Irish Wolfhound Picture Gallery

Irish Wolfhound Breeders

Irish Wolfhound Clubs/Associations

The Full Irish Wolfhound Description

Despite his size, this shaggy-coated sighthound has a peaceful and quiet personality. He is affectionate and loves to be with people. He makes a good pet because he is quiet indoors, after he has outgrown his puppy years. In just six months, these puppies weigh about 100 pounds. They require a lot of food, space and exercise.

Did you know?

The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of all dogs.
Irish Wolfhounds 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.
By the year 391 A.D., the breed was known in Rome, when the first authentic mention of it was written by the Roman Consul Quintus Aurelius, who had received seven of them as a gift which "all Rome viewed with wonder."

So you want to own an Irish Wolfhound?

The Irish Wolfhound is a remarkable combination of power, swiftness, and keen sight.
The Irish Wolfhound is a large sensitive dog who requires lots of space to accommodate his great size, and an owner who can give him companionship.
Irish Wolfhounds should never be allowed to run loose.

Indicative Breed Standard

General Appearance

Of great size, strength, symmetry and commanding appearance, very muscular, yet gracefully built.

Characteristics

Of great power, activity, speed and courage.

Temperament

Gentle, kind and friendly nature.

Head and Skull

Head long, carried high, the frontal bones of forehead very slightly raised and very little indentation between eyes. Skull not too broad. Muzzle long and moderately pointed. Nose and lips black.

Eyes

Dark. Elliptical (regular oval) and full. Eyelids black.

Ears

Small, rose shaped, of fine velvet texture. Preferably dark in colour, not hanging close to face.

Mouth

Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Level bite tolerated but not desirable.

Neck

Rather long, very strong and muscular, well arched, without dewlap or loose skin about throat.

Forequarters

Shoulders muscular, giving breadth of chest, set sloping. Elbows well under, turned neither in nor out. Leg and forearm muscular, and whole leg strong and straight.

Body

Chest very deep. Breast wide. Back, long rather than short. Loins arched. Belly well drawn up.

Hindquarters

Muscular thighs and second thighs, long and strong, good bend of stifle with hocks well let down and turning neither in nor out.

Feet

Moderately large and round, turned neither in nor out. Toes well arched and closed. Nails very strong and curved.

Tail

Long and slightly curved, of moderate thickness and well covered with hair, carried low with an upward sweep towards the extremity.

Gait/Movement

Easy and active.

Coat

Rough and harsh on body, legs and head; especially wiry and long over eyes and under jaw.

Colour

Recognised colours are grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, wheaten and steel grey.

Size

Minimum height for dogs: 79 cms (31 ins), bitches: 71 cms (28 ins). Minimum weight: 54.5 kgs (120 lbs) for dogs, 40.9 kgs (90 lbs) for bitches. Great size, including height of shoulder and proportionate length of body is to be aimed at, and it is desired to firmly establish a breed that shall average from 81-86 cms (32-34 ins) in dogs.