Now there are many breeds of dogs, some of which we know almost nothing. We invite you to get acquainted with the breed of the Irish Wolfhound. These are quite unusual dogs. Do you want to know more about them? Then read on the article.
Irish Wolfhound: breed description and history
Ancient Egyptian greyhounds are considered the ancestors of this breed, and the closest relative is the dirhound. From reliable sources it became known that wolfhounds in Ireland have already existed for more than two thousand years. Throughout the centuries of its existence, dogs have been used to hunt large animals such as deer, wolf and wild boar.
In the formation of the modern Irish Wolfhound, George Agustus Graham, the captain of the British Army, played a huge role. In the second half of the nineteenth century, the number of dogs began to decline sharply. This man saved the view from extinction. To restore the breed, in the breeding work Graham used the blood of Pyrenean dogs, dirhounds, Russian greyhounds and Danish dogs. The breed of dogs was officially recognized by the Irish Wolfhound in 1879, six years later Graham approved its first standard.
The image of such dogs can be seen on stamps, china, coins and whiskey. Irish consider these dogs a symbol of their country. Sometimes they even call wolfhounds a national treasure. Nowadays, the breed is loved and appreciated not only in its homeland. You can meet representatives of the breed in Australia, Europe, Russia and other countries.
Breed standards: weight, coat and color
The Irish Wolfhound is a muscular large dog of elegant build. On average, representatives of the breed at the withers reach 83 cm, and their weight is 56 kg. The Irish Wolfhound has a long head with a pronounced transition from the forehead to the muzzle, the withers are well developed, and small ears.
The tail of such a dog is thick, as a rule, is lowered down, the tip is slightly bent. The coat is stiff, long on the chin and above the eyebrows, it needs special care. The color of these dogs can be different. You can meet both black and fawn Irish wolfhounds. In addition, there are white, gray and red representatives of the breed.
Irish Dog Character
Such a dog is not only large in size, but it has great charm and high intelligence. She also has a sensitive heart, which is capable of unlimited love for the owner. As a rule, these dogs easily converge with all people and even animals.
Although the name of the breed is an Irish wolfhound, these dogs cannot boast of pronounced security or guard qualities, and they have already lost their hunting instinct a long time ago. The only thing they can scare is their size. Of course, there are exceptions among representatives of each breed. But we can say that the modern Irish wolfhound, whose photo you see in our article, is rather a good companion than a bodyguard, hunter or watchman.
Choosing a puppy is not an easy task. Tips from professionals
So, you decided to get such a dog, weighed all the pros and cons. Then we will tell you now how to choose such a dog. Where to start looking for a new friend? Of course, from visiting exhibitions. At these events you can get to know dogs better. Puppies of the Irish Wolfhound can also be sold there.
Since you do not have enough knowledge to choose a high-class dog, you can turn to an expert for help, especially if you want to make your pet an exhibition career.
The most important thing in this matter is the origin of the dog. You must independently make sure that the puppy's parents meet the breed standards, have an even psyche and excellent health.
When choosing a pet, remember that, in addition to good genetics, there are other factors, as a result of which it is impossible to say with confidence that you are buying a champion. An honest and decent breeder will never give you such communication.
When you buy a puppy, look at the conditions in which the dogs are kept. Must be perfect clean. Before buying, make sure that the dog is healthy. He should have a cold nose, clean skin, ears and eyes, a soft stomach. Also check with the breeder what vaccinations were given to the animal and whether it was given anthelmintic.
If we talk about the temperament of puppies, then experts advise choosing the most playful and mobile.
Care and maintenance of a big friend
Despite its rather large size, such a dog at home behaves quietly. All he needs is a spacious place to rest and sleep, as well as regular walking, it is desirable that there is the opportunity to run free. If you plan to drive your pet on a leash, you need to teach it to him since childhood, otherwise there will be problems in the future, because the dog grows large. Irish Wolfhound loves walking together with his family.
Such a big dog perfectly takes root both in a city apartment and in a private house. If you will keep a pet in the house, then you do not need to keep it in the aviary all the time. It is very important for the dog to be near the owner. Due to prolonged separation, he may die from a broken heart. By the way, breeders advise from early childhood to teach him to stay with people other than the owner.
If we talk about hygiene and grooming, then in these matters there will be no problems. Such a dog needs only to be combed and cleaned periodically, and bathed once every three months.
Such a dog likes to spend time outdoors. Of course, if he is very dirty, he should be washed more often. For bathing, it is advisable to use a special shampoo and conditioner. In addition, you need to be treated on time for fleas and ticks in order to avoid additional health problems.
You need to accustom the animal to grooming, as well as claws, from an early age, so that later it will be easier to do everything. Since the nails of these dogs are bent, they need to be trimmed regularly. A couple of times a year you need to remove dead hair.
In the ears, wool can be plucked or cut. It is necessary to keep them clean and dry, especially when the dog spends a lot of time in nature.
For a more aesthetic look, it is customary to trim the front of the neck, ears and head a little.
The Irish Wolfhound needs a proper, balanced diet. The dog for normal development should receive all the necessary substances (carbohydrates, proteins, and others). Since the animal does not know the measures in the absorption of food, it must be controlled so that there is no overeating, otherwise there may be problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
Health and Disease
The average life expectancy of these dogs is ten years. The Irish Wolfhound has strong immunity, but has a tendency to the following diseases:
- Wobbler Syndrome.
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloating.
- Cataract.
- Pyoderma.
- Hygroma of the elbow.
- Osteochondrosis of the shoulder.
- Von Willebrand disease.
- Dislocation of the patella.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Osteosarcoma.
- Hip dysplasia.
- Entropion.
Parenting and training
These dogs are very smart, balanced. As a rule, problems with raising such a dog do not arise. As we said above, an Irish wolfhound is an animal with a big heart, so for normal development it needs the attention and affection of the owner. Of course, there are times when you need to show firmness, but you should, of course, be able to combine it with a good attitude to the pet as a whole.
Typically, these dogs are taught general commands and skills, OKDs are taught with them. Experts do not recommend teaching the Irish Wolfhound ZKS and other protective trainings, so as not to wake up unsafe instincts in it.
Kennels, clubs and the cost of a puppy
It is believed that for the first time dogs of this breed came to Russia in the mid-nineteenth century, and these dogs became widespread later. Serious breeding started only in 1980. The basis for domestic wolfhounds were individuals who were brought from Germany. Later they added the blood of American and Irish dogs. It is impossible to say with certainty that these dogs became very popular in our state, but they found their fans. In the Russian Federation there is a National Club of this breed.
How much does an Irish wolfhound cost? The price for one representative of the breed ranges from twenty thousand rubles to one hundred.
Little conclusion
Now you know who the Irish wolfhound is. His character is quite calm, so such an animal can become a faithful and devoted friend for you and your children. Feel free to choose this breed!