The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest, of all dogs. They have been called by many names -- "Irish dogs," "Big Dogs of Ireland," "Greyhounds (or Grehounds) of Ireland," "Wolfdogs of Ireland," and "Great Hounds of Ireland."

The Irish Wolfhound is a large sensitive dog, a remarkable combination of power, swiftness, and keen sight, who requires lots of space to accommodate his great size, and an owner who can give him companionship. Irish Wolfhounds should never be allowed to run loose.

The Irish Wolfhound is a rough-coated, Greyhound-like breed. Muscular and strong, yet gracefully built, the Irish Wolfhound has easy and active movement. The minimum height for a dog is 32 inches at the whithers, 120 pounds; for a bitch, 30 inches at the whithers and 105 pounds.

The breed was first known in Rome, in the year 391, A.D. The Roman Consul Quintus Aurelius, was given seven Irish Wolfhounds as a gift, and "all Rome viewed with wonder." Their great size and commanding appearance combines with power, swiftness, and keen sight. The Irish Wolfhounds head is long, the ears are small and Greyhound-like in carriage.

The tail is long and slightly curved, of moderate thickness, and well covered with hair. Their coat is rough and hard on body, legs and head; especially wiry and long over eyes and underjaw. The recognized colors are gray, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, or any color that appears in the Deerhound.

To learn more about this gentle giant,
please visit the Irish Wolfhound Club of America
or the Wolfhounds in Ireland site - Irish Wolfhound Society of Ireland