BLACKWING KENNELS
BASENJIS and IRISH WOLFHOUNDS
Herbert Thomas Dicksee, Patience, 1922.
IRISH WOLFHOUND HISTORY
Irish Wolfhounds are the world's largest hunting dogs.
They closely resemble Scottish Deerhounds, pictured below, but are heavier in bone and of taller stature. ​For centuries, royal and noble families bred 'wolfdogs' to hunt wolves, bears, boar, deer, and other large game on their estates. Celtic kings perfected the breed and used their huge 'war dogs' to pull men off horses and chariots. The big dogs of Ireland became highly prized gifts to royal houses. When seven of them were sent to Rome in 391 AD, the whole city viewed them with wonder. The wolfhound's presence in castles inspired its appearances in legends, songs, and poetry.​
Wolfhounds chased prey with their eyes rather than their noses. They are the most massive dogs among the select breeds known as sighthounds or gazehounds, whose collective lines run back for thousands of years. All were bred for sharp vision, great speed, strength, and agility.
​The modern standard for the wolfhound was set in the late 19th century, when the breed was recovered by Captain George Augustus Graham (1833-1909). Over 40 years, Graham crossed the last remaining wolfhounds from Ireland and England with Scottish Deerhounds, Great Danes, Borzois, Greyhounds, and one Tibetan Kyi Apso.​ One of the earliest kennels to develop from Graham's lines was Sulhamstead Kennels in England, run by Florence Nagle (1894-1988), who bred Irish Wolfhounds for 65 years. Blackwing Kennels traces its pedigrees back to Sulhamstead and two other early kennels, Ballykelly and Borboughbury.​
Gillie and Deer Hounds by Edward Gilbert Hester (1843-1903) after English Artist Frederick Taylor (1802 –1889).
THE BREED STANDARD
APPEARANCE
​
In wolfhounds, performance determines appearance. They should have mass and power, balanced with agility. They should look curvy and springy, with noble heads and scissor bites. They must have big chests, strong bones, and good muscle. Judges and breeders demand excellent angulation, flowing movement, and a commanding presence of dignity and calm.
​
The standard requires dark, curled-back 'rose' ears and long, slightly curved, but not curly, tails. The hounds must have dark eyes with black eyelids and noses.
​
The coat is rough and wiry, with notable eyebrows and beards. Fur can be red, grey, or cream brindle. They can also be pure white, black, wheaten or red fawn. They often have white shields on their chests. They can have white toes, but no white socks, please.
​
SIZE
​
A giant breed, Irish Wolfhounds are considered to be the tallest dogs in the world.
​​Males: Minimum 32 inches (81 cm) at shoulder, minimum 120 lbs (54 kg).
Females: Minimum 30 inches (76 cm) at shoulder, minimum 105 lbs (47.5 kg).
​
TRAINING
​​
Wolfhounds' personalities are sensitive, sweet and loving. They are devoted and loyal to their owners and are wonderful with children. Due to their size and strength, they should never be trained to be aggressive. They protect a house through attachment to their family, more than territorial patrol. They may be friendly to strangers unless they sense malicious intent, in which case they will not allow harm to come to their owners.
​
This breed does not have the same perspective as a guard or working dog. Wolfhounds are not fetch and carry dogs, nor are they blindly obedient. Put simply, they are the largest of the hunting hounds, and prospective owners should view them as such.
Puppies from 12 to 16 weeks should be taken to handling and obedience classes.
Puppies and yearlings must be socialized with other dogs, and given a lot of attention and affection. This will help the hound bond with its family and home. Advanced training can include lure coursing.
​
​Wolfhounds grow to a large size very rapidly. They go through an awkward stage while their brains to catch up with their bodies. Within the first year, their bones are still soft. Owners must not push adolescent hounds too much. Dogs will come into their own strength without overtraining.
​
As adults, wolfhounds need daily exercise and a large dog run, or they will become overweight.​
CARE
​
Wolfhounds are social animals. A solitary dog can fare well in a family with lots of attention. But if left alone, the dog will howl and grow restless and distressed. Lonely wolfhounds will dig giant holes in the garden to offset boredom. Wolfhounds like to gnaw on big beef bones or rawhides, but they can choke on smaller pieces.
​
Pet stock males should be neutered only once fully grown. Unneutered show stock males should not be kept together.​​​
​
DIET
​
A quality brand food for such a large breed is essential. As adults, they should be fed a low (19-21%) protein dog food.
​
BREED CONCERNS
​
Life expectancy: 6-10 years.
​​​
Susceptibility to bone cancer, hip displaysia, elbow boils, stomach twists and bloating. Kathie can advise owners on how to watch for issues.​
​
Irish Wolfhound Club of America, statement on liver shunt problems.​
