アイリッシュ・ウルフハウンドは力と忠誠の体現であり、古代の守護犬です。#犬 #犬

アイリッシュ・ウルフハウンドは力と忠誠の体現であり、古代の守護犬です。#犬 #犬

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History of the Breed’s Origin

Irish Wolfhounds have a documented history dating back to ancient times. The first reliable mention of them dates back to 391 AD, when the Roman consul Quintus Aurelius Symmachus wrote a letter to his brother thanking him for the gift of seven Irish dogs, noting that “all of Rome looked at them with admiration.” It is believed that the breed existed in Ireland for more than two millennia and was known to Celtic warriors, who called these dogs “Cú” (hound, war dog, wolf dog).

In ancient times, Irish Wolfhounds were the exclusive privilege of royalty and the highest aristocracy. The laws of that time strictly regulated who was allowed to own these animals and how many dogs each owner could keep. Filids (a professional caste of saga writers and poets of the lower nobility) were entitled to two wolfhounds, while the greatest leader of the Fianna troops, Fionn mac Cumhaill, owned three hundred adult wolfhounds and two hundred puppies.

Combat Use and Hunting Abilities

Irish Wolfhounds served both as war dogs for ancient Celtic warriors and as hunters of large game. In combat, these powerful dogs were used to pull enemies from horses and war chariots thanks to their exceptional strength and size. Their hunting abilities were focused on hunting wolves, wild boars, deer, and the giant Irish elk that inhabited the island at that time.

The combination of speed, agility, and power made Irish Wolfhounds exceptionally effective hunters of dangerous game. Historical documents indicate that pairs of Irish Wolfhounds were gifted to royal houses of Europe, Scandinavia, and other lands from the 16th to 18th centuries specifically for hunting large game, where no other dogs could even compare to their capabilities. In the 15th century, every county in England was required to maintain at least twenty-four wolfhounds to protect peasant herds from wolves.

Physical Characteristics

The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest dog breed in the world. Males reach a minimum height of 32 inches (81 cm) at the shoulder and often exceed 3 feet (91 cm) when standing on all fours. When such a dog stands on its hind legs, its height can exceed 7 feet (213 cm). Females are slightly smaller than males, with a minimum height of 30 inches (76 cm). The weight of an adult male ranges from 85 to 180 pounds (38-82 kg), with a typical weight of around 120 pounds (54 kg).

The Irish Wolfhound’s physique displays the classic characteristics of a hunting sighthound: a muscular, flexible body, long, strong legs, a deep chest, and an elongated skull providing a wide field of vision. The breed’s coat is harsh and wavy, of medium length, with a soft undercoat. The breed allows for twelve standard colors, including black, gray, fawn, red, brindle, cream, and white.

Speed ​​and Hunting Prowess

Despite its enormous size, the Irish Wolfhound can reach speeds of up to 64 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour), making it an exceptionally fast predator. The sighthound’s eye structure provides a field of vision of approximately 270 degrees, allowing the dog to track the movement of prey over vast distances. This combination of size, speed, jaw strength, and hunting instinct historically made the Irish Wolfhound an insurmountable opponent for wolves, bears, and other large predators.

Character and Behavior

Despite their formidable hunting heritage, modern Irish Wolfhounds have earned the well-deserved title of “gentle giants.” They are known for their calm, dignified, and gentle nature, being intelligent and sensitive dogs that thrive in human company. However, it should be remembered that beneath their meek demeanor lies an ancient hunting instinct that remains “hardwired” into their disposition over millennia.

A phrase historically used to describe the Irish Wolfhound is: “Gentle when caressed, formidable when provoked.” This is an accurate summary of the dual nature of this breed – the ability to be a calm companion and simultaneously a formidable protector. Wolfhounds demonstrate a natural instinct to protect their loved ones, often positioning themselves between family members and potential threats, although they rarely resort to direct aggression.

Loyalty and Protection

Irish Wolfhounds are exceptionally loyal to their owners and demonstrate a powerful, albeit quiet, form of protection. Their colossal size and presence alone are an effective deterrent to potential threats. Owners often report that their Wolfhounds possess a natural vigilance and observational ability, carefully monitoring their surroundings.