Irish Wolfhounds



Irish Red- the same color as Thor



So, today, after much waiting and anticipation, Scott and I are embarking on our journey to turn our duo into a trio. We get to pick up our first puppy, Thor! We’re meeting our breeder from northern Michigan halfway, in Lafayette, IN—about an 8 hour trip for us. We’ll be breaking it up by staying just north of St. Louis on the way there and back. I’ll be sure to take a million pictures to document our journey and first meeting.

Once we get our baby home I’ll be sure and do a huge blog to introduce him to you all. Until then, I thought you might like to learn a little more about his breed. I couldn’t possibly be more excited about his new chapter in our lives. This is something I’ve been wanting and waiting for, for many years now, and it’s finally arrived!



Little Red Ridding Hood with a Wolfie



Irish Wolfhound History

Early Irish Literature abounds in references to these large dogs which are called, interchangeably, “Irish dogs,” “Big Dogs of Ireland,” “Greyhounds of Ireland,” “Wofldogs of Ireland,” or “Great Hounds of Ireland”. Irish Wolfhound is the more modern name.



Ancient wood cuts and writings have placed them in existence as a breed by 273 BC. However, there is indication that they exsisted even as early as 600 BC when the Tectosages and Tolistobogii Celts sacked Delphi. Survivors left accounts of the fierce Celts and the huge dogs whom fought with them by their side. They were mentioned by Julius Caesar in his treatise, The Gallic Wars, and by 391 BC, they were written about by Roman Consul, Quintus Aurelius, who received seven of them as a gift to be used for fighting lions and bears, that in his words, “all Rome viewed with wonder”.



Mascot of the Irish Guard



During the English Conquest of Ireland, only the nobility were allowed to own the Irish Wolfhound, the numbers permitted depending on a person position. They were much coveted and were frequently given as gifts to important personages and foreign nobles. Wolfhounds were the companions of the regal, and were housed themselves alongside them. King John of England, around 1210, presented an Irish hound to a Prince of Wales.

The Irish wolfhound was coveted for his hunting prowess, particularly in the pursuit of the wolf and the gigantic Irish elk, which stood six feet at the shoulders. With the disappearance of these animals from Ireland, and the excessive exportations of the dwindling ranks of Wolfhounds, the breed was allowed to become almost extinct.



It was at this point that Captain George A. Gram gathered the remaining specimens and restored the breed. His work began in 1862, and 23 years later, under his supervision, the first breed standard was set.



They can grow to be 7ft when on back legs
and weigh up to 180lbs



About the modern Irish Wolfhound

Because of his great size, the ideal home for the Irish Wolfhound is one which provides fenced properties as they are a sight hound and tend to chase. Hunting by sight and chase is what he was bread and historically used for. He does not require excessive exercise beyond being allowed a gentle stroll in the evenings and the occasional space to gallop, which is natural to his athletics.

The Irish Wolfhound does best when human companionship is the core of his daily life. At maturity, he is a calm presence within a family circle. His nature and temperament make him totally unsuitable as a guard dog. Though alert, he is not suspicious; though courageous, he is not aggressive.

So, there’s a little look into the new addition we’re bringing to our family tomorrow. We can’t wait to have him home to love and spoil! We’re super excited for you all to meet him soon!

Love you all,

S/A