Celtic Dog Breed Profile: Irish Wolfhound

The 2009 Celtic Classic will have a return of the Celtic dog breeds. Come and meet these incredible animals with a long and storied history.

Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of the Irish dogs. In early Irish literature they were called “Irish dogs”, “Big Dogs of Ireland”, “Greyhounds (or Grehounds) of Ireland", “Wolfdogs of Ireland” and “Great Hounds of Ireland”. Ownership in Ireland was originally restricted to Irish nobility. The dogs' chains were made of precious metals and they wore collars studded with gemstones. They were given away in large numbers as gifts to foreign emperors and kings. They were mentioned by the Roman Consul Quintus Aurelius in 391 A.D. after he received seven of them as a gift. They have keen eyesight, an imposing stature and a swift pace. Their hunting skills were used to hunt wolves and the six foot tall Irish elk. They were used to guard homes and protect livestock. They were used in battle to knock an armored knight off their mount. According to the AKC Standard, the Irish Wolfhound is a dog "Of great size and commanding appearance, the Irish Wolfhound is remarkable in combining power and swiftness with keen sight."

These slightly shaggy dogs are intelligent, good-natured gentle giants with sweet dispositions. Despite their size, they are quiet indoor dogs who thrive on human companionship. They are sensitive, affectionate pets who love everyone in their family. They're especially sweet and responsive to children. They bond easily and become devoted guardians of the children they love. They do, of course, need lots of space to accommodate their size. The Irish Wolfhound is a fairly expensive dog to maintain: they need super size crates, extra large pet beds, and more food than typical large breeds. The average adult weighs between 105 to 150 pounds and stands 32 to 34 inches at the shoulder. They have a rough wiry outer coat and a softer undercoat.