The Irish Wolfhound has a long, colorful history as one of the Emerald Isle’s most beloved breeds.
In fact, this noble dog was the preferred pet of Irish kings and lesser nobility, as well as the revered composers of the legendary Irish Sagas.
Since the fifth century, Irish Wolfhounds have been a unique part of Ireland’s culture. As far back as 273 b.c., these unique canines were depicted on ancient wood-cut drawings…
In medieval times (and before), the wolfhound was an excellent companion and a help-meet in war. This domestic canine was also known as a war dog, wolf dog, or Irish hound.
Irish Wolfhounds Were Companions In War…
This large, powerful breed would often be found by the sides of the great Irish Warriors (known as the Fianna) as they cried their battle cries and ran towards the enemy in battle.
Trained to hunt and also to go in for the kill, the wolfhounds of this time period were considered invaluable hunting companions who helped to kill boar, deer, and other food sources.
The Irish wolfhound was close to extinction in the early nineteenth century, until Captain George Augustus Graham decided to devote his life to breeding the dogs and increasing their numbers again.
However, other dogs such as mastiffs were used in breeding, and the dog we know today has less weight and height than the wolfhounds of the middle ages.
Today, This Special Dog Remains A Loyal, Intelligent Pet…
Today, the Irish wolfhound remains a popular pet, and it is known for being the tallest dog (on average) in existence. This dog is a loyal pet and bonds intensely with its master or mistress.
This breed is believed to be very intuitive with human beings, due to a high degree of natural intelligence. Wolfhounds are able to make decisions on their own and decide what their owners want from them (in terms of behaviour), without direct commands. They are considered easy to train and very loyal…
This bright, easygoing breed is generally gentle, even with young kids. Quiet and perceptive, the wolfhound has many positive traits which contribute to its nickname – the “gentle giant”. However, when provoked, these fundamentally gentle animals can quickly become quite fierce.
Male wolfhounds can grow to weigh as much as 120 pounds; the females will weigh a little less. These dogs have quite a short life span, and a wolfhound of five years old will already be considered quite elderly. The average life span of an Irish wolfhound is around 6.8 years.
These dogs are more prone to skeletal problems than some other breeds, and they must be carefully reared when they are puppies, so that there is no undue strain placed on their developing bones. By the age of 18 months, a wolfhound is considered mature enough to endure strenuous activity that requires endurance.
These legendary dogs have changed over time, but they remain one of Ireland’s most beloved animals. Always linked with the Emerald Isle and its colorful past, the Irish Wolfhound has earned its place in history…
Other Symbols Of Ireland…
For the Irish, the wolfhound is a symbol of past centuries…however, other important symbols also exist.
Today’s Irish jewelry designers honor the past by creating handcrafted rings, earrings, and pendants that reflect the art, architecture, and symbolism of ancient Ireland…
This silver Celtic birthstone ring features delicate knot work that has appeared on Irish and Celtic art treasures (such as the Book of Kells) since the sixth century. This mysterious, hypnotic interlace is a symbol of eternity that continues to intrigue through the generations.
Made of affordable, fine silver, this ring can become a treasured symbol of your own heritage. For more beautiful Irish and Celtic jewelry designs, please visit our online Irish jewelry store.