Breed Standard

Breed Standard:The Irish Wolfhound should not be quite so heavy or massive as the Great Dane, but more so than the Deerhound, which in general type he should otherwise resemble.

Of great size and commanding appearance, very muscular, strongly though gracefully built, movements easy and active; head and neck carried high; the tail carried with an upward sweep with a slight curve towards the extremity.

Great size, including height at shoulder and proportionate length of body, is the desideratum to be aimed at, and it is desired to firmly establish a race (that shall average 32 inches (81cm) to 34 inches (86cm) in dogs) showing the requisite power, activity, courage and symmetry.

HEAD

Head:

Long and level, carried high; the frontal bones of the forehead very slightly
raised and very little indentation between the eyes.

Skull:

Not too broad.

Muzzle:

Long and moderately pointed.

Teeth:

Scissor bite ideal, level acceptable.

Eyes:

Dark.

Ears:

Small Rose Ears (Greyhound like in carriage).

NECK

Neck:

Rather long, very strong and muscular, well arched, without dewlap or loose skin about the throat.

BODY

Body:

Long, well ribbed up.

Back:

Rather long than short.

Loins:

Slightly arched.

Croup:

Great breadth across hips.

Chest:

Very deep, moderately broad, breast wide.

Ribs:

Well sprung.

Belly:

Well drawn up.

Tail:

Long and slightly curved, of moderate thickness, and well covered with hair.

LIMBS

Forequarters
Shoulders:

Muscular, giving breadth of chest, set sloping.

Elbows:

Well under, neither turned inwards nor outwards.

Forearm:

Muscular, heavily boned, quite straight.

Hindquarters
Thighs:

Long and muscular.

Stifle:

Nicely bent.

Second thigh:

Well-muscled, long and strong.

Hocks:

Well let down and turning neither in nor out.

Feet
Feet:

Moderately large and round, neither turned inward nor outwards.

Toes:

Well arched and closed.

Nails:

Very strong and curved.

GAIT/MOVEMENTS

Gait:

Easy and active.

COAT

Coat:

Rough and hard on body, legs and head; especially wiry. Hair over eyes and beard especially wiry.

COLOUR AND MARKINGS

Colour:

The recognised colours are grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn or any colour that appears in the Deerhound.

SIZE: (Height & Weight)

Desired height:

Averaging 32 inches (81cm) to 34 inches (86cm) in dogs.

Minimum height:

Dogs 31 inches (79cm).

Minimum weight:

Dogs 120 pounds (54.5kg).

Minimum height:

Bitches 28 inches (71cm).

Minimum weight:

Bitches 90 pounds (40.5 kg).