Irish Wolfhound

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“-If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that many dogs I have known will go to paradise and very, very few people”.
James Thurber

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The Irish Wolfhound is considered the top dog of all. It has a strong constitution and graceful. It is sensitive, intelligent and a loving companion. Maintains a heart bigger than his body. This is a very patient dog, courageous, endowed with a formidable force, "gentle if stroked, fierce if provoked."
The Irish Wolfhound adores being with their owner and should not be left outdoors to sleep.
The Irish Wolfhounds are good with children, but it is clear that one should use common sense, because even when the cub is big enough to knock down a child during play. Children and dogs must be constantly monitored while they are together.
They are not good guard dogs, despite the menacing size. By their nature, are companion dogs, lacking the aggressive temperament of the "watchdogs." Not should train them to defend or to attack, because they become very dangerous.
In general, do well with other dogs, but should not live with other breeds of aggressive temperament. Cats, rabbits and other small animals can be seen as prey and targeted for "play" more violent and can result in injury or even death of small animals. Remember that this is a race game with thousands of years of evolution.
Some Wolfhounds do well with cats, especially if they grow together, others less so. Should evaluate each dog individually. Those who live from small dogs and horses should be taught to respect them. Chasing horses can result in serious injuries in the dog.
They learn fast and should be taught commands incentives (positive logic), never aggressively or be coerced to do tasks that do not want.

HISTORIC

The Irish Wolfhound is mentioned in Roman records from 391 AD, when the first authentic mention of race was made by the Roman Consul Quintus Aurelius. He wrote a letter to his brother Flavianus - "To gain the favor of the Roman people for our quaestor, you have been generous and diligent provider of a noble contribution to our solemn games and exhibitions, as is proved by his gift of seven Irish dogs. Rome saw them all with charm and fascination when they were brought prisoners in cages of iron. For this gift I wish you the greatest possible thanks. "
Century II Arrian mentions in his writings, which Hounds were brought to Greece during invade of the Celts who sacked Delphi in 273 BC
There are also constant references to Wolfhound through the history of the Irish people, like what is happening during the reign of King Conor of Ulster Ard Rhi.
There was a big Wolfhound named aibh a value so great that even the King Conor and his rival Queen Maeve made offers to ensure they hold identical: three hundred cows and a carriage. It is believed that a Wolfhound accompanied Christopher Columbus on his fourth voyage.
The literature and ancient Irish laws show that these animals were created with great esteem and during the early centuries, became famous for his wisdom and ability as hunters, so foreign monarchs tried to buy gifts for Wolfhounds to royalty. The dispute over ownership of these animals was so great that the royals came to make use of their swords, locking up battles.
The strength of these animals is so great that in combat the Mastiff or Bulldog (then more and more fierce) did not have great chances.
It is said that in 1689 King James Irish troops sent thousands of copies to his French ally, William of Orange. These Greyhounds almost finished with the rabbits from France, which led to a ban of this type of hunt.
With disappear of wolves and moose, and the vast export, they were nearly extinct by 1800. From 1860, thanks to Captain G. A. Grahann British Army, the race might be saved. He gathered some specimens remnants and used judicious crossings. The Wolfhounds came to be used in hunting wild boars, coyotes and other large animals.
The Irish Wolfhound was more appreciated and seen the beginning of time, as a hunting dog, not only because of his exploits in the fields, but also for being an excellent guardian and companion.
When hunting deer, wild boar, elk and wolves, the Irish Wolfhound used more vision than the nose. This characteristic qualified as the Greyhounds, part of Group 10 of the FCI.
Most Wolfhounds, today, is not being used in hunting and dogs living quietly in private homes, being well-behaved and dignified.

CARE

Because they are a breed of large tend to live less than other smaller breeds. They usually live between 7 and 10 years.
Its coat requires the same care from other types of hard hair: a toothbrush twice a week to keep the coat clean and healthy. The skin, ears and nails should be examined regularly to search for parasites and other common problems.
A common mistake is to take advantage of its enormous size, transforming them into ponies for children to ride. Should not do, because dogs have no structure for such activity. Even small weights can result in serious spinal problems. Nor are dogs from cargo.
The Irish Wolfhound is a large dog, therefore, needs regular exercise, proportionate to their size. An open area away from traffic (parks or open spaces) is indicated for regular racing, especially as puppies. Should avoid a sedentary lifestyle, because although they need exercise for their development, can become "large sofa cushions."
The most common diseases related to heart, as heart failure, which is the major cause of death in the race. Another common disease in large breed is "Gastric Torsion Syndrome", characterized by swelling of the abdomen and episodes of vomiting unproductive. In this case, the dog life-threatening if not undergo surgery soon. To avoid this fatal syndrome, some basic rules must be respected: the dog should not play after the meal, one should give digestible foods, preferably in two daily meals.
Bone Cancer is more common in the Irish Wolfhound. It occurs most frequently in the bones of the legs but can occur elsewhere. Another type of cancer found is the "Lymphosarcoma (lymphoma) which is the third most diagnosed cancer in dogs.
The "Von Willebrand disease, a hereditary disorder that causes blood clotting problem, and" hypothyroidism "are also found in the Wolfhounds.
Among other less common diseases, we can mention "Hip Dysplasia", "Weakness of the Esophagus", "Osteochondrosis" and "Progressive Retinal Atrophy." The most important thing is to do a check up from puppy to get it.

GENERAL APPEARANCE - The Irish Wolfhound should not be so heavy is Massoud as the Danish giant, more than the Deerhound, though similar to its general type. Large and dominant figure, very muscular and powerful but refined construction, fluent and agile handling, tall neck and head, tail carried with a gentle curve to the tip.

PROPORTIONS - (standard does not comment).

TEMPERAMENT / BEHAVIOR - (standard does not comment).

PELAGE

SKIN - (standard does not comment).
Hair - rough and tough on the trunk, limbs and head, hard as wire, especially on the eyebrows and goatee.

COLOR - those recognized are: gray, striped, red, black, pure white or any color fauve, which appears in the Deerhound.

SIZE - height at withers: Minimum: males and females 27.95 to 31.10 inches.
- Weight: less than males 120.15 £ and females and 89.29 £.
- Length of body: for males from 31.89 to 33.86 inches.
Anything below should be discarded in competitions. Include large size, height at withers and length of body proportion, to display the necessary power and agility.

HEAD - Long, brow slightly pronounced.
Skull - Moderately broad.