What should you look for in an Irish Wolfhound puppy? This is a bit of a tricky question.
First, you should agree if you want a male or female puppy. Irish Wolfhound males and females are alike in many respects but there are distinct differences between the sexes that you should be aware of.
You have to ensure that you are aware of what you expect from your new addition so you can advise the breeder. Let him/her know if you want a companion, show dog, or a competitive performance dog. No matter what the function you desire in your puppy, all puppies in the litter will have the same bloodlines. Most well-bred litters from ethical breeders are bred to emphasize the health, character, and trainability of every puppy in the litter. In the pursuit for your puppy, you want to examine the puppies together at first.
An Irish Wolfhound puppy should have, first and foremost, a good temperament. They should be inquisitive, outgoing, and unafraid in his advances towards everything and everybody. They will also demand and display affection without inhibition. Many times puppies will choose one of the litter to pick on. This does not mean this puppy is defective in any way. Take this puppy aside and he will usually contend himself when he is away from his littermates.
The Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a breed of domestic dog , specifically a sighthound. The name originates from its purpose (wolf hunting with dogs) rather than from its appearance. The breed was originally developed for use as war hounds as well as hunting and guarding its owners homes but over time it changed roles to become a modern day family pet.
Appearance
Irish Wolfhounds can be an imposing sight due to their formidable size; they are the tallest of all dog breeds. The Irish Wolfhound is remarkable in combining power and swiftness with keen sight. The largest and tallest of the galloping hounds, in general type he is a rough-coated, Greyhound-like breed; very muscular, strong 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".
The colors allowed by the American Kennel Club are "grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, wheaten and steel grey". The American Kennel Club allows "any other color that appears in the Deerhound". The size as specified by the AKC is "Minimum height for mature males: 32 inches, females: 30 inches. Minimum weight: 120lbs for males, 105 lbs for females. Great size, including height of shoulder and proportionate length of body is to be aimed at, and it is desired to firmly establish a breed that shall average (minimum) from 32-34in. in dogs". The height/weight standards in Ireland and England are slightly different.
Temperament
The Irish Wolfhounds are quiet by nature and an easygoing animal. Wolfhounds often create a strong bond with their family and can become quite destructive or morose if left alone for long periods of time. Despite the need for their own people, Wolfhounds generally are somewhat stand-offish with total strangers. They should not be territorially aggressive to other domestic dogs but are born with specialized skills and it is common for hounds at play to course another dog. This is a specific hunting behavior, not a fighting or territorial domination behavior.
Most Wolfhounds are very gentle with children. The Irish Wolfhound is relatively easy to train. They respond well to firm, but gentle, consistent leadership. The Wolfhound of today is far from the one that struck fear into the hearts of the Ancient Romans.
Irish Wolfhounds are often favored for their loyalty, affection, patience and devotion. Although at some points in history they have been used as watchdogs, unlike some breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is usually unreliable in this role as they are often friendly toward strangers.
First, you should agree if you want a male or female puppy. Irish Wolfhound males and females are alike in many respects but there are distinct differences between the sexes that you should be aware of.
You have to ensure that you are aware of what you expect from your new addition so you can advise the breeder. Let him/her know if you want a companion, show dog, or a competitive performance dog. No matter what the function you desire in your puppy, all puppies in the litter will have the same bloodlines. Most well-bred litters from ethical breeders are bred to emphasize the health, character, and trainability of every puppy in the litter. In the pursuit for your puppy, you want to examine the puppies together at first.
An Irish Wolfhound puppy should have, first and foremost, a good temperament. They should be inquisitive, outgoing, and unafraid in his advances towards everything and everybody. They will also demand and display affection without inhibition. Many times puppies will choose one of the litter to pick on. This does not mean this puppy is defective in any way. Take this puppy aside and he will usually contend himself when he is away from his littermates.
The Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a breed of domestic dog , specifically a sighthound. The name originates from its purpose (wolf hunting with dogs) rather than from its appearance. The breed was originally developed for use as war hounds as well as hunting and guarding its owners homes but over time it changed roles to become a modern day family pet.
Appearance
Irish Wolfhounds can be an imposing sight due to their formidable size; they are the tallest of all dog breeds. The Irish Wolfhound is remarkable in combining power and swiftness with keen sight. The largest and tallest of the galloping hounds, in general type he is a rough-coated, Greyhound-like breed; very muscular, strong 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".
The colors allowed by the American Kennel Club are "grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, wheaten and steel grey". The American Kennel Club allows "any other color that appears in the Deerhound". The size as specified by the AKC is "Minimum height for mature males: 32 inches, females: 30 inches. Minimum weight: 120lbs for males, 105 lbs for females. Great size, including height of shoulder and proportionate length of body is to be aimed at, and it is desired to firmly establish a breed that shall average (minimum) from 32-34in. in dogs". The height/weight standards in Ireland and England are slightly different.
Temperament
The Irish Wolfhounds are quiet by nature and an easygoing animal. Wolfhounds often create a strong bond with their family and can become quite destructive or morose if left alone for long periods of time. Despite the need for their own people, Wolfhounds generally are somewhat stand-offish with total strangers. They should not be territorially aggressive to other domestic dogs but are born with specialized skills and it is common for hounds at play to course another dog. This is a specific hunting behavior, not a fighting or territorial domination behavior.
Most Wolfhounds are very gentle with children. The Irish Wolfhound is relatively easy to train. They respond well to firm, but gentle, consistent leadership. The Wolfhound of today is far from the one that struck fear into the hearts of the Ancient Romans.
Irish Wolfhounds are often favored for their loyalty, affection, patience and devotion. Although at some points in history they have been used as watchdogs, unlike some breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is usually unreliable in this role as they are often friendly toward strangers.
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