Irish Wolfhound
Other names: Wolfhound, Cú/ Cú Faoil

The Irish wolfhound is a gentle, loyal, and exceptionally affectionate dog. Like many greyhound-type breeds, he is very attached to his social group and takes pride and pleasure in protecting them. He is not particularly territorial, but can certainly prove to be a strong deterrent if his family is threatened in any way. Patient and friendly with children, he can blend into family life seamlessly despite his imposing size.
Key facts about the Irish Wolfhound
Origins and history
Opinions on the Wolfhound’s origins are divided: certain sources claim that the breed is recent (dating back to 19th century), but most experts consider his roots to be very old. It would seem that in 391 B.C., a Roman consul received a gift from his brother in the form of seven large dogs, designed to fight in the arena against lions and bears. The description of this dog is, at any rate, compatible with that of the Wolfhound.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 10 - Sighthounds
Section
Section 2 : Rough-haired Sighthounds
Physical characteristics of the Irish Wolfhound
Adult size
Female : Between 28 and 32 in
Male : Between 31 and 34 in
Weight
Female : Between 88 and 119 lb
Male : Between 88 and 119 lb
Coat colour
The admissible coat colours are: grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, wheaten and steel grey.
Type of coat
The coat is medium-long.
The coat is coarse, hard and wirehaired above the eyes and underneath the jaw.
Eye colour
The eyes are dark.
Description
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the biggest dogs in the world: a sighthound with an elongated and imposing frame, a significantly muscular constitution, and a large croup and back. The paws are long, straight, and of solid bone structure. The head is long and flat, not too wide, with a long and slightly pointed muzzle. The eyes are small and dark, exuding a gentle expression. The ears are small and rose-shaped, like that of the Greyhound.
Good to know
There was a time when this breed could not be found in a single, so-called ‘commoner’s’ home. Only nobility was allowed to own this dog. He was to be found in several royal courts, namely that of Edward the Third, Henry the Eighth, and Elizabeth the First in England, or Henry the Fourth in France.