BREED HISTORY

For owners with big yards and lots of energy, the gentle Irish Wolfhound makes a trusted friend and pet. This large breed descended from the hairy Cu; both the ancestor and offspring hunted wolves, elk and boar. When large game began to disappear from Scotland and Ireland in the 18th century, the dog nearly vanished as well.

Careful breeding by Captain George Graham, however, revived the breed in the late 19th century. Alert, but not aggressive, these dogs make better companions than watchdogs or guard dogs. They live compatibly with children, but must be supervised as puppies because of their playful natures and large bodies.

IDEAL BREED CHARACTERISTICS

Size: Males 32 to 34 inches, Females 30 to 32 inches (at the withers).

Appearance: Proportional, pOverful body with swift, graceful motion.

Coat and Color: Hard, thick coat on the body, legs and head; wiry, long hair over the eyes and under the muzzle. Tan, red, gray, white, black or brindle color.

Head: Moderately wide, very flat skull with a long, parallel, gently tapered muzzle; small, dark eyes set forward on the head; small, folded ears reaching toward the rear of the dog.

Tail: Long, thick, slightly curved.