Irish Wolfhound

[Troy]

Irish Wolfhound

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=124 )

Group: Group 4 (Hounds)

General Appearance: The Irish Wolfhound should not be quite so heavy or massive as the Great Dane, but more so than the Deerhound, which in general type he should otherwise resemble. Of great size and commanding appearance, very muscular, strongly though gracefully built, movements easy and active; head and neck carried high; the tail carried with an upward sweep with a slight curve towards the extremity.

Great size, including height at shoulder and proportionate length of body, is the desideratum to be aimed at, and it is desired to firmly establish a race that shall average 32 inches (81cm) to 34 inches (86cm) in dogs, showing requisite power, activity, courage and symmetry.

Characteristics: Not Specified.

Temperament: "Lambs at home, lions on the chase".

Head And Skull: Long and level, carried high; the frontal bones of the forehead very slightly raised and very little indentation between the eyes. Skull not too broad. Muzzle long and moderately pointed.

Eyes: Dark

Ears: Small, rose ears (Greyhound like in carriage)

Mouth: Scissor bite ideal, level acceptable.

Neck: Rather long, very strong and muscular, well arched, without dewlap or loose skin about the throat.

Forequarters: Shoulders: Muscular, giving breadth of chest, set sloping.

Elbows: Well under, neither turned inwards nor outwards.

Forearm: Muscular, heavily boned, quite straight.

Body: Long, well ribbed up.

Back: Rather long than short.

Loins: Slightly arched.

Croup: Great breadth across hips.

Chest: Very deep, moderately broad, breast wide.

Ribs: Well sprung.

Belly: Well drawn up.

Hindquarters: Thighs: Long and muscular.

Stifle: Nicely bent

Second thigh: Well muscled, long and strong.

Hocks: Well let down and turning neither in nor out.

Feet: Moderately large and round, neither turned inward nor outward. Toes, well arched and closed. Nails, very strong and curved.

Tail: Long and slightly curved, of moderate thickness, and well covered with hair.

Gait/Movement: Movement easy and active.

Coat: Hair: Rough and hard on the body, legs and head; especially wiry. Hair over eyes and beard especially wiry.

Colour: The recognised colours are grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn or any colour that appears in the Deerhound.

Sizes: Desired height: Averaging 81 cms (32 ins) to 86 cms (34 ins) in dogs.

Minimum height: Dogs 79 cms (31 ins)

Bitches 71 cms (28 ins)

Minimum weight: Dogs 54.5 kgs (120 lbs)

Bitches 40.5 kgs (90 lbs)

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Too light or too heavy in head.

Too highly arched frontal bone.

Crooked forelegs; weak pasterns.

Weak hindquarters and a general want of muscle.

Too short in body.

Back sunken or hollow or quite straight.

Large ears and hanging flat to the face.

Twisted feet.

Spreading toes.

Short neck; full dewlap.

Chest too narrow or too broad.

Tail excessively curled.

Nose of any colour other than black.

Lips of any colour other than black.

Very light eyes. Pink or liver coloured eyelids.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of the Irish Wolfhound

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
• You do not have to answer all questions
  
• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of the Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhound Breeders

Irish Wolfhound Puppies For Sale

[fifi]

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Owned Irish Wolfhounds for 15 years, registered breeder, but I do more whelp sitting for my mentors than success at home !

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

origin is Ireland, we know that there are records of the Irish dog that predate christianity, they were developed to hunt wolf & stag in Ireland.

3. How common is it in Australia?

Not often seen, the breed in Australia probably numbers in the hundreds only.

4. What is the average lifespan?

7-10 years

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Gentle & loving, capable of being protective if really threatened 'Gentle when stroked - fierce when provoked' is one of their mottos. Wolfhounds were bred to be a capable hunting dog, that could return to the home and be a gentle family companion.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

wolfhounds do best if given free galloping time each day, and will sleep for most of the rest of the day ! A good long walk on a loose lead twice a day will keep them happy.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

I do think some first time owners would be okay - if they are dog savvy, willing to listen, have a safe home environment, spend time with their breeder & hounds, AND the support of a good breeder to help them through the learning curve. There is lots to learn about living with a giant breed.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Wolfhounds tend to have a big burst of energy & then crash for the day if given a safe & quiet sleeping area. So as they mature they are usually okay with some alone time. Puppies can be very destructive and if alone with full reign of the house/garden, will certainly occupy themselves with renovations ! a sectioned off room or run with safe toys is needed. wolfhounds are babies for a very long time, and should have some company if possible.

9. How much grooming is required?

Wolfhound coats are ideally coarse, so a pin brush or comb every few days is enough. We don't usually bath them often either as it drys out the skin and the coat which is designed to be rough & ready.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

I've found mature wolfhounds to be quite 'knowing' when it comes to the very young or old, ours do nursing home visits and while they have basic training - they are naturally very gentle with the residents, but youngsters don't alway's know their own strength ! and that tail is a lethal weapon at times.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Some lines do carry health issues, but the biggest threats to wolfhounds are not always through proven hereditary transmission, GDV/Bloat, PSS/liver shunt, Osteosarcoma, heart disease, are present in the breed.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

Breeders should test their puppies for PSS/Porto systemic shunt, a blood test is carried out at about six weeks, and a pathology printout should be available that states the reading is within normal range.

Some breeders are now DNA testing to prove parentage.

An enormous amount of dedication is needed to breed wolfhounds, it can be a long wait for a pup - they are not an easy breed to reproduce, and much blood, sweat, tears, money and sleep deprivation go into each litter

fifi

Edited October 5, 2009 by fifi

[fifi]

And some links for further research...

* http://www.irishwolfhound.org.au/iwcnsw/

NSW Irish Wolfhound club

* http://www.irishwolfhoundclub.org.uk/index1.htm

The Irish Wolfhound Club UK

* http://www.iwcofireland.com/

The Irish Wolfhound Club of Ireland

* http://www.iwclubofamerica.org/

The Irish Wolfhound Club of America

* http://www.iwcc.ca/

The Irish Wolfhound Club of Canada

* http://www.eiwc.org/

The Federation of European Irish Wolfhound Clubs

Edited October 5, 2009 by fifi

[NotSureWhich]

I would love an Irish Wolfhound, I've liked the breed for many years. I've not had the opportunity to get up close and personal to one though.

[fifi]

Hop in here: http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=105955

great piccies and wolfhound chat here on dogzonline (DOL)

fifi

[pipsqueak]

QUESTIONS

4. What is the average lifespan?

7-10 years

Geez... I know that their lifespan was short, but didn't realise that it was that short!

[miniluv]

I was wondering what you would pay for one of these gorgeous babies

[fifi]

Have sent you a PM.

[miniluv]

Thankyou fifi

[Frenchfry]

I love this breed . I am quite a short and small framed person, I wondered if they are an easy breed to handle in the ring for the smaller build

[fifi]

It all comes down to training Jordalake :-)

I'm 5'3 (okay, but very wide !) and I have no trouble with mine at all. I've had a few little junior handlers take mine in the ring.

any dog trained from puppyhood to heel, and discouraged from jumping behaviour can be handled by us hobbits.

Of course an adolescent male can be super playful and a handful, but as long as they have training you can usually get them to settle.

fifi

[wolfhoundsrule]

Hi, Was just wondering how long is a wait for a puppy or even a dog that is a bit older.

[fifi]

Hi, Was just wondering how long is a wait for a puppy or even a dog that is a bit older.

Hi, it can be a long wait sometimes. Contact the Irish Wolfhound club's puppy referral person,

http://www.irishwolfhound.org.au/iwcnsw/

and they may be able to send you a list of breeders to contact.

Also the breeders listed on the Dogsonline breed page.

Not many older wolfhounds come up for adoption or rescue.

If you can begin with a good introductory email or phone call, outlining your interest in the breed, your living arrangements, dog owning experience ect. You can begin to have breeders get to know you and vice a versa.

People who stay in touch, ask thoughtful questions about the breed and spend the waiting time researching the breed, are more likely to be considered when a litter is born.

fifi

[Clyde]

Can these breed be trained to be reliable with cats?

[fifi]

Can these breed be trained to be reliable with cats?

Lots of wolfhounds live with cats and adore each other :D

but personally I would restrict that to inside cats only.

I've seen wolfhounds that have grown up with their cat from puppy & kittenhood, give chase when it was loose in the yard. They simply saw movement took off.

sighthound = chase it if it runs !!!

Many people have wolfhounds & cats outside together, but I know my own hounds and how keen they are to chase, its not a risk I'd take.

Our hounds have a respectful relationship with our cats inside, but the feral cats are prey in the paddocks.

fifi

[Clyde]

Sounds like my Staffords!

If I ever had a Wolfie I would spend all my time conditioning that coat :D *don't hurt me*

[fifi]

Sounds like my Staffords!

If I ever had a Wolfie I would spend all my time conditioning that coat :D *don't hurt me*

:p NOOOOOOooooooooooooo........I'd have to visit and confiscate all those conditioners !!!

wolfhound coat = harsh, rough texture, think of wire coated terriers !!! NOT FLAAARRRFIES !!!

*runs away to bury face in pillow*

fifi

[HeavyPaws]

How are they for exercise requirements? Every second day I go for an hour/2 hour walk, the other days I'll slowly walk for maybe a half hour {or, in winter, sit on the couch :D }

Of course I'd wait until physical maturity to walk for an hour, but would that be sufficient? Or do they need every day long walks?

I read that they will go utterly and totally mad and destroy everything in seconds {slight exaggaration} if they don't get at least three days a week off lead running. Is that true, because I don't exactly have any area around here I'd even consider letting a Wolfie go in

[fifi]

Heavypaws, I think for good development young hounds need a good sized yard to learn to free gallop & move about, with a smaller run or yard for rest time & safety when they aren't being supervised.

Up to about twelve weeks a small yard is sufficient.

We don't do formal excercise straining those young growth plates.

Under a year old, I think free play is enough, apart from a tiny bit lead training - everything else is at their own pace.

I'll take a young hound off lead in our big paddock once a day & they gambol about, and when they've had enough, they'll just come back and free walk beside me back to the house.

over a year old we take them for longer loose lead walks on dirt tracks / roads - not concrete/tar now & again, and of course from 2nd vaccination onwards, a trip to town & little toddle around the markets / town to socialise.

But honestly, nearly all our dogs exercise is being let out in the paddock to run, play, chase things, sniff, ect.

obviously for longer periods as they grow & mature.

They do so much more if we go for long wanders too, then they use us as the 'home base' & go off exploring a bit & come back.

I have owned them in suburbia, but lived near a little beach they could be off lead a couple of times a week.

We notice the difference now that we have more room for them to develop & grow. They settle down after their paddock runs and are snoozy for the rest of the day until the afternoon/evening runs.

Young hounds are so varied in their personalities, some are destructive & some arent ! but yes, I think having free exercise is a big help.

dogs adapt to their situation, but personally I think an ideal home environment is at the least a very big suburban block with room to run around. And some nice loose lead walks as they mature.

fifi

[scruffy]

Fifi,

I would appreciate your help with a rescue dog I have, I would be interested to know how Wolfie you think she is. To me she looks very Wolfie just for the smaller height.

I have photos but I don't know how to add them on here..........been on DOL for quite a while but I rarely post and usually get someone else to add photos.

Tess came out of Lithgow pound and while in the pound had two pups. Rangers didn't know she was pregnant and one pup died probably from the cold, and I have had mum and pup since pup was 4 days old.

Tess has the temperament of a Wolfie, (I have been reading about them) gorgeous cuddly nature and loves attention. I am on acreage and she does love to run and run with my large dogs and then she is quite happy to veg out..........she gets on well with all my dogs large and small, no problem with the horses, but I wouldn't dare trust her in the yard with the very small dogs, she has caught a rabbit and brought it to me.

She is 28" tall and her coat is not as rough as it should be.......scruffy but softer than a Wolfies.

I have plenty of photos.

Denise.