Wolfhound The Basics

A wolfhound is a huge domestic dog breed that was used as a hunting dog in the past. Wolfhounds, known for their huge size, were used to track down game by using their speed. They’re also known as security dogs and come in a variety of current breeds, including the Irish Wolfhound.

Irish Wolfhounds are one of the tallest dog breeds, towering 30-34 inches (76-86 cm) at the withers and weighing up to 120 pounds (54.5 kg). They are the biggest galloping hounds, with coarse, medium-length overcoats in a variety of hues, including grey, brindle, fawn, and wheaten. Wolfhounds are powerful and slim dogs. Because of their resemblance to Greyhound-like breeds, they are also quite nimble for their size. As a result, despite their enormous frames, they are quite light. They have lengthy torsos and long necks, which they usually wear with their heads held high and proud.

Wolfhound-like canines have been employed as hunting hounds for ages, going back to ancient Rome and the 6th century usage by ancient Irish peoples. Only monarchs and noblemen in Ireland kept wolfhounds. The number allowed was limited, with higher-status individuals receiving more.

Following the demise of big game in Ireland in the 1700s, the breed was almost extinct until being resurrected by a few surviving wolf dogs. The Irish Wolfhound Club was created in 1885 by Captain George Augustus Graham, and the breed was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1897 and the English Kennel Club in 1925. The breed is now extremely popular, ranking 77th out of 155 breeds approved by the American Kennel Club.

Temperament as Pets

Wolfhounds are often one-of-a-kind creatures, with personality traits varying more from dog to dog than from breed to breed. They are not aloof, though, and they are usually quite attentive and alert. They are also timid and quiet, if not a touch wary of strangers and other animals. Despite their size and strength, they are seldom destructive as long as they get reasonable exercise. They are known to shed somewhat, but not excessively, and only need a little grooming, such as weekly brushing and occasional bathing.

Despite their independence and intellect, wolfhounds build close relationships with their families and are unhappy when they are often left alone. They will create similar bonds with other pets they share their home with, notably dogs. Wolfhounds are normally calm and polite to outsiders, but if they believe their owners are in danger, they may become aggressive personal protectors. Because their game instinct is strong, a fence tall enough to restrict them may be necessary to keep them from pursuing wildlife and small creatures they come upon.

Wolfhound from Ireland Females usually have two to twelve pups in each litter. Puppy coats are softer and shorter than adult wolfhound fur, and are more brown than grey. They are prone to a variety of health problems, including hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as heart disease. The wolfhound, like other big breeds, has a limited lifetime. Most people only survive for roughly 6 to 10 years.

Fun Facts about Wolfhound!

The wolfhound has been around for years in many forms, from battle dogs to wolf hunters to loving pets to lure course champions, and is a fascinating breed to learn more about.

Wolf Hunting War Dog

Wolfhounds served as both a deterrent to wolves and a hunting dog. In addition, early forms of the breed were used as battle dogs. They would follow armies into battle, dragging soldiers off their chariots and horses. Fortunately, since dogs are no longer used as military weapons, current breeds are more likely to be seen participating in dog shows and contests.

What Came First?

Domestic dogs developed over generations from wolves and other wild canines that were tamed by humans. In locations like Ireland and Russia, the wolfhound was developed to hunt wolves and defend humans from wolves, perhaps ironically. Even more strangely, a pack of wolfhounds killed the last wolf in Ireland in 1786. The Irish wolfhounds that survived were more prestige symbols than hunters, since there were no more wolves to kill. These are the last of their kind.

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