Irish Wolfhound — size comparison

The Irish Wolfhound is a very tall sighthound with a strong but moderately light frame. It has a long head, small ears folding back and a rough coat particularly noticeable over the eyes and beneath the jaw. Long legs, a deep chest and a strong back support a wide, free stride. Its height contrasts with a gentle, attentive expression.

Large Irish hounds were associated with hunting wolves and other big game and with the culture of the nobility. Numbers declined as hunting changed and wolves disappeared. In the nineteenth century, Captain George Augustus Graham was among those who worked to reconstruct the breed. The modern Wolfhound results from that work; the club and first standard date from 1885.

At home it can be calm and affectionate, quietly seeking its people’s presence. New situations are often assessed without agitation, while young dogs readily seek contact and play. Interest in movement remains, and a fleeing animal may cause sudden excitement. Sensitivity and attachment often favour a relationship based on calm contact and mutual attention.

Measurement sources

• Wzorzec i wielkość
• Charakter, pielęgnacja i historia
• AKC — długość życia, pielęgnacja i historia