Breed Characteristic |
Calm, under normal circumstances a moderate aristocrat who raises respect just by its own appearance. A good-natured giant who cannot suppress its hunting descent. Keeping poultry together is not recommended... |
History of the Breed |
The Irish Wolfhound, that is the biggest breed of the group of greyhounds and all dogs, has undertaken a very long development. From the former group of greyhounds via south-east Europe and via Africa back to Europe - among others on the territory of today Ireland. Celts who settled Britain in the 4th century B.C. were known especially as good hunters who needed for hunting quick, stout, exuberant but at the same time fully tractable hound helpers. The two qualities - quickness in greyhounds and power in mastiffs - were purposefully crossbred.. The original breed was discovered by Romans in the first five centuries A.D. on the British Isles. The Irish Wolfhound was not a numerous breed and just noblemen were privileged to posses it. During hundreds years of development of the Irish Wolfhound there were periods when this breed nearly died out and it was necessary to "pour in blood" of other breeds. Even now the Irish Wolfhound breeders all over the world face with problems - serious diseases with which unfortunately this breed is burdened. Nevertheless the interest in this marvellous, giant four-leg aristocrat is coming up. |
Temperament |
The Irish Wolfhound, as mentioned in the beginning, is moderate, deliberate dog loving its family who is also able to guard your dwelling. Merely with its growl behind the fence or door it gains a thorough respect. And if we consider its weight and height... not many want to encounter it. But in its nature it is a really good fellow, who never attacks without a reason... It is a real "greyhound": it is just much more manageable, walkung leadless, a pleasant companion in garden restaurants etc., where it reposes its body and sleeps... If anyone teases it - in most cases it just leaves and moves a bit aside. |
Use and Maintenance |
Nowadays the Irish Wolfhound is especially used as a companion and friend of people, who long to have a big, easy-going dog, that they will not be afraid to take anywhere. The space for its indisputable hunting passion is given by some owners via coursing. But to be true - our Dara is interested only in a genuine prey - unfortunately - rather than a plastic bait ("What do you take me for?"). The Irish Wolfhound is becoming a very numerously exhibited breed. I can confirm that getting ready to a show is really uncomparably easier than with the Afghan Houhd. There are dropped horrible "brek-downs" with bathing, drying and especially the weather!
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Care and Health |
We should be aware that the Irish Wolfhound is a giant breed with specific and therefore we should adjust a feeding ration and a daily routine. We will devote a special chapter to the feeding course on our pages, that is why just general and brief notes for now:
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Health |
... a very often discussed topic in breeding the Irish Wolfhound. Nowadays nearly all owners are troubled about the low life expectancy (Unfprtunately even in our country it is on average about 5 years!) Like other giant breeds the Irish Wolfhound is apt to cardiovascular disease, lver short - circuit, stomach distortion, various kinds of malignant disease, immune deficiency or failure etc. To eliminate the causes of these ilnesses and deaths and to extend the life of the Irish Wolfhound is "a long distance race". These days a new breeding code has been launched after a hot discussion at the member meeting of the Wolfhound Deerhound Club. The code inquires into a remedy (decline of a close relation breeding; limited number of a dog cover, limited litters of bitches). We hope that new breeding code measures will help to make the breed healthier. |
The Breeding System, Contacts to Club, Breeding Conditions |
Nowadays the breeding is organiyed in a specialiyed Wolfhound Deerhound Club (WDK). The detailed breeding system is included in the breeding and evaluation code of the club. Every new owner of a dog should obtain an application form into the club from his breeder. It can be found at the Internet address" www.wdk.cy. At this very address you can also get the addresses of IW breeding stations, cover dogs lists, show results etc. The
chairman of the Club: The
breed advisor: |
Literature |
Vladimíra Jestřábová - Irský vlkodav (Publisher "Dona") A very nice book by many years experienced breeder of the Irish Wolfhound. It can help beginners (but not only them), get some information about breeding, feeding and a health care. |
Approximate price |
The price of a puppy with a pedigree in our Czech market is about 15 thousand Crowns and more. It is necessary to know that raising little wolfhounds plus expenses on a bitch are financially very demanding - that is why the price is relatively high. The information about new-born puppies can be obtained from adverts as well as from a breed advisor. Possible buyers (owners) should see as manyu breeding stations as possible and make their mind where to buy the puppy. It is important to make one´s personal opinion of a breeder and his way of keeping puppies. It is advisable to write a contract of purchase when taking over a puppy and be i touch with a breeder. Most breeders are keenly interested in the life of their "child" in further months and years. |