Irish Wolfhounds are called “Gentle Giants” because of their agreeable dispositions, but this motto has also been ascribed to them: “Gentle when stroked. Fierce when provoked.” They are massive dogs that are considered the world’s tallest breed, and sometimes the largest. (The distinction of the “largest” breed is somewhat up in the air, depending whether the determination is based upon height or weight. If based on height, Irish Wolfhounds win the crown. If based on weight, Great Danes and Mastiffs, large breeds in their own rights, become contenders.)
Origins
An ancient breed, some believe Irish Wolfhounds date back to the first century B.C., possibly earlier. The Celts bred them as war dogs, and accounts tell of battles where they yanked charioteers out of their chariots or knocked knights from their steeds. But they’ve also tended to domestic duties, including protecting homes and livestock.
Due to heavy exportation in the 19th century, the breed almost became extinct. A man named Captain Graham saved it by breeding it with others like the Deerhound, Great Dane, and Borzoi. This changed their appearance on different levels, but most notably in the color of their coats, as traditionally they were grey.
Appearance
Male Wolfhounds can stand anywhere from 33 to 36 inches tall, and can weigh as much as 120 pounds. (For females, 30 inches and 105 pounds.) Their coats are rough and come in a variety of colors, from the two most common colors, grey and wheaten, to brindle, red, black, white, brown, and fawn.
Temperament
As noted above, they tend to be gentle dogs that are good with people and children. However, since they’ve also been bred to hunt, there are some concerns about them with other animals. Generally people report Irish Wolfhounds getting along just fine with other family pets like cats, but interactions should be monitored at first. If they do chase, it’s often not to play but to kill as is conditioned in their genes.
If you get a Wolfhound who loves to hunt and chase but you don’t want it to go around slaughtering neighborhood cats and such, there is a way to indulge their instinct: Lure coursing.
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