This is the second cache in my Sighthound series. It is dedicated to my first dog and Irish Wolfhound, Merlin, and to my second Irish Wolfhound, Callaghan - the first Irish Wolfhound in the world to have acheived a Flyball title.
The Irish Wolfhound is the largest of all the sighthounds and is recognised as the tallest of all dog breeds. They typically grow to around 70 - 85 cm at the shoulder and will weigh anything between 55 - 80kg. They have a rough, somewhat shaggy coat that can be grey, cream, black, red or brindle in colour. They have a very gentle nature and are devoted to their pack. They aren't a breed that seek affection outside of their pack and will often appear aloof to strangers. The adage "gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked" is often associated with this breed.
Originally they were used in ancient times as a hunting dog, predominantly to bring down wolves and deer in their native Ireland. Sometimes they were used as dogs of war due to their great loyalty to their masters and huge size. The breed was for some parts of history only allowed to be owned by nobility and poets, so breeds such as the lurcher and longdog (GC4QRZZ) were developed.
The breed nearly died out around the 1880s and Englishman Captain George Graham is credited as re-establishing the breed through the introduction of deerhounds, great danes, borzois and possibly mastiffs in to the bloodline. Needless to say, the appearance of Irish Wolfhound has changed through history.
Like all sighthounds they hunt by sight. They also have a magnificent style of running. They use the double suspension gallop, the same as horses do. This means that their body leaves the ground twice during each step.
They are a fast growing breed that can often weigh 50kg by six months old, and must have a good diet and limited exercise to ensure their bones and joints aren't stressed whilst growing. Sadly, the breed is short lived (6- 8 years) and suffer from bloat and osteoscarcoma (bone cancer).