The Noble Irishman

The Irish Wolfhound was, by Irish law, originally only permitted to be owned by kings, nobles and poets. It was renown for its hunting ability and was used to hunt wolves, wild boar and the gigantic Irish elk. This needed great courage, size, strength and stamina - all qualities the Irish Wolfhound has in great abundance.
Today the Irish Wolfhound is primarily a much-loved pet and companion and despite its size it thrives on being a house dog. Very much a creature of home and hearth, it enjoys being at the hub of family activities and is gentle and devoted, with unswerving loyalty and impeccable manners. The Irish Wolfhound has an extremely placid and trusting disposition, except when aroused, but its enormous size and commanding appearance proves a very real deterrent to would-be intruders.

Irish Wolfhounds love to romp freely, especially when puppies. They require plenty of room in which to gallop around and a well-fenced yard is a must. Puppies should not be subjected to forced exercise, even long walks, until at least a year old.

The natural looking rough-textured coat comes in a variety of attractive tonings and is easily maintained. Irish Wolfhounds have a dual coat - a harsh wiry outercoat and a softer undercoat. They shed year-round, but do not have a seasonal moult as do longer-coated breeds. Weekly or bi-weekly brushing and combing will keep the coat in good shape.

As the Irish Wolfhound was bred for centuries to chase, hunt and bring down game, small animals may be chased however some Irish Wolfhounds are fine with cats, especially if raised with them.

This truly majestic breed is the tallest breed in the world and is only for those owners committed to meeting its needs for company, security and the costs of feeding and medication.

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