The Irish Wolfhound is known as a Wolf Hunter or Irish Greyhound. The wolfhound is one of the most valued dog breeds in Ireland, being known since the time of Julius Caesar in the Gallic War where he had special participation for his combat skills, being famous for the bravery and ferocity with which he charged the enemy.
For centuries it defended other animals and their owners' lands from predators and despite the fact that is historically considered a dangerous or hostile dog, This is one of the most affectionate, loyal and docile dog breeds that also has a gentle character.
Origin of the Irish Wolfhound
This breed of dog is believed to have come from the first Egyptian sighthounds to come to Ireland. Experts in the breeding of large and tall dogs relate that in the year 391 AD it was already known about their existence, when Aurelio the Roman consul, astonished, showed seven varieties that were given to Rome and he was among them. In fact, It was imported by the Romans from Ireland and spread to other parts of Europe continental with the legions.
This animal is fast and powerful, its agility and strength are coveted, so much so that it is capable of hunting dangerous wild boar. In the seventeenth century his popularity as a hunter it caused the number of copies to increase but then it began to decline. The decline of this breed was so accentuated during the XNUMXth century that they feared for its disappearance.
During the great famine some fanatics of the same managed to recover it. Thanks to George A. Graham captain of the British Army this breed resurfaced again, making crosses between the Irish Greyhound and the Bulldogs.
Features
This breed of dog is similar to a greyhound, only it is more attractive and longer. The female reaches a height of 71 cm and the male 79 cm, disputing in size to Great dane. Its head is elongated with dark eyes and small ears, its back is slightly arched, it has a pointed snout, a broad chest, and a long skull, body, and tail. The male weighs 54,5 kg and the female 40,5 kg.
The coat is usually brindle, white, gray, red-black or blond.. Around the eyes and on the lower part of the jaw it has hard hair and added to its rigid mantle, it resists the humid and cold climate, it likes to run through the branches without being scratched or trapped. The owners of the Irish Wolfhound say that his beard and large eyebrows give him a noble expression.
This pet is appreciated in the canine world as the «gentle giant«. It adapts to coexistence with other pets and even with the elderly or children due to its nobility. You will never face people who are part of the family, as this is a protective dog.
Care
This requires exclusive care based on brushing your hair, at least twice a week to avoid tangling. This dog does not shed its hair and its beard should be washed regularly when it gets dirty from food.. You have to bathe it when it is strictly necessary and you should know that it requires one hour of physical exercise a day. His diet has to be balanced and cover all his nutritional or energy needs, always controlling the amounts, since he is very gluttonous.
Choose a food that provides vitamins and minerals to ensure the proper functioning of your cartilage and joints; It should also be prevented from contracting diseases and that it maintains high defenses. You have to be aware of watching his weight, the normal thing is to supply 900 grams of food daily.
It is recommended that it be able to be in a spacious place such as a garden, field or a country house where it can move freely. Never on a floor because you need to be comfortable and stretch. This breed should not live outdoors or isolated from people. It prefers the cold climate and in the summer months it looks for a cool or hard soil; Although calluses often form on his elbows, which for the dog is quite uncomfortable.
Training
The Irish Wolfhound is easy to train, as it responds to education and reinforcement in a positive way, being very intelligent. The ideal is to start as a puppy, teaching him rules that everyone in the home handles as a family unit, yes, do not only use snacks to positively reinforce him for his behavior, use caresses or voice. Teach him to urinate on the newspaper and bite gently.
Socialization is essential and essential, as you will learn to relate politely in a measured way with people (elderly, adults and children), in different spaces and between animals. For proper behavior and good communication with the owners, they will indicate basic obedience orders.
This breed of dog suffers from health problems such as elbow or hip dysplasia, heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy (impaired contraction capacity by thinning of the heart muscle). Also develops osteosarcoma or bone cancer. To avoid this bone disease, it is necessary to be careful when the dog is young that it does not perform excessive exercises. You have hypersensitivity to medications or anesthesia and liver conditions.
It is common in deep-chested hounds and they are very large the gastric torsion, a dangerous disease caused by a bloated stomach caused by excess gas or air; When the dog is twisted, it prevents the gas from being released, affecting blood flow and causing death in a short period of time, so avoid physical activity just after the meal, do not supply the food in a single serving, place the food in a high place and not at ground level.
If you want to acquire an Irish wolfhound, do research on specialized pages for this breed to guide you in your search. But if not adopt oneThus you will be helping a dog on the streets that needs a home and family to educate him as a good companion. Take into account all the tips listed above and make your life as comfortable as possible.
Provide a safe place to spend with you and your children, protect it from risks anywhere in the house. Put away poisons and insecticides, keep the toilet closed, and hide electrical cords. Curiosity would lead you to face a bad moment with its usual consequences.