Irish Wolfhound
HISTORICAL SUMMARY
We know that the continental Celts kept a greyhound, probably descended from the greyhounds painted in Egyptian frescoes. Like their continental counterparts, the Irish Celts were interested in breeding large hounds, but apparently these were even larger than the older variety. These great Irish hounds would have either smooth or rough coats, but over time, the rough coat predominated, possibly because of the Irish climate. The Irish Wolfhound has become a living symbol of Irish culture and its Celtic past. At that time, an enthusiastic, determined, Capt. GA Graham, obtained some of the few Wolfhound-type hounds still found in Ireland, and with the use of Deerhound blood and occasionally Borzoi and Great Dane, eventually created a type that remains with each generation. The results were accepted as a legitimate revival of the breed.
Country of Origin: Ireland
GENERAL APPEARANCE: The Irish Wolfhound should not be as heavy and bulky as the Great Dane, but more so than the Deerhound, which it resembles its general type. Large and dominant in appearance, very muscular, strong in its elegant construction, easy and active movement; head and neck carried high; tail carried with a gentle curve to the tip. Large in size, including height at the shoulders and proportionate to the length of the torso, it is desired to have the purpose of firmly establishing a breed that should average 81 cm to 86 cm for males, showing the requisite power, activity , courage and symmetry.
BEHAVIOR AND TEMPERAMENT: Of a calm temperament, gentle with children, care should be taken if they are too small, as he may accidentally drop them due to his size. To control it, it is necessary to train it firmly from an early age. It doesn't adapt well to city life, as it needs a lot of exercise often.
HEAD: Long and flat, carried high; the frontal bones of the muzzle slightly raised and slightly pronounced between the eyes.
CRANIAL REGION
Skull : Not too wide.
FACIAL REGION
Muzzle: Long and moderately pointed.
Teeth: Ideal, scissor bite; acceptable torque.
eyes : dark.
Ears : Small, shaped like a rose.
NECK : Fairly long, very strong and muscular, well arched, without dewlap or loose skin on the throat.
TRUNK
Back: More for long than short.
Loin: Slightly arched.
Croup: Well wide above the hips.
chest : Very deep, moderately wide, sternum wide.
TAIL: Long and slightly curved, of moderate thickness and well covered with hair.
MEMBERS
PREVIOUS :
Shoulders : Muscular, giving breadth to the chest, set at an angle.
Elbows: Well below the body, turning neither in nor out.
Arms: Muscular, strong boned, almost straight.
HINDQUARTERS :
Thighs: Long and muscular.
Knees : Well angled.
legs : Well muscled, long and strong.
Hocks : Well let down and turning neither in nor out.
Paws : Moderately large and round, turning neither in nor out. Fingers well arched and closed. Very strong and curved nails
DRIVE : Easy and active.
COAT
By : Rough and hard on the torso, legs and head especially wire. Hair over eyes and beard especially wire.
COLOR:
Recognized colors are: grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn or any color that appears on the Deerhound.
SIZE : Males 79 cm (minimum)
Females 71 cm (minimum)
FAULTS
Any deviation from the terms of this standard should be considered a fault and penalized in exact proportion to its severity and its effects on the health and well being of the dog. especially:
DISQUALIFYING FAULTS
• Aggressiveness or excessive shyness.
• Any dog that shows any sign of physical or behavioral anomaly must be disqualified.
GRADES
• Males must have both testicles, of normal appearance, well let down and accommodated in the scrotum.
• Only clinically and functionally healthy dogs with typical breed conformation should be used for breeding.