Dog breed Irish Wolfhound: description, nature and price of puppies

Now there are many breeds of dogs, we know practically nothing about some. We suggest you get acquainted with the Irish Wolfhound breed. These are rather unusual dogs. Do you want to know more about them? Then read on the article.

Irish Wolfhound: Breed description and history

Ancestors of the representatives of this breed are the ancient Egyptian greyhounds, and the closest relative is the dirhound. From reliable sources it became known that in Ireland wolfhounds already exist more than two thousand years. Throughout the centuries of existence, dogs were used to hunt large animals such as deer, wolf and wild boar.

George Agustus Graham, the 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 view from extinction. In order to restore the breed, in the breeding work Graham used the blood of Pyrenees dogs, dirhounds, Russian Greyhounds and Danes. The Irish Wolfhound received official recognition of the breed in 1879, six years later Graham approved its first standard.

The image of such dogs can be seen on postage stamps, china, coins and whiskey. Irish consider these dogs a symbol of their country. Sometimes they even call wolfhounds a national treasure. In our time, the breed is loved and appreciated not only in its homeland. You can meet the representatives of the breed in Australia, Europe, Russia and other states.

Breed standards: weight, wool and color

Irish Wolfhound is a muscular large dog of elegant build. On average, the representatives of the breed at the withers reach 83 cm, and their weight - 56 kg. The Irish wolfhound has a long head with a well-marked transition from the forehead to the face, well developed withers, small ears.

The tail of such a dog is thick, as a rule, it is lowered down, the tip is slightly curved. Wool is stiff, long on the chin and above the eyebrows, needs special care. The color of such dogs can be different. You can meet both black and fawn Irish wolfhounds. In addition, there are white, gray and red representatives of the breed.

The nature of the Irish dog

Such a dog is not only big in size, but it has a huge charm and high intelligence. She also has a sensitive heart that is capable of boundless love for the owner. As a rule, these dogs easily converge with all people and even animals.

Although the name of the breed and the Irish wolfhound, but these dogs can not boast of pronounced security or watchdog qualities, and they have already lost the hunting instinct long ago. The only thing they can scare with is their size. Undoubtedly, there are exceptions among the representatives of each breed. But we can say that the modern Irish wolfhound whose photo you see in this article is more of a good companion than a bodyguard, a hunter or a watchman.

Choosing a puppy is not an easy task. Tips from professionals

So, you decided to have such a dog, weighed all the pros and cons. Then we'll tell you now how to choose the right dog. Where to start looking for a new friend? Of course, with visiting exhibitions. At these events, you can get to know dogs better. Puppies of the Irish wolfhound can also be sold there.

If you do not have enough knowledge to choose a high-class dog, you can ask for help from an expert, especially if you want to make your pet an exhibition career.

The most important thing in this matter is the origin of the dog. You have to make sure that the puppy's parents conform to the breed standards, have an even psyche and excellent health.

When choosing a pet, remember that besides good genetics, there are other factors, as a result of which it is impossible to say with certainty that you are buying a champion. Honest and respectable breeder will never give you such communication.

When you buy a puppy, look at the conditions in which dogs are kept. There must be perfect purity. Before buying make sure that the dog is healthy. He must have a cold nose, clean skin, ears and eyes, a soft belly. Also, check with the breeder which vaccinations were made to the animal and whether it was given anthelmintic.

If we talk about the temperament of puppies, then experts advise choosing the most playful and moving.

Care and maintenance of a big friend

Despite their large size, such a dog at home behaves quietly. All that is required of him is a spacious place for rest and sleep, as well as a regular paddock, preferably to be able to run on freedom. If you plan to drive a pet and on a leash, then you need to accustom to it from childhood, otherwise there will be problems in the future, because the dog grows large. Irish wolfhound loves joint walks with family.

Such a great dog perfectly suits both in a city apartment and in a private house. If you keep a pet in the house, you do not need to keep it in the cage all the time. It is very important for a dog to be close to the owner. Because of the long separation, he can die from a heart rupture. By the way, breeders are advised from early childhood to teach him to stay with other people, in addition to the owner.

If we talk about hygiene and hair care, then in these cases there will be no problems. Such a dog needs only to periodically comb and clean, and to bathe once every three months.

Such a dog likes to spend time on the street. Of course, if it is very dirty, it should be washed more often. For swimming, it is advisable to use a special shampoo and conditioner. In addition, it is necessary to handle in time from fleas and ticks, in order to avoid additional health problems.

It is necessary to accustom the animal to caring for the hair, as well as for claws, from an early age, so that later it would be easier to do everything. Since the claws of such dogs are curved, they must be regularly cut. A couple of times a year you need to remove dead hair.

In the ears, the wool can be plucked or cut. It is necessary to keep them clean and dry, especially when the dog spends a lot of time in nature.

For a more aesthetic appearance, it is common to slightly trim the front of the neck, ears and head.

Irish wolfhound needs a balanced diet. A dog for normal development should receive all the necessary substances (carbohydrates, proteins and others). Since the animal does not know the measures in absorbing food, one must control that there is no overeating, otherwise there may be problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Health and disease

The average life of these dogs is ten years. Irish wolfhound has strong immunity, but has a tendency to the following diseases:

1. Wobblers Syndrome.
2. Hypothyroidism.
3. Bloating.
4. Cataract.
5. Pioderma.
6. Hygroma of the elbow.
7. Osteochondrosis of the shoulder.
8. Von Willebrand's disease.
9. Dislocation of the kneecap.
10. Dilated cardiomyopathy.
11. Osteosarcoma.
12. Hip dysplasia.
13. Entropion.

Education and training

These dogs are very smart, balanced. As a rule, there is no problem with the upbringing of such a dog. As we said above, the Irish wolfhound is an animal with a big heart, so for normal development, he needs the attention and caress of the owner. Of course, there are times when you need to show firmness, but you should, of course, be able to combine it with a good attitude towards the pet as a whole.

Usually such dogs are trained in general commands and skills, with them are OKD. Experts do not recommend teaching the Irish Wolfhound ZKS and other protective trainers, so as not to awaken unsafe instincts in it.

Nurseries, clubs and the cost of a puppy

It is believed that for the first time the dogs of this breed came to Russia in the middle of the nineteenth century, and these dogs were widely spread later. Serious breeding began to be engaged only in 1980. The basis for domestic wolfhounds was served by individuals who were brought from Germany. Later, they added the blood of American and Irish dogs. It can not be said with certainty that these dogs have become very popular in our state, but they have found their fans. In Russia there is a National Club of this breed.

And how much is an Irish wolfhound? The price for one representative of the breed ranges from twenty thousand rubles to one hundred.

A small conclusion

Now you know who the Irish wolfhound is. His character is quite calm, so this animal can become a faithful and devoted friend for you and your kids. Feel free to choose this breed!