Breed Standard
GROUP
Group 4 (Hounds)
HISTORY
We know the continental Celts kept a greyhound probably descended from the greyhound first depicted in Egyptian paintings. Like their continental cousins, the Irish Celts were interested in breeding large hounds. These large Irish hounds could have had smooth or rough coats, but in later times, the rough coat predominated possibly because of the Irish climate. The first written account of these dogs was by a Roman Consul 391 A.D. but they were already established in Ireland in the first century A.D. when Setanta changed his name to Cu-Chulainn (the hound of Culann). Mention is made of the Uisneach (1st century) taking 150 hounds with them in their flight to Scotland. Irish hounds undoubtedly formed the basis of the Scottish Deerhound. Pairs of Irish hounds were prized as gifts by the Royal houses of Europe, Scandinavia and elsewhere from the Middle ages to the 17th century. They were sent to England, Spain, France, Sweden, Denmark, Persia, India and Poland. In the15th century each county in Ireland was required to keep 24 wolfdogs to protect farmers' flocks from the ravages of wolves. The Cromwellian prohibition (1652) on the export of Wolfhounds helped preserve their number for a time but the gradual disappearance of the wolf and continued demand abroad reduced their numbers almost to the point of extinction by the end of the 17th century.
The revival of interest in the breed accompanied the growth of Irish nationalism in the late 19th century. The Irish Wolfhound became a living symbol of Irish culture and of the Celtic past. At this time, one determined enthusiast, Capt. G A Graham, set about obtaining some of the few remaining hounds of the Wolfhound type that could still be found in Ireland, and with the use of Deerhound blood and the occasional outcross of Borzoi and Great Dane, he eventually achieved a type of dog that bred true in every generation. The results were ultimately accepted as a legitimate revival of the breed. The Irish Kennel Club scheduled a class for Irish Wolfhounds at their show in April 1879, and a club was formed in 1885. The Irish Wolfhound now enjoys once again something of the reputation that it had in the Middle Ages. Wolfhounds are now owned and bred in fairly large numbers outside of Ireland.
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 the requisite power, activity, courage and symmetry.
CHARACTERISTICS
Not Specified.
TEMPERAMENT
"Lambs at home, lions in 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.
Cranial Region:
Skull: Not too broad
Facion Region:
Muzzle: Long and moderately pointed.
EYES
Dark
EARS
Small, rose ears (Greyhound like in carriage)
MOUTH
Teeth: 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.
Disqualifying Faults:
NOTES
Standard as per the Australian National Kennel Council Inc.
If you are struggling to picture the above, the Irish Wolfhound Club of America have a excellent video available which details the Irish Wolfhound Standard. This is available by clicking here