© Kirrawee Veterinary Hospital, February 2000 Irish Wolfhound
Coveted for his hunting prowess. the Irish Wolfhound was, by law, originally only permitted to be owned by kings, nobles and poets. He hunted wolves, wild boar and the gigantic Irish elk which stood six feet at the shoulder. As you might imagine, this necessitated great a courage, size,strength and stamina - all qualities the Wolfhound has in great abundance.
Nowadays he is primarily a much-loved pet and companion. Despite his massive size, the Irish Wolfhound thrives on being a house dog. Very much a creature of home and hearth, he enjoys being at the hub of family activities. He is gentle and devoted, with unswerving loyalty and impeccable manners. The Wolfhound has an extremely placid and trusting disposition, except when aroused, and is wonderful with children. His enormous size and commanding appearance proves a very real deterrent to would-be intruders.
He does, however, require plenty of room in which to gallop around. A well-fenced yard is a must.
His natural looking rough-textured coat comes in a variety of attractive tonings, and is easily maintained.
His height is not less than 79 cm for dogs or 71 cm for bitches. Weight is not less than 54 kg for dogs or 41 kg for bitches.
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