The Irish wolfhound is of ancient origins, mentioned as long ago as 391 AD in Rome,

where it was famed as a gladiator and courser. One Irish wolfhound named Aibe is

indirectly credited with starting a war in the 12th century, when his owner refused an

offer from the King of Ulster of 4000 cows in trade for him.

In Ireland, these imposing dogs were favored by Irish chieftains for hunting wolves and

Irish elk. Such was their bravery that the breed name in Ireland is Cu Faoil.

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In the late 1800s, the Irish wolfhound became nearly extinct in Ireland because of the

practice of giving away Irish wolfhounds to visiting nobility, the extinction of the wolf

in Ireland, and the 1845 Irish famine. Today Irish wolfhounds are recreated from the

last existing wolfhounds crossed with the Scottish deerhound, Great Dane, borzoi, and

Tibetan wolfdog. By the late 1800s, the breed was once again thriving, and it has

remained one of the most recognized and admired breeds in the world.

Irish wolfhounds much prefer cold weather to warm and will often seek out a cold hard

floor in the summer months. Calluses often form on their elbows because of this, and

these can become unsightly and even uncomfortable for the dog.

Grooming is not difficult. The hair does not mat, but the coat should be combed a

couple of times a week and dead hair should be stripped (pulled) out twice a year.

Otherwise the dog will look shaggy and unkempt. Irish wolfhounds do not shed. The

beard can become dirty from food and should be washed regularly, and water drips

from the beard after the dog drinks.

The defining characteristic of the Irish wolfhound is its imposing height; it is the

tallest breed of dog. But a good wolfhound is more than just a tall dog. It is a sturdy,

yet swift dog, capable of running down and killing large animals. It has a general

greyhound build, only larger and stockier. The legs are long, the body comparatively

narrow, the loin slightly arched, the chest deep and the waist moderately small. Like

most sighthounds, the tail is long and carried low.

Add to this a harsh, wiry coat and you have a dog that can withstand cold, damp

weather and run through thick brush without getting scratched. Irish wolfhound

guardians would add that the best part about the coat is the distinctive long eyebrows

and beard that impart a noble expression.

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