Irish Wolfhound Photo | Dreamstime.com
Adaptability A definition that refers to how easily a dog can adapt to changes in life. |
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Shedding level Level and frequency of hair loss in an animal. |
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Level of tenderness The level and amount of tenderness and affection that a dog gives in return for attention to itself. |
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Need for exercise The dog's daily activity level. |
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Social need The required amount of contact between the dog and other animals, as well as people. |
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Apartment ratio A factor that determines the level of noise and other inconveniences that a dog can cause to owners in relation to the size of the apartment to the size of the dog. |
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Grooming The number of baths, brushing, and the required number of professional grooming sessions required by the dog. |
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Friendliness in an unfamiliar environment Peculiarities of dog behavior in society with strangers or in unfamiliar surroundings. |
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Tendency to bark Tendency to bark and its frequency and volume. |
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Health issues The dog's potential health status. |
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Territoriality A dog's tendency to protect its owner's home, yard, or even car. |
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Friendly to cats Tendency towards tolerance towards cats and reduced expression of hunting instincts. |
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Intelligence The dog’s ability to think and solve emerging difficulties (not to be confused with learning ability!). |
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Education and training The level of difficulty in training a dog to perform certain actions. |
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Child Friendly A factor that determines how friendly a dog is to children, whether it likes to play with them and tolerate some children's pranks. |
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Game activity The concept is defined by its very name, and, as a rule, occurs in almost all dogs. |
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Observation A dog's ability to detect the presence of a stranger in its territory. |
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Friendly to other dogs The dog's tendency to find a common language with its other relatives. |
Irish wolfhounds combine two main parameters - they are huge, but not evil, kind of good-natured giants. However, these dogs are very smart and perfectly recognize a person who is unfriendly to them or their owner. Therefore, you should not think that Irish wolfhounds are not capable of repelling the enemy. The height of Irish Wolfhounds is about 81-86 cm, but often exceeds these parameters, therefore the Breed Standard indicates the height at the withers for males - from 79 cm, for females - 71 cm, and the final limits are not indicated. The weight of males is not less than 55 kg, the weight of females is not less than 40 kg.
Head: long, with weakly defined frontal bones, wide skull. Muzzle: elongated, narrowed towards the nose. Eyes: oval shaped, dark or light brown. Ears: small in size, pink-shaped. Neck: long, muscular, without dewlap. Body: long, widened in the croup area, with developed ribs. The chest is wide. The stomach is tucked. Tail: long, medium thickness. Limbs: long, muscular (especially the hind legs), strong. The forearms and thighs are long, with well-developed muscles. Wool: thick, hard. In the area of the eyes and lower jaw, the hair is noticeably longer and coarser than on the entire body. Color: white, gray, red, black, light brown, brindle. In appearance, the Irish Wolfhound is similar to the Scottish Deerhound, an ancient representative of the deer hounds.
Photos of dogs of the Irish Wolfhound breed | Dreamstime.com
It is generally accepted that the breed is more than 2000 years old, despite the fact that documented data on the existence of the breed dates back to the 3rd century AD. The Celts who inhabited Erin (the ancient name of Ireland) used large greyhounds, which were presumably descendants of the ancient greyhounds of Egypt, as hunting assistants. Wolfhounds of that time were used to hunt large wild animals. But the warlike Celts also used them during clashes with other peoples, since large dogs were able to knock down a galloping horse, and therefore practically neutralize the enemy. The popularity of Irish wolfhounds was appreciated by the Romans, who brought the dogs to demonstrate their qualities in the circus arena. Huge dogs were valued for their speed, ease of care and the benefits they brought to humans. It is believed that the Irish wolfhounds, who lived more than a thousand years ago, had a softer coat, but the climate of the island made its own adjustments, after which the dogs began to wear a rough “fur coat”. Until the 15th and 16th centuries, Irish wolfhounds mostly lived in their homeland and in Ancient Rome, and only from the mid-1400s they began to be exported to other countries as gifts to monarchs. As they appeared in the world, and also due to uncontrolled crossing, Irish wolfhounds began to lose their popularity. And only by the middle of the 19th century, when the breed was on the verge of extinction, scientists decided to preserve the Irish wolfhounds. The few wolfhounds that remained in Ireland began to systematically crossbreed under the supervision of breeders. And already in 1885 the first breed standard was approved. Since then, interest in Irish wolfhounds has not faded in Ireland, where these dogs are now considered a national treasure and the pride of the state.
Irish Wolfhounds are balanced and calm dogs that are good-natured towards positive people. They selflessly love both the owner and his family members. They are calm towards the owner’s other pets – cats, dogs of other breeds. Given the opportunity, the Irish are capable of showing character, their natural intelligence is quite high and they are able to recognize a threat from a person or other animal. But they almost never show aggression without a reason, which makes the breed attractive to large families (including those with children) and those who like friendly get-togethers. Irish Wolfhounds need communication with their owner, they love affection and kind attitude. Ignoring, rude shouting and beatings deeply wound these animals, do not strengthen their character, but offend them. Therefore, the owner of the Irishman must give the dog enough time for games and communication. We can say that dogs of this breed are full members of the owner’s family. Irish Wolfhounds are not fussy and moderately active. They love walks and games in the fresh air, but will not turn everything upside down if the owner does not have the opportunity to take the dog for a walk or play in the apartment.
It is because of their large size that Irish wolfhounds are most often kept in enclosures in country or private yards. However, if the living space allows, the Irish Wolfhound will not bring much trouble to the household. Undoubtedly, these dogs can live in the yard, but there is one caveat - they need daily communication with the owner and participation in the life of the family (playing with children, being close to the owner, etc.). Therefore, it is a good idea to bring even wolfhounds living in an enclosure into the house for the night. A dog that has spent the entire day outside and spent energy walking and playing in the yard will not cause trouble to the owner and will not disturb sleep. An alternative to overnight stays is setting aside time each day to be involved in your dog's life.
Irish Wolfhounds require frequent brushing for grooming. Bathing is done no more than 3 times a year using special detergents for dogs. Cleaning the ears, trimming the claws, washing the paws after walks, paying attention to the condition of the eyes - all these actions are carried out for wolfhounds, as for dogs of other breeds. The Irish are quite clean and unpretentious in their care. Irish people living in an apartment need walks (preferably at least 2 times for 40-60 minutes). A yard dog also needs to be taken outside the fence, perhaps not so often. Sometimes the Irish Wolfhound is used jokingly as a carrier or “horse” for children (and sometimes adults). You should not ride a dog on horseback; this is fraught with diseases of the joints and ligaments, since the weak point of massive wolfhounds is already considered to be the musculoskeletal system.
Training an Irish Wolfhound puppy should begin from the first days of its stay in its new home. And from the very beginning, the owner of the dog must take care of its socialization - adaptation to life in society. The owner must patiently accustom the dog to its new home and try to calmly respond to the puppy’s fear of new people, animals, and things that frighten the baby. You need to kindly calm down a wolfhound puppy when he is overly excited, because even in the apartment itself he can be frightened by the mass of appliances (washing machine, hair dryer, drill and much more), other pets (especially if they are unfriendly), car signals and sirens. You should not hide your puppy from the outside world or from communicating with other dogs while walking. The sooner the baby understands that no one is trying to offend him, the sooner he will get used to his new home and his new life.
Cynologists advise taking a general obedience course with Irish wolfhounds, during which the animal learns and learns to carry out commands such as: “near”, “to me”, “sit”, “lie down”, “stand”, “walk”, “place” ", "fu" and others. During training, dogs are often taught fetching, training to shoot (if they plan to participate in game hunting), and overcoming an obstacle course.
No matter who carries out the training - the owner or a professional, the most friendly attitude towards the dog should always be maintained. Irish Wolfhounds are not animals that can be spurred on to follow commands by rudeness and aggression. They are often distracted from the trainer’s tasks, switching their attention from the activity to something else, so you will have to be patient. By the way, you should not try to instill in the Irish fighting or service qualities that are unusual for them. These animals are strong, but not prone to aggression, intelligent, but not suitable for carrying out intelligence work.
Like most large breeds with considerable weight, the real “scourge” among Irish wolfhounds is diseases of the musculoskeletal system: hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis of the shoulder, hygroma of the elbow, dislocation of the patella, Wobbler syndrome. The Irish are also familiar with bacterial skin diseases (pyoderma), disorders of the endocrine system (hypothyroidism), cardiovascular system (dilated cardiomyopathy), and circulatory system (von Willebrand disease). These dogs often have eye diseases (cataracts, entropion). Digestive problems (volvulus of the stomach and intestines) are common. Unfortunately, Irish wolfhounds are not distinguished by excellent health, and their life expectancy, even by dog standards, is short - from 6 to 10 years, rarely 12 years.
Nowadays there are many breeds of dogs, some of which we know almost nothing about. We invite you to get acquainted with the Irish Wolfhound breed. These are quite unusual dogs. Do you want to know more about them? Then read on the article.
The ancestors of representatives of this breed are considered to be ancient Egyptian greyhounds, and the closest relative is the deerhound. From reliable sources it became known that wolfhounds have existed in Ireland for more than two thousand years. Throughout all centuries of existence, dogs have been used to hunt large animals such as deer, wolves and wild boars.
George Augustus Graham, captain of the British Army, played a huge role in the development of the modern Irish Wolfhound. In the second half of the nineteenth century, the number of dogs began to decrease sharply. This man saved the species from extinction. To be able to restore the breed, in breeding work Graham used the blood of Pyrenean dogs, deerhounds, and the Irish Wolfhound dog breed received official recognition in 1879, six years later Graham approved its first standard.
Images of such dogs can be seen on postage stamps, porcelain tableware, coins, and these dogs are considered their country. Sometimes they even call wolfhounds a national treasure. Nowadays, the breed is loved and appreciated not only in its homeland. You can meet representatives of the breed in Australia, Europe, Russia and other countries.
The Irish Wolfhound is a muscular, large, elegantly built dog. On average, representatives of the breed reach 83 cm at the withers, and their weight is 56 kg. The Irish Wolfhound has a long head with a well-defined transition from the forehead to the muzzle, well-developed withers, and small ears.
The tail of such a dog is thick, as a rule, lowered down, the tip is slightly curved. The coat is hard, long on the chin and above the eyebrows, and requires special care. The color of these dogs may vary. You can meet both black and fawn Irish Wolfhounds. In addition, there are white, gray and red representatives of the breed.
Such a dog is not only large in size, but it has great charm and high intelligence. She also has a sensitive heart that is capable of boundless love for its owner. As a rule, these dogs easily get along with all people and even animals.
Although the name of the breed is Irish Wolfhound, these dogs cannot boast of pronounced security or watchdog qualities, and they have long since lost their hunting instinct. The only thing they can scare you with is their size. Of course, there are exceptions among representatives of each breed. But we can say that the modern Irish Wolfhound, the photo of which you see in our article, is more of a good companion than a bodyguard, hunter or watchman.
So, you decided to get such a dog and weighed all the pros and cons. Then we will now tell you how to choose the right dog. Where to start looking for a new friend? Of course, from visiting exhibitions. At these events you can get up close and personal with dogs. Irish Wolfhound puppies can also be sold there.
If you do not have sufficient knowledge to choose a high-quality dog, you can turn to an expert for help, especially if you want to make your pet a show career.
The most important thing in this matter is the origin of the dog. You must make sure for yourself that the puppy’s parents meet the breed standards, have a stable psyche and excellent health.
When choosing a pet, remember that, in addition to good genetics, there are other factors, as a result of which you cannot say with certainty that you are buying a champion. An honest and decent breeder will never give you such communication.
When you buy a puppy, look at the conditions in which the dogs are kept. There must be perfect cleanliness. Make sure your dog is healthy before purchasing. He should have a cool nose, clean skin, ears and eyes, and a soft belly. Also find out from the breeder what vaccinations the animal was given and whether it was given anthelmintic.
If we talk about the temperament of puppies, experts advise choosing the most playful and active ones.
Despite its rather large size, this dog behaves quietly at home. All he needs is a spacious place to rest and sleep, as well as regular walking, preferably with the opportunity to run free. If you plan to lead your pet on a leash, then you need to accustom it to it from childhood, otherwise there will be problems in the future, because the dog grows to a large size. The Irish Wolfhound loves to go for walks with his family.
Such a large dog fits in well both in a city apartment and in a private house. If you keep your pet at home, you don't need to keep it in an enclosure all the time. It is very important for a dog to be close to its owner. Due to prolonged separation, he may die from By the way, breeders advise from early childhood to teach him to stay with other people besides his owner.
If we talk about hygiene and coat care, then there will be no problems in these matters. Such a dog only needs to be combed and brushed periodically, and bathed once every three months.
This dog loves to spend time outside. Of course, if it gets very dirty, it should be washed more often. For bathing, it is advisable to use a special shampoo and conditioner. In addition, it is necessary to treat fleas and ticks on time in order to avoid additional health problems.
You need to accustom your animal to caring for its fur, as well as its claws, from an early age, so that later it will be easier to do everything. Since the nails of these dogs are curved, they need to be trimmed regularly. A couple of times a year you need to remove dead fur.
The hair in the ears can be plucked or cut off. It is necessary to keep them clean and dry, especially when the dog spends a lot of time outdoors.
For a more aesthetic appearance, it is customary to slightly trim the front of the neck, ears and head.
The Irish Wolfhound needs proper, balanced nutrition. For normal development, a dog must receive all the necessary substances (carbohydrates, proteins and others). Since the animal does not know the limits in the absorption of food, it is necessary to control it so that there is no overeating, otherwise problems with the gastrointestinal tract may arise.
The average lifespan of these dogs is ten years. The Irish Wolfhound has a strong immune system, but is prone to the following diseases:
These dogs are very smart and balanced. As a rule, there are no problems raising such a dog. As we said above, the Irish Wolfhound is an animal with a big heart, so for normal development it needs the attention and affection of its owner. Of course, there are times when you need to be firm, but you should, of course, be able to combine it with a kind attitude towards the pet as a whole.
Typically, such dogs are taught general commands and skills, and they undergo OKD. Experts do not recommend teaching the Irish Wolfhound ZKS and other protective training, so as not to awaken unsafe instincts in him.
It is believed that dogs of this breed first came to Russia in the mid-nineteenth century, and these dogs became widespread later. Serious breeding began only in 1980. The basis for domestic wolfhounds were individuals brought from Germany. Later they added the blood of American and Irish dogs. It is impossible to say with certainty that these dogs have become very popular in our country, but they have found their fans. There is a National Club of this breed in the Russian Federation.
How much does an Irish Wolfhound cost? The price for one representative of the breed ranges from twenty thousand to one hundred rubles.
Now you know who the Irish Wolfhound is. Its character is quite calm, so such an animal can become a faithful and devoted friend for you and your children. Feel free to choose this breed!
Representatives of such an interesting breed as the Irish Wolfhound are among the largest dogs in the world in terms of size and weight. At the same time, the appearance of the animal encourages even children to communicate with it. And the wolfhound’s temperament is very calm, good-natured - and always remains devoted to its owner.
The origin of the breed goes back to the 4th century AD. It was from this time that the first written mention dates back to the fact that one of the Roman officials kept an Irish wolfhound at his court. In the Middle Ages, representatives of the Irish Wolfhound breed spread throughout Europe, but until the 17th century their numbers were not large, since only the wealthiest people could afford a gift in the form of such a puppy.
In England, from the same time, a law began to apply banning the export of dogs from the country, but the constantly growing demand led to the fact that by the end of the 17th century the breed was on the verge of extinction. The second wave of development is associated with the activities of the American Kennel Club, which actually officially registered the breed in 1897. Today this breed is no longer in danger - it is bred in most cases for hunting purposes not only in England and Ireland, but also in other European countries, the USA, and Australia.
The Irish Wolfhound immediately catches your eye with its huge size, which is atypical for most dogs. At the same time, he has a good-natured look, which largely corresponds to his character qualities.
And the description of the breed based on external characteristics is as follows:
In terms of quantitative parameters, the representatives are distinguished by record growth:
This is interesting. In the most developed representatives, the height reaches 86 cm at the withers. If the dog reaches its full height, it will exceed 180 cm - in fact taller than most people.
Despite its rather frightening size, the animal has a calm, balanced temperament. The wolfhound is endearing because it strives to please its owner and is thoughtful and observant. This dog is hardly suitable for a city apartment due to its size and will not be useful as a guard dog due to its character traits. However, it is ideal for hunters, as it is famous for its intelligence and exceptional devotion.
It is interesting that the dog never attacks the weak, the small. She gets along well with children and pets, especially if she grows up with them from childhood. However, it can easily crush small rodents, so it is worth keeping in mind that letting them out of the cage in the presence of an animal is risky.
Irish Wolfhounds, although huge, are very good-natured and even a little shy dogs. The wolfhound is distinguished by its intelligence and friendly temperament.
Therefore, during training, you need to proceed from several principles at once:
Attention. Typically, such dogs are purchased by owners of country houses or at least fairly large apartments. Their prices range from 35,000 to 100,000 rubles.
Representatives of the breed do not have any special care requirements. However, the most important condition for maintaining her health is constant walks, during which the wolfhound can properly stretch its bones and muscles. Otherwise, the maintenance rules are approximately the same as for other breeds.
An Irish Wolfhound requires long walks every day. Rinse the dog as needed (usually once every two months). But it is better to comb the wool several times a week and treat it with flea and tick repellents (, etc.). If you constantly comb your pet and wash it with shampoo, there will be practically no problems with the fur.
The ears are cleaned of dirt as needed. If pustules or inflammations are found, it is better to immediately contact a veterinarian, especially in the cold season, when there is a risk of developing otitis media.
Eye hygiene is monitored in the usual way - just wipe your eyes with clean cotton pads to rid them of dirt. In case of inflammation, special eye drops are used.
After walks, paws must be wiped with a damp cloth and wiped dry. At the same time, they try to trim the claws monthly with a nail clipper, although during city walks the paws rub against the asphalt, so the need for such a procedure arises only a few times a year.
The Irish Wolfhound's claws are trimmed periodically with a nail clipper. The rapid growth of a puppy is the basis of its health, but in the case of the Irish Wolfhound you should not literally understand that the more food you give, the better it will be. On the contrary, experienced dog breeders recommend slightly underfeeding your pet – i.e. undersupply 10-15% of the daily volume. Typically, these dogs love to eat, so they may begin to grow too quickly. At the same time, it is better to ensure not so intense, but more measured growth (during the first two years of life).
It is necessary to carefully monitor the daily food intake, as overfeeding the dog can lead to excess weight gain. As a rule, special food is used for large breed puppies, since in this case the animal receives a sufficient amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
The most famous brands:
As for feeding an adult animal, you can continue to use food in the same line.
However, you can also enter the following products:
Avoid giving too much dairy products and potatoes.
You should also exclude the following products:
The breed enjoys fairly good health, but only with regular walks and a balanced diet.
Irish Wolfhounds have fairly good health. It is equally important to get all the necessary vaccinations and regularly monitor vaccinations:
Basically, the Irish Wolfhound is predisposed to diseases that are typical for dogs with a developed musculoskeletal system and large bones:
And from other organ systems, the wolfhound is predisposed to the following pathologies:
Therefore, owners should keep in mind that even at the first signs of illness, they should immediately contact a veterinarian.
Wolfhounds are popularly called large breeds of dogs that are used to hunt wolves and other wild animals, as well as to protect farm animals in the pasture. Actually, any dog that is suitable for such work can be called a wolfhound. In cynology, there is only one breed with this official name - the Irish Wolfhound.
There are several breeds that are suited to a capacious and meaningful name - wolfhounds. These dogs are united by their very large size, strength, endurance, independence and the ability to make independent decisions. However, this description does not include greyhounds, which are also used in wolf hunting and are therefore sometimes called wolfhounds.
Wolfhound dog breeds:
Photos of wolfhound dogs can be seen below in the description of the breeds.
The Irish Wolfhound is considered one of the largest breeds. Despite such an impressive name and dimensions, the Irishman is surprisingly peace-loving and good-natured, there is absolutely no aggression in him, and he will not be the first to go into conflict. He will not protect and protect either, but he will love and lick.
Origin
The ancestors of modern Irish wolfhounds are believed to have been large, wire-haired dogs that the Celts in Ireland used for protection and hunting. Closer to modern, the appearance was formed in the Middle Ages. The breed became very popular due to Cromwell’s order to exterminate all wolves (a monetary reward was given for those killed). It is believed that the last wolf was killed in Ireland in 1786. Irish Wolfhounds were no longer in demand and were on the verge of extinction. Only thanks to enthusiasts who were able to make a companion out of a dog, the Irish Wolfhound was preserved.
Appearance
The Irish Wolfhound dog breed, as seen in the photo, has a muscular, strong but elegant build, a wide chest, a long, strong back, and high legs. The head is held high and proud. The muzzle is narrowed, the eyes are small, the ears are drooping. The tail is long. The coat is hard and forms a beard and eyebrows on the muzzle. Colors can be fawn, brindle, wheaten and black.
Character
Irish Wolfhounds are smart, friendly with a balanced psyche, they are very attached to the owner, without whom they literally cannot live. However, such love does not imply unquestioning obedience. Wolfhounds are independent, self-sufficient, capable of making their own decisions. The Irish Wolfhound is an expensive dog, the average price is 1000 USD.
Another name for this breed is Khotosho Nokhoi. Dogs are common in Mongolia, Buryatia and neighboring areas. Like many other native breeds, the wolfhound is a well-built dog, unpretentious in maintenance and versatile in use. Possesses good health and a functional constitution that allows him to perform various types of work.
The word “hotosho” - the main name in the Buryat language means “yard wolf” or “yard dog”.
Origin
The breed is considered one of the most ancient. During excavations of the Hun settlement near Ulan-Ude, the remains of dogs were found, which, after analysis, scientists characterized as the remains of the ancestors of modern Mongolian wolfhounds. Dogs were first listed in the Russian Stud Book in 2000, and in 2006 a standard for the breed was published.
Appearance
The Buryat-Mongolian wolfhound is above average height, strong with massive bones and prominent muscles. The skin forms folds on the head, and a dewlap on the neck. The coat is coarse, straight with a soft and dense undercoat. There are several types based on the length of the coat; the outer hair can be short, semi-long or long. Color black and tan.
Character
Buryat Mongolian wolfhounds are balanced dogs devoted to their owner. Innate protective instincts and a caring attitude towards all family members have made the breed in demand both in its homeland and in other regions of Russia. Today they are used as guards, sentries, and companions.
Unlike European shepherd dogs - “guard dogs”, they never herded sheep, they only helped shepherds move the flock, but their main task was to protect livestock from thieves and predators.
Origin
Caucasian Shepherd Dogs are descendants of the so-called mountain dogs from the Molosser group. In their homeland, they have long been used to protect livestock from ill-wishers and predatory animals. This played a role in the formation of appearance and psychological type. Caucasians are large and powerful, independent, capable of working without a person and making their own decisions.
At the end of the 20s of the last century, selection work began on the aboriginal breed, which was supposed to strengthen the best qualities of wolfhounds. In 1931, a breed standard was first developed. The dogs were presented at an exhibition in Newberg, Germany, they were talked about in Europe, but despite the general interest, the breed practically did not develop. Only in 1990 did the FCI officially register the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
Appearance
Caucasians look like big teddy bears. They are strong, strong and resilient. Height is above average, weight is 50-70 kg, but can reach up to 100 kg. The head is large and powerful. Her deep-set, dark eyes give her a stern expression. The physique is strong, the hips are slightly raised above the line of the back. The paws are large and heavy.
The coat is very thick, the undercoat is well developed, which is why Soaks look even more massive. Different colors: gray, yellowish-brown, brindle, white.
Character
The Caucasian Shepherd can be proud and rebellious; standing up to protect its owner will come at the cost of its own life. This is a difficult breed to train and maintain, which is suitable only for experienced dog breeders.
Popularly, this breed of dog is also known as the Caucasian or Caucasian wolfhound, photo:
The wolfhound from Central Asia is the result of natural selection, it is an aboriginal breed, used for security and guard duty. Today it is officially recognized under the name “Central Asian Shepherd”, but it is also popularly called.
Origin
Central Asia is a typical representative of Molossoids. Its ancestors were supposedly Mesopotamian war dogs, as well as Tibetan mastiffs. During their existence, dogs were subjected to cruel natural selection, which shaped their modern appearance and strengthened their character. In Turkmenistan, purebred Asians are called Turkmen wolfhounds; they are a national treasure along with Akhal-Teke horses.
Factory work on the breed began in the USSR in the 30s. An attempt was made to use Asians to guard government facilities, but the task turned out to be difficult to implement due to the complex psychology of the breed. In 1990, the State Agricultural Industry of Turkmenistan approved the standard for the Turkmen wolfhound. It was used as the basis for registering the breed in 1993 with the FCI under the name Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
Appearance
Central Asians are large and powerful dogs with strong bones and developed muscles. Minimum height at withers 65-70 cm, weight 40-80 kg. Their head is massive and wide with a well-filled muzzle. Hanging ears, as well as the tail, are docked. The coat is coarse, straight, and according to the length of the dog, dogs are divided into two types: short-haired (3-4 cm) and long-haired (7-8 cm). The dense undercoat is well developed. The color can be any, only chocolate, liver and blue are not allowed.
Character
The main character traits of the Turkmen wolfhound: fearlessness, courage, pride, independence and self-esteem. They are quite restrained in expressing their feelings, but at the same time they are very attached to their family, and will do everything to protect them. Pets from their flock are usually treated peacefully and are ready to guard every chicken in the owner’s yard.
– a breed of large hunting dogs that are capable of developing very high speeds, have good eyesight, strength, endurance and are aggressive towards other animals. Greyhounds got the word “canine” in their name because of their wool, from the Old Russians. “dog” – silky, wavy fur.
Origin
The first description of Russian greyhounds dates back to the 17th century. Before this, greyhounds were called Circassian. At the beginning of the 18th century, the blood of European greyhounds began to flow into them, and from the 20th century also of mountain and Crimean dogs. The result was many different types. In 1888, the first description of the breed was made and its formation began. Since 1874, they began to hold greyhound exhibitions and select the best representatives. In the 80s of the 20th century in Russia there were about 3,000 greyhounds, of which about 2,000 had a pedigree.
Appearance
The Russian Greyhound is a lean dog with a long narrow head, expressive large eyes and small ears. The paws are high, the chest is well developed, and the abdominal line is very tucked up. The fur is soft and wavy. Colors can be very diverse.
Character
Greyhounds have an active type of temperament; at one moment it is calm, but when it sees an animal, it immediately gets excited and is ready to work. They are very independent and self-sufficient, capable of living and feeding themselves without a person, and yet they condescendingly serve their owner. In the family, greyhounds are gentle and trusting; they try to become full members of the family and are guided by established rules. At home they behave calmly, almost unnoticeably.
This description is only of those breeds that are most often called wolfhounds. It can be significantly replenished if we include, for example, breeds of guard dogs that were ever used to protect livestock from gray predators (Akbash, Gampr, Tobet, Pyrenees Mountain Dog, Bashan Pariy), as well as greyhounds bred in those areas , where wolf hunting is possible (Taigan, Tazy).
Large hunting dog breed. He is enormously tall, has a strong and graceful physique, long legs thanks to which he can run fast, and is simply irreplaceable when hunting wolves. A good watchman and companion, however, this brave breed is completely devoid of aggression towards humans. The only thing that might frighten a stranger is the dog's enormous height. This giant is considered the mascot of the Irish armed forces.
The Irish Wolfhound is an ancient breed, born more than 2 thousand years ago. It was bred to hunt the most dangerous predators in Ireland - wolves and boars. Thanks to his keen eyesight and strong paws, he could easily defeat his opponent. There is a legend that these giants were used to hunt the giant Irish elk, but in truth, this is just fiction.
His birth is a mystery to dog handlers. Perhaps the ancient Romans, who brought dogs from Britain to the Metropolis for fighting in the circus arena, brought these big-chested “bearded” giants. In Ireland, they guarded settlements and hunted large predators.
Another version is that the Irish Wolfhound is said to have been brought to Ireland by the Celts around 500 BC. In those distant times, the breed was called “Irish hound”, “wolfhound”, “ku” - which meant a strong hound.
The Irish Wolfhound had enormous strength and courage. The soldiers set them on their enemies, and the wolfhound had no problem throwing the enemy rider off his horse. They went into battle ahead of the troops, guarding the fortresses as sentries.
Photo of an Irish Wolfhound looking menacing
There were many legends about his valor and exploits. The most popular one tells how the English king John the Landless brought a small wolfhound as a gift to Llewellyn the Prince of Wales. The prince named the dog Gelert, he became his favorite and faithful friend. And for his little son, a nanny and protector.
One day the king went hunting, leaving Gelert at home. In those difficult times, there were a lot of wolves in the forests. At times it seemed that there were more of them than people and dogs combined. They posed a threat to both the hunter and those who stayed at home.
Approaching the house, the prince saw his pet rushing towards him, wagging its tail. But the dog’s muzzle, stained with blood, greatly worried the owner. Headlong, he rushed into the house to his son's cradle, but it turned out to be empty. Grief and sadness overwhelmed the prince; he decided that his favorite had bitten the baby to death. In an instant, the saddened father drew his sword and stabbed the dog. Dying, the faithful dog let out a long, pitiful howl, from which the baby, who was sleeping under the cradle, woke up. The prince knelt down and saw a huge dead wolf, which his favorite had killed, saving his master's son.
Having comprehended the horror of what he had done, the prince did not remember himself from grief. He ordered the erection of a monument to the faithful Gelert, the statue stands to this day, and the place where the favorite was buried was named Beth-Gellert in his honor.
In Europe, wolfhounds were extremely rare, and many noble people dreamed of receiving them as a gift. In 1641, the Irish Wolfhound was brought to France and was presented to Cardinal Richelieu. In 1652, Cromwell, having come to power, banned the export of the breed from England under penalty of death. Several centuries later, having destroyed his gray enemy, he was left without his main purpose - hunting wolves. What led to the degeneration of the breed. In 1862, British Army Captain D. Graham began breeding and restoring the breed. Over time, he managed to improve many qualities, except agility.
In the 18th century, when the Irish Wolfhound almost disappeared, breeders crossed it with the Greyhound, Great Dane and Scottish Greyhound. The newly created Irish Wolfhound has once again regained its popularity in America.
Full length photo of an Irish Wolfhound in a field
Irish Wolfhounds have a neutral neoclassical coloration that includes:
By nature, the Irish Wolfhound is affectionate, balanced and kind. It’s even surprising that such a giant is actually a very vulnerable and gentle creature.
It is quite difficult to piss him off, but if he gets angry, he immediately turns into a dangerous opponent. Very loyal to the owner and his family. He is a good watchman and security guard, but he will never rush at a person, he is very trusting and friendly towards people. He has no aggression towards humans, and only when he senses a real threat to the owner will he immediately come to his defense.
The Irish Wolfhound is highly intelligent, self-sufficient and independent, so from puppyhood it must know who is boss in the house. The wolfhound matures rather slowly; most remain puppies for more than a year, although in appearance they are already a huge individual. Training must begin from the first days of arrival at home. He must obey and obey his master's commands. When treated properly, they become strongly attached to a person and are faithful to him throughout his life.
The main rule is never hit a dog. If you are having trouble parenting, turn to professionals. An experienced person will teach her obedience.
The Irish Wolfhound loves his owner's children very much, tolerates many children's pranks, and if he gets tired of the child, he will simply get up and go to the opposite corner or room. But given its huge size, never leave a small child alone with it.
Gets along well with other pets, cats and dogs of other breeds. The breed is very calm, almost does not bark, and does not make a fuss over trifles. Despite its large size, it fits quite compactly in the apartment. True, you must provide him with a separate sofa as a sleeping place. Its heavy weight does not allow it to lie on a hard mat or floor for a long time.
You need to walk with the wolfhound at least twice a day for 40 - 50 minutes. The walks are calm, without much stress. If you are a busy person and spend more time at work than at home, get yourself a different pet that can easily tolerate loneliness, such as a parrot or a hamster. The Irish Wolfhound really needs communication with its owner. He cannot be locked in a cramped apartment and only occasionally taken out for a walk. A large breed needs a lot of space. Incorrect content will result in physical and emotional harm.
If you want to have an Irish Wolfhound, you must understand that a large pet comes with a lot of responsibility. Ask yourself whether you can provide him with high-quality nutritious food, care, visits to the veterinarian, trips to nature and, most importantly, devote enough time so that he does not feel abandoned. They need the company of a person, otherwise, out of boredom, they become disobedient and begin to play pranks.
A one-year-old puppy, for example, is capable of destroying a room within an hour. A well-trained Irish Wolfhound can participate in dog shows, obedience competitions, and field trials.
The Irish Wolfhound matures late. They are allowed to jump after a year, then they spend a year training. Of course, they are not as fast as a Border Coley or a Golden Retriever, but they are very tenacious. So even the most dexterous breeds can create worthy competition in agility, and prizes are taken by those individuals whose owners dedicated their lives to it.
Photo of white Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound has a hard, wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat. This coat ideally protects the body from mechanical damage during hunting and chasing wild animals, mosquito and horsefly bites, getting wet, cold and dirt. It has almost no specific “dog” smell. It does not tangle and is quite easy to comb.
Grooming: the coarse fur of the Irishman is not cut, but only trimmed, 2 times a year, spring - autumn. Trimming is done with fingers, a trimming knife or stripping. A trimming knife resembles a serrated knife, with varying tooth heights and frequencies. The knife is not sharp, so as not to cut off the fur, but serves as a replacement for the index finger - to facilitate the process of pulling out the fur.
Regular combing of the coat with a trimming knife will give it a well-groomed appearance and remove undercoat and dead hair. Many breeders find a fishtail-shaped knife to be comfortable in the hand. Individuals who have completed their exhibition career are allowed to be cut.
It is necessary to comb 2 - 3 times a week with a metal comb and a natural bristle brush to keep the hair clean and tidy. During brushing, blood circulation improves, dead hair is removed and the pet enjoys a pleasant massage.
First of all, we comb the fur with a metal comb, we need to start from the head, then move on to the body, comb the sides well, go to the tail, and then move on to the limbs. We hold the comb at an angle strictly in the direction of movement.
Afterwards, we comb the wool with a natural bristle brush, first against the hair, then in the direction of growth. A damp cloth can remove accumulated dust and dirt.
They bathe rarely, 1 - 2 times a year, when soiled or before a show, with shampoo for wire-haired breeds. Wool is not soft, otherwise it will lose the necessary protective qualities, so conditioner is not used. For huge growth, dry cleaning is suitable. Dry shampoo is first rubbed into the coat, and then combed well with a comb. After feeding, wipe the muzzle with a damp towel to remove any remaining food from the beard. After your walk, wash your genitals and paws with a shower.
Nails are trimmed once a month with a nail clipper for large breeds. Too long claws are trimmed in several approaches. Be sure to monitor the condition of the claws; by nature, they are quite curved, and when they grow long, they can cause discomfort when walking.
Check your teeth regularly. Healthy gums have a pleasant pink color without bleeding. Teeth are brushed once a week with a paste for dogs using a toothbrush or a finger attachment. To mechanically remove plaque, let's gnaw on chewing bones.
Inspect your ears regularly, wipe the inside of the shell with a damp cotton pad, removing dust and wax. If there is an unpleasant odor coming from the ear, there is excess wax, fluid is leaking, or the dog is shaking its head or rubbing itself on the floor, be sure to seek help from a veterinarian.
After walks, paws are washed and the paw pads are examined for injuries. The fur between the toes must be removed so that the toes are gathered into a ball. In winter, I lubricate the paw pads with vegetable oil to prevent cracks from appearing.
Examine your eyes regularly. Wash once a week with a damp soft cloth soaked in chamomile infusion or warm water. A healthy eye without souring, redness and excessive tearing. If you notice such symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Get used to the procedures from an early age, otherwise you simply won’t be able to cope with an adult Irish Wolfhound. After hygiene procedures, be sure to praise him and treat him with his favorite treat.
If you find a tick, do not panic. If possible, contact your veterinarian immediately. He will remove the tick, conduct an examination and be able to test for the presence of piroplasmosis.
At home, you can remove a tick yourself:
Monitor your Irish Wolfhound's health over the next few days. If he is active, eats with appetite, has no fever, everything is fine.
But after noticing the following symptoms
:Go to the vet immediately, otherwise the dog may die without medical help.
There are several types of flea and tick remedies:
The drugs are selected according to the weight of the animal, and it is best to consult a veterinarian before purchasing.
The owner must approach the issue of feeding the Irish Wolfhound responsibly. In large breeds, problems with limbs are more common; a diet is selected that is as balanced as possible and enriched with essential substances and minerals. Of course, the easiest way is to consult with the breeder who sold the puppy than to feed the wolfhound. A responsible breeder will definitely offer help and advise the best for the kids.
There are two types of feeding for the Irish Wolfhound:
Of course, there are pros and cons to both. Ready-made food should only be of premium class, which means it is not cheap. Its advantage is that you don’t have to waste time on preparation; it already contains balanced vitamins and microelements.
Natural products are also not cheap, and you will always have to calculate the correct proportions of vitamins and minerals yourself, and a lot of time is spent on preparation. You always know what the food is made from. In any case, no matter what type of food you prefer, remember, never mix dry food and natural food with water feeding.
How correctly you develop a diet for a growing organism depends on its health and well-being throughout life. A young body must be provided with the nutrients necessary for proper development and functioning. Improper feeding leads to rickets, poor bone structure, poor growth and insufficient muscle development.
Number of feedings for an Irish Wolfhound puppy:
The Irish should be fed only after a walk, freshly prepared food at room temperature. Provide constant access to drinking water. The portion should be eaten within 20 minutes, otherwise we put the bowl of food in the refrigerator until the next feeding.
Consult your veterinarian about what vitamins are needed for full development.
Healthy foods:
Prohibited products:
Rapid age-related changes can cause heart problems, improper bone healing and cancer.
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