What is an Irish Wolfhound?

"A giant in size…standing almost 36 inches at the shoulder, measuring 8 feet from the nose to the tip of the tail, girthing 40 inches, and weighing 150 lbs.

"His temperament was courteous, yet reserved to strangers. He must have a formal introduction; this accorded, he behaved benignly, with a proper dignity. In private life he possessed every good quality of a gentleman. Pin pricks had no effect upon him, and he equally ignored the snap of a small dog, the scratch of a cat defending her kittens from intrusion, and the irritating remarks of small, facetious village boys.

"But when duty called - which it too seldom did for his taste in our peaceful England - he proved himself as gallant as he was gigantic, as unconquerable as he was noble, and as dangerous as he was daring."

There could be no better description of this magnificent breed of dog written in 1904 by Herbert Compton, in The Twentieth Century Dog, published in London.

The Irish Wolfhound's past is partially clothed in mystery, but Greek historians write that the Celts used "swift hounds" when they sacked Delphi in 273 B.C. and art work from that period depict large, Greyhound-like dogs. And the Romans used "Irish dogs" in the Roman spectacles where they were "viewed with wonder." They were valued for their hunting ability, of course, being members of that party of the canine family that hunt by sight and kill their prey, apart from their human owners. But they were valued equally for their companionship and their guarding ability.

The breed flourished from the 12th to the 16th century, but by the seventeenth century, few remained in Ireland, due to the disappearance of the wolf and the elk and due also to excessive exportation, which Oliver Cromwell stopped by mandate. As this ancient hound began to disappear, few dogs remained that could be called pure "Irish wolfdog." Due to the diligence and devotion of a handful of Irish breeders, and later by Captain George Augustus Graham, the breed was revived in the late 19th century and saved from disappearing altogether.

So this ancient hound, brought back from the brink of extinction, flourishes today in almost every country. It is unknown how many Irish Wolfhounds exist in the world today or how many are born each year. Although considered by many to be a rare breed, the American Kennel Club registers an average of 190 litters each year, placing it squarely in the middle of popularity of all breeds recognized by the AKC.

Although seldom used today for his original purpose, he is nevertheless found in the show ring, the coursing field and the obedience ring and also excels as a therapy dog, due to his quiet and courteous nature. But it is in his most treasured role that he thrives, that of a loyal and trustworthy companion to his human family, whose attention he craves.

The Irish Wolfhound has brought with him through the ages,
the well-deserved description: "a gentle giant."