with rescue organizations, breeders and other referrals. Discover options for buying Irish wolfhound puppies withtips from a veterinarian in this free video on dog care. Expert: Dr. Pam Nichols Contact: www.k-9rehab.com Bio: Dr. Pam Nichols has been a veterinarian for 13 years, and she owns the Animal Care Center in Bountiful, Utah. Filmmaker: Michael Burton

Irish Wolfhound

A video of white Irish dogs... Enjoy.. ;)


Irish Wolfhound-Playing with children.

Brandy playing with my girls...2007

Irish Wolfhound puppies or why my job is a riot some days

The Bonos Irish Wolfhound puppies at 10 weeks of age. All are about 30 pounds! There are 4 girls and 2 boys. Dad is "Tip" Ch Dun Myrica Speaker of Eagle and Mom is "Nancy" Ch ArMaitiu Nainsi of Eagle.

When Irish Wolfhounds Attack

doggybloggy.com A graphic video of an Irish Wolfhound mauling a child. Warning extreme violence may not be suitable for children

Irish Wolfhound puppies and a brave cat

This little Irish Wolfhound puppies learn to live with cats. This cute cat is used to dogs.

Great Dane X Irish Wolfhound Patrick 1.MOD

Motz, the Grandkids and Patrick taken September 2008. In memory of my best Buddy Patrick. RIP I miss you mate. Our dog and best buddy for 12 years. xxx


Irish Wolfhound Swimming in Ireland

Aidan, a ten year old Irish Wolfhound, goes swimming in the lake while his pals Miller and Jessie watch. Taken in Sligo, Ireland. Aidan is from Knocknarea Kennels, and was ten on March 19th.

The Irish Wolfhound - Chapter 1

Take a closer look at the conservative Irish Wolfhound. For future videos on the Irish Wolfhound, subscribe to the official Dog.com YouTube channel. For dog food for your Irish Wolfhound, visit www.dog.com.

Irish Wolfhound vs Giant Schnauzer Puppy Pt 1!

This is what Doogan (2 yr old Irish Wolfhound) and Too (5 month old Giant Schnauzer) get up to most days, all day! I don't know how Too manages not to get squashed or hurt (after all, Doogan weighs over 70 kilos!) but she holds her own and always goes back for more!

Irish Wolfhounds & Scottish Deerhounds

Three of our irish Wolfhounds (two adult males)out walking with our friends Irish Wolfhound(Cream) and 2 Deerhounds.



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