The large, lean, muscular Irish Wolfhound is recognised as one of the largest breeds and is one of the kings of the dog world. Wolfhounds stand over 30 inches at the shoulder and when standing on the hind legs, can reach heights of over 7 feet tall. They have a stately presence, with a bearded face, a long neck, and tail that hangs down with a slight curve. The shaggy coat is rough-looking, crisp in texture and comes in shades of gray, brindle, red, black or white. The ears of the Wolfhound are carried back against the head in repose, and prick up when the dog is excited.


Personality

Aptly known as the gentle giant, the Irish wolfhound is a soft-natured, easygoing breed. It is calm around the house, sensitive, patient, easygoing and sweet. Despite its great size, they are good with children, pets and other dogs. It is reserved with strangers and courageous when the need arises.


History

While there is some debate over the origin of the Irish Wolfhound, most experts believe that the breed’s Middle Eastern sighthound ancestors were brought to the British Isles by Phoenician sea-traders about 3,000 years ago. Some think they were then crossed with local Mastiffs to produce what looked like a giant greyhound; others believe that the Irish Sheepdog and/or the Scottish Deerhound are in the ancestral mix.

The gradual disappearance of the wolf and continued demand abroad reduced their numbers almost to the point of extinction by the end of the 17th century. The revival of interest in the breed championed by Capt. G A Graham, accompanied the growth of Irish nationalism in the late 19th century. The Irish Wolfhound became a living symbol of Irish culture and of the Celtic past. Since 1902, an Irish Wolfhound has been the mascot to the Irish Guards regiment of Queen Elizabeth II.


The celtic legend of Cú Chulainn

The celtic legend of Cú Chulainn is one of many interrelated stories that make up the Táin (a legendary tale from early Irish literature). Historians, and archaeologists believe that the Táin dates from 500BC to 500AD Ireland. It was committed to written word in the 11th Century Book of the Dun Cow, the 12th Century Book of Leinster and the 14th century Book of Lecan. Today the stories of the Táin are an integral part of irish education, culture and history.


The Naming of Cú Chullainn



Setanta was the nephew of King Conor McNessa of the Province of Ulster in Ireland around 100 ad. At that time Hurling was a traditional sport for irish boys and Setanta was a skilled player. One evening, the King was invited for a feast to the fort of the blacksmith Culann but Setanta was late arriving. At the house he was confronted by Culann’s giant wolfhound  which growled fiercely and bound towards him. Without a second thought and with all his speed and accuracy, Setanta hurled his sliotar into the hound’s gaping mouth and killed him instantly.

Culann’s feast was interrupted and he was distressed that his mighty watchdog was dead. Seeing this Setanta offered to train a hound to be as magnificent as the one he had just killed and in the meantime Setanta himself would defend Culann’s fort and be Culann’s watchdog. Culann accepted this offer and thenceforth Setanta was known as Cú Chulainn, the hound (cú) of Culann.