Irish Wolfhound Breed description: Character & Co

History and origin of the Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. It is also known by its English name, Irish Wolfhound, which it probably got in the 15th century. This breed was originally bred to hunt wolves (hence the name) and other large prey, and was later used as a guard and war dog.

As its name suggests, the Irish Wolfhound originated in Ireland. It is a particularly old breed of dog. The ancestors were greyhounds, which probably came to the Irish island with the Celts as early as the 3rd century, where they were used to breed larger dogs. Thereby the rough-coated varieties prevailed better because of the climate. The first evidence of this dog breed is the quadruped then called Cu-Culain ("Culan dog") in the first century AD, of which as many as 150 specimens were brought to Scotland, where they led to the emergence of the Deerhoundhave contributed .

In the course of time

Archaeological findings indicate that large greyhounds existed in Ireland as early as 7000 BC. The Irish used the powerful dogs to hunt wolves and big game. Also in writings of the Romans, even praised by Julius Caesar himself, the Irish Wolfhounds are mentioned. In the Middle Ages, only nobles were allowed to keep the Irish Wolfhound and in the 15th century, even every English county was required by law to keep Wolfhounds to protect their farmers' livestock from wolves.

Population decline

Towards the end of the 17th century, this breed almost became extinct. Due to the invention of firearms, decrease of prey animals and their use for Kriesg purposes, the Irish Wolfhound became increasingly rare. In the middle of the 19th century, a Scotsman, the British doctor Dr. George Graham, made an effort to save the rare dog breed. He crossed remaining Irish Wolfhounds with the breeds Borzoi (Russian Greyhound), Great Dane and Deerhound (Scottish Deerhound). At the end of the 19th century, this backbred Irish Wolfhound was officially recognized.

Today

The Irish Wolfhound has regained popularity andenjoys some of the prestige ithad in theMiddle Ages. Wolfhounds arealso kept and bred in fairly large numbers outside ofIreland.

An example of a famous personality who owns an Irish Wolfhound is Heidi Klum her husband Tom Kaulitz. They chose an Irish Wolfhound in 2019, which now lives with them in Los Angeles.

Suitability and attitude

Although this dog breed used to be used very intensively for hunting deer and later to exterminate wolves. Nevertheless, it is suitable as an active family dog; however, due to its mass, special attention should be paid to smaller children.

The Irish Wolfhound is an extremely athletic dog, ideally kept busy by coursing. He is also well suited to regular jogging or as a hurried companion next to a horse or bicycle. Due to its size and activity, it is not suitable for everyone and an acquisition should be well considered.