The Irish Wolfhound

While Irish literature refers to this ancient breed in many ways, including “Big Dogs of Ireland,” Irish Wolfhounds were documented in Rome in the year 391 A.D., where they were presented to the Roman Counsel as gifts, which “all Rome viewed with wonder.” No wonder—they are the largest and tallest of the galloping hounds. Males should be a minimum of 32 inches tall and weigh 120 pounds; females should be a minimum of 30 inches tall and weigh 105 pounds. This is a swift breed which hunts by sight, and needs an ample, fenced yard to accommodate its full gallop. As in early times, Irish Wolfhounds possess an extraordinary social temperament, as well as the intelligence to separate friend, family, and foe.