Any info on Irish Wolfhounds?

Question

Irish wolfhounds are the biggest breed of dog...even bigger than great danes. Does anyone know of any websites to learn more about them?

Answer 1

Irish Wolfhound

A pair of Irish Wolfhounds
Country of origin
Ireland
Classification and breed standards
FCI: Group 10 Section 2 #160 Stds
AKC: Hound Stds
ANKC: Group 4 (Hound) Stds
CKC: Group 2 (Hound) Stds
KC (UK): Hound Stds
NZKC: Hound Stds
UKC: Sighthounds and Pariahs Stds
The Irish Wolfhound is a breed of hound (a sighthound), bred to hunt. The name originates from its purpose rather than from its appearance: To hunt wolves. These dogs are the tallest breed of dog in the world.

Contents
1 Appearance
2 Temperament
3 Health
4 History
5 Miscellaneous
6 Famous Wolfhounds
7 External links




Appearance
These dogs are the tallest breed, with a swift pace and good sight. They have a rough coat (gray, brindle, red, black, pure white, or fawn), a large arrow-shaped head, and a long, muscular neck.

They average up to 86 cm (34 inches) at the withers, a fact that sometimes is its biggest disadvantage when attracting owners who have no concern for its special needs. As with all breeds, the ideal and accepted measurements vary somewhat from one standard to another, and there will always be individuals whose size falls outside these standards. However, generally breeders aim for a height averaging 85 to 90 centimeters (33 to 36 inches) in male dogs, 5 to 10 centimetres (2 to 4 inches) less for females. Acceptable weight minimums range from 48 kg (106 lb) for females to (113) for males.


Temperament
In temperament, they are considered gentle and friendly, very calm in the house, enjoying long sleeps but energetic when taken for walks. Despite their great size and sometimes intimidating appearance, wolfhounds are sensitive and should be corrected firmly but without anger. They should be socialized from a young age so that they have a chance to gather experience. While historically Wolfhounds should show a strong guarding instinct, most modern Irish Wolfhounds are not temperamentally suited to be a guard dog.


Irish Guards mascot in parade dress[edit]
Health
Wolfhounds should not receive additional supplements when a good dog chow is used. It is no longer generally accepted that they should be fed a large breed puppy food until 18 months of age 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. They will eventually reach the same height, but at a slower, and safer, rate.

By the age of 8 months, the dogs 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.

Heart disease and bone cancer are the leading cause of death and like all deep-chested dogs, gastric torsion (bloat) is always a possibility. As a giant breed, wolfhounds have significantly shorter life spans than the norm with an average lifespan of 6-7 years.


History
The breed is very old, possibly from the 1st century BC or earlier, bred as war dogs by the ancient Celts, who called them Cú Faoil. The Irish continued to breed them for this purpose, as well as to guard their homes and protect their stock. Regular references of Irish Wolfhounds being used in dog fights are found in many historical sagas - Cuchulain's favourite, Luath was slain by a southern chief's hound, Phorp.

While many modern texts state Irish wolfhounds were used for coursing deer, contemporary pre-revival accounts such as Animated Nature (1796) by Oliver Goldsmith are explicit that the original animal was a very poor coursing dog. Their astonishing size, speed, and intelligence made them ideal hunting animals for both wild boar and wolves, and many were exported for this purpose. They were perhaps too ideal, as the wolf is now extinct in Ireland. The Irish Wolfhound has been recorded as being exhibited in Ancient Rome to some excitement, and mention is made that they so amazed and terrified the Romans that it was seen fit to only transport them in cages. There exists stories that in the arena, the original Wolfhound was the equal of a lion.

During times of conflict with England, it was not uncommon for Wolfhounds to be trained to take armored knights off of their horses, thus allowing an infantry man to move in and finish the kill if the Wolfhound has not done so already.

Due to a massive export into various countries as a gift for royalty and a ban that allowed only royalty to own such a dog, the breed almost vanished in the middle of the 19th century. Captain Graham rebred the Irish Wolfhound with the Deerhound, Great Dane, Borzoi and other breeds; this saved the breed, but had the inevitable effect of altering its appearance.

The ancient breed (often referred to as the Irish Wolfdogge in contemporary accounts) was available in both a smooth and rough coated variety. Descriptions of its appearance and demeanor, as well as the method of its use place it closer to the flock guardians in appearance than the modern breed. The historical variety was famed for its loyalty, discernment, grave nature and aggression. In terms of temperament the modern breed has been greatly mellowed.


Miscellaneous
An Irish Wolfhound serves as the regimental mascot to the Irish Guards in the United Kingdom and accompanies the regiment in all of its parades.

The skulls of several Irish Wolfhounds were recovered in excavations of the ruins of Emain Macha. These skulls are now in the possession of the Royal Irish Academy. No reconstruction appears to have been done to establish the appearance of these progenitors of the breed.


Famous Wolfhounds
Centaur Pendragon, pet of Rudolph Valentino
Patrick, pet of Herbert Hoover
The mascot for the London Irish Rugby team.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Irish Wolfhound

A pair of Irish Wolfhounds
Country of origin
Ireland
Classification and breed standards
FCI: Group 10 Section 2 #160 Stds
AKC: Hound Stds
ANKC: Group 4 (Hound) Stds
CKC: Group 2 (Hound) Stds
KC (UK): Hound Stds
NZKC: Hound Stds
UKC: Sighthounds and Pariahs Stds
The Irish Wolfhound is a breed of hound (a sighthound), bred to hunt. The name originates from its purpose rather than from its appearance: To hunt wolves. These dogs are the tallest breed of dog in the world.

Contents [hide]
1 Appearance
2 Temperament
3 Health
4 History
5 Miscellaneous
6 Famous Wolfhounds
7 External links



[edit]
Appearance
These dogs are the tallest breed, with a swift pace and good sight. They have a rough coat (gray, brindle, red, black, pure white, or fawn), a large arrow-shaped head, and a long, muscular neck.

They average up to 86 cm (34 inches) at the withers, a fact that sometimes is its biggest disadvantage when attracting owners who have no concern for its special needs. As with all breeds, the ideal and accepted measurements vary somewhat from one standard to another, and there will always be individuals whose size falls outside these standards. However, generally breeders aim for a height averaging 85 to 90 centimeters (33 to 36 inches) in male dogs, 5 to 10 centimetres (2 to 4 inches) less for females. Acceptable weight minimums range from 48 kg (106 lb) for females to (113) for males.

[edit]
Temperament
In temperament, they are considered gentle and friendly, very calm in the house, enjoying long sleeps but energetic when taken for walks. Despite their great size and sometimes intimidating appearance, wolfhounds are sensitive and should be corrected firmly but without anger. They should be socialized from a young age so that they have a chance to gather experience. While historically Wolfhounds should show a strong guarding instinct, most modern Irish Wolfhounds are not temperamentally suited to be a guard dog.


Irish Guards mascot in parade dress[edit]
Health
Wolfhounds should not receive additional supplements when a good dog chow is used. It is no longer generally accepted that they should be fed a large breed puppy food until 18 months of age 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. They will eventually reach the same height, but at a slower, and safer, rate.

By the age of 8 months, the dogs 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.

Heart disease and bone cancer are the leading cause of death and like all deep-chested dogs, gastric torsion (bloat) is always a possibility. As a giant breed, wolfhounds have significantly shorter life spans than the norm with an average lifespan of 6-7 years.

[edit]
History
The breed is very old, possibly from the 1st century BC or earlier, bred as war dogs by the ancient Celts, who called them Cú Faoil. The Irish continued to breed them for this purpose, as well as to guard their homes and protect their stock. Regular references of Irish Wolfhounds being used in dog fights are found in many historical sagas - Cuchulain's favourite, Luath was slain by a southern chief's hound, Phorp.

While many modern texts state Irish wolfhounds were used for coursing deer, contemporary pre-revival accounts such as Animated Nature (1796) by Oliver Goldsmith are explicit that the original animal was a very poor coursing dog. Their astonishing size, speed, and intelligence made them ideal hunting animals for both wild boar and wolves, and many were exported for this purpose. They were perhaps too ideal, as the wolf is now extinct in Ireland. The Irish Wolfhound has been recorded as being exhibited in Ancient Rome to some excitement, and mention is made that they so amazed and terrified the Romans that it was seen fit to only transport them in cages. There exists stories that in the arena, the original Wolfhound was the equal of a lion.

During times of conflict with England, it was not uncommon for Wolfhounds to be trained to take armored knights off of their horses, thus allowing an infantry man to move in and finish the kill if the Wolfhound has not done so already.

Due to a massive export into various countries as a gift for royalty and a ban that allowed only royalty to own such a dog, the breed almost vanished in the middle of the 19th century. Captain Graham rebred the Irish Wolfhound with the Deerhound, Great Dane, Borzoi and other breeds; this saved the breed, but had the inevitable effect of altering its appearance.

The ancient breed (often referred to as the Irish Wolfdogge in contemporary accounts) was available in both a smooth and rough coated variety. Descriptions of its appearance and demeanor, as well as the method of its use place it closer to the flock guardians in appearance than the modern breed. The historical variety was famed for its loyalty, discernment, grave nature and aggression. In terms of temperament the modern breed has been greatly mellowed.

[edit]
Miscellaneous
An Irish Wolfhound serves as the regimental mascot to the Irish Guards in the United Kingdom and accompanies the regiment in all of its parades.

The skulls of several Irish Wolfhounds were recovered in excavations of the ruins of Emain Macha. These skulls are now in the possession of the Royal Irish Academy. No reconstruction appears to have been done to establish the appearance of these progenitors of the breed.

[edit]
Famous Wolfhounds
Centaur Pendragon, pet of Rudolph Valentino
Patrick, pet of Herbert Hoover
The mascot for the London Irish Rugby team.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Wolfhound

www.akc.org/breeds/irish_wolfhound/index.cfm

www.dogbreedinfo.com/irishwolfhound.htm

www.iwclubofamerica.org


hope this helps heres some web sites
good luck

Answer 2

The Irish Wolfhound is commonly known as gentle giant, has very polite nature and free friendly behavior. It has high degree of tolerance, responsibility and sensitivity. It is good with family members and gentle with children. It behaves friendly with other smaller animals and dogs as well. It ignores the strangers, however able to take remedial action when any threat associated with these strangers is felt. It is capable of handling large sized animals during hunting like deer boar and even wolves. This dog is adapted as a family pet, have a higher degree of obedience. Tracking and sensing are its further talents.

The Irish Wolfhound is a large structured dog. It is said to be the biggest hound amongst the Sighthounds. The build is powerful and high energetic. The breed is similar to greyhound having rough outer coat. The Irish Wolfhound is the perfect choice for the hunters who want a combination of speed, power, sensitivity and stamina. It is able to chase and hunt a relatively larger animal with rapid speed at longer distances. Elegantly built, this breed has an active and freestyle gait. Head held high with proud and glance of warning make a tremendous personality. Rough and tough coat make it able to survive in all weather, terrain situational conditions during job. The outer skin is resistive to opponent’s teeth and is an element of self protection.

A general misconception is that the Irish Wolfhound is named against its strong structure and appearance. Its name derived from its application as wolf hunter in the early days of developments. According to the Roman history, this breed is as old as 391 A.D back. At that time the wolfhounds were used as hunters of large animals on a wider scale. Further application was watchdog, guardian of herds and property. These dogs were the base unit of war groups and proudly declared heroes. These dogs were the valuable assets of a war planning. States had been using these dogs as precious gifts and presents to each other to show well wishing. At the beginning of 19th century, the Irish Wolfhounds became rare and population of this breed turned down rapidly. A British army officer Captain George Graham noticed the decline and bred them in the second half of the 19th century. The breed was restored and introduced new breeds of Great Dane and Deerhound. The Irish Wolfhound Club was established in 1885 and it was recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1897. An Irish wolfhound was presented to the Irish Guards as a goodwill gift in 1902. It was recognized by the Kennel Club as a sporting breed in 1925. In 1981, Irish Wolfhound Society was founded to promote and preserve the breed.

Temperament
The Irish Wolfhound is a serious, thoughtful dog. It has great patient and tolerance. It is a mind-blowing genius, alert and firm in its judgments. Irish wolfhound is friendly to all people in the family and has a very gentle attitude towards smaller dogs and other pets. The breed is loyal with owner and has a high degree of obedience. The Irish wolfhound is a large sized dog and best suited for outdoor engagement, if you think of him a watchdog, then this is not the right choice for you. This is a fighting dog so you can choose bigger tasks for it. Although, outlook of the complete package is striking, the size of the dog is enough for strangers to astonish and escape away.

The Irish wolfhounds are very responsive towards training and use the training time effectively. Being intelligent enough, the dog is very confident and steady in learning process. They love to please the owner and show their loyalty. They are well with all other animals even dogs in home, the only care to be exercise that these pets should be introduced to them in puppyhood age. They have the tendency to chase and play, so they can run after other pets but usually it is not a problem, but a playmate spirit.


Read more at http://www.itsdogbreeds.info/all-dog-breeds/irish-wolfhound.html#FLC8MoAOP2rps0k3.99

Answer 3

What do you want to know? I own an Irish wolfhound kennel. An Irish Wolfhound breeder for 10 years.

Answer 4

Either go to AKC to learn about the breed or just type in Irish Wolfhounds.

I had one - their biggest problem is their very short life expectancy. If you get one from a reputable breeder, they make wonderful pets. Don't get one with the expectation of it being a guard dog - they like people far too much for that.

Answer 5

Just google the Irish Wolfhound and you get many websites.

Answer 6

check out www.dogbreedinfo.com . It has not only a description of the breed and standards but also has info on what to expect with that breed, what diseases it may have, how to handle it, how often to bathe and how to help grow. Also, they usually have 2-6 pages of pictures that you can see about that specific breed. The pics start towards the bottom but continue on the next pages.

Answer 7

Go to the AKC SITE!!!

THE place for COMPLETE *&* CORRECT info!

Answer 8

dont feed it chocolate it can get them verry sick