life with an irish wolfhound

Many breeders are working hard to breed healthier, longer lived hounds, but it is a long road, and these things are not accomplished overnight. Sit! There are mentions of the c translated, variously, as wolf dog or Irish hound in Irish laws pre-dating Christianity. As they usually form a very strong bond with their owners they are eager to please and quick to learn. Life with a Wolfhound is never dull. Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest and heaviest members of the hound group and are classed as a giant breed. Leaving a Wolfhound at home all day whilst his owners are out at work is not ideal. Theyre very conscious of their pack; when I used to take the twins out in the double buggy, Monty would place himself between the girls and the friend we had gone to see., Marmaduke, the Irish wolfhound, enjoying afternoon tea. Place of origin: Ireland perhaps as early as 7000BC! They enjoy the great indoors just as much as the outdoors (providing they have enough space) and make for loving, even-tempered pets. The average lifespan of the Irish Wolfhound in North America is around 7 years. The Irish wolfhound has graced these isles for thousands of years. No breeder will let you buy a wolfhound without being checked. Search for your nearest UK veterinary practice, Speak to a qualified vet online, from the comfort of your home, Company's registered name: Independent Vetcare Ltd An early-19th-century painting of an Irish wolfhound by the artist Reinagle shows the dog looking back over his shoulder into the past. Many breeders have only one litter a year (or less), so you may have to wait for your perfect puppy. They can really gallop up there on that large stretch of land; theyre in their element. My uncle, who is on his fourth, originally had to submit aerial photos, Mrs Rolfe discloses these were to satisfy the breeder that the dog had sufficient space. Because of their size and bodily structure, Irish Wolfhounds arent suited to small living spaces. Its like a sight from a different century.. He will go and find what hes not allowed. To date, this has included a roast chicken, a whole Brie, several pats of butter and a sofa. Marmadukes bowl is the size of a horses feed bucket and, instead of a stick, he helps himself to the contents of the log basket. If you have lots of open space in and outside of your home and youre happy with a laidback lifestyle, an Irish Wolfhound may be the perfect breed for you! You will want to have a good working relationship and friendship with this person over the duration of your hound's life (and hopefully beyond). Lake House was built in 1578 by a man called George Duke and Old Sarum was an Iron Age hill fort, the site of the old settlement, north of Salisbury, Miss Styler explains. He should come to you when called, stop when told, sit and lie down on command and walk well on a lead. It's one thing to think about a dog laying it's head across the counter to snag a snack, and quite another thing to actually see it! We use cookies on our website to make it easier for you to use. Unfortunately, our beloved breed is prone to some serious health issues, and the prospective owner needs to be aware of them. Wolfhounds are kindly, tolerant dogs, gentle by nature, but do not be misled by the. Irish Wolfhounds are known to be quite sensitive, so perhaps their need for positive reinforcement is greater than that of other breeds. Patience is important in getting your first (or second or third) wolfhound. This helps us to provide you with a good experience when you browser our website and also allows us to improve our website. They always need to be on. Such an area needs to be much larger for a Wolfhound than for most other breeds of dog. They are quite sensitive by nature, so rarely need to be shouted at unless they have done something really bad (or dangerous) and they should never be physically chastised. Wolfhounds can be trained in obedience, but you must bear in mind that it can take a little longer for the brain to communicate with the rest of that giant body! The sheer size of the breed is the first and foremost thing to consider. At the age of 10 months, he already stands 36in at the shoulder and, although still very puppyish, hes displaying the breeds wonderful traits and temperament, following two-year-old Camilla around the garden to keep an eye on her. Florrie, along with Myrtle and Dahlia, is also fond of gardening, creating some spectacular holes think The Great Escape. When in doubt, contact the breed club of your country to inquire about breeders. Miss Styler hosts fundraisers and regular heart testing at Lake House and theres a bone-cancer research project running with Nottingham Vet School. Marmaduke, the Irish wolfhound. You may find your Irish Wolfhound to be quite introverted and happy keeping themselves entertained, but make no mistake theyre quite content in your company! Exercise keeps the heart and body fit and functional. Wolfhounds are considered one of the healthier giant breeds, however from time to time he will obviously require some veterinary attention. They require a safe, fenced in area in which to relieve themselves and a safe place to gallop daily. Irish Wolfhounds are gentle giants. Transportation for such a large hound also bears consideration, especially if you are considering more hounds down the road. Breeders are always open to visitors, and love to talk about their hounds! Marmaduke the Irish Wolfhound in the drawing room. The Irish Wolfhound is a rough-coated breed. A source of great pride for the Irish, the wolfhound features in the emblem of the national bank, founded by Daniel OConnell, and the breed has been sought out by wealthy Americans with Irish ancestry. Complete your Irish Wolfhounds grooming routine with regulartooth brushing,nail clipsandear checks. Start training when your Irish Wolfhound is young or if youre adopting one, start training almost as soon as you bring them home. Tales abound of the Fianna and their greatest chief, Fionn mac Cumhall, hunting and fighting with their colossal hounds. Your house, your car, your lifestyle, will be totally re-arranged around him. It is a fantastic opportunity to meet many different hounds and their breeders/owners. Many Wolfhounds can easily clear three foot, so you will need fencing which is at least four feet high to safely contain an Irish Wolfhound. Theyre usually easy enough to train but you may have to go to greater lengths to kerb their inner hunter. They moult throughout the year and will benefit greatly from regular grooming. It was moving to a 16th-century house near Stonehenge that sparked Trudie Stylers love affair with the breed in the early 1990s. And did I mention that they are highly addictive?! Cardiac diseases, cancers, and bloat are all present within the breed. How big do Irish Wolfhounds get? They are extremely faithful dogs, who have a need to be with their owners as often as possible. Relaxed, yes, but just when you think you have them figured out, they will amaze you. Great care should be taken to ensure that he is not given the opportunity to 'hunt' livestock. The film director John Huston kept them and John F. Kennedy, perhaps with his own Camelot in mind, had one at the White House. Theyre well suited to flat surfaces and you should avoid walking your Irish Wolfhound up/down stairs this can have a bad impact on their joints. Marmaduke and six-year-old Elizabeth Rolfe enjoy tea at their home. We take it for granted and don't see our hounds as particularly large, but it can take some getting used to. 47 54kg, Colour: Black, White, Brindle, Fawn, Grey, Red. Irish Wolfhounds are typically very calm and happy when inside. Credit: Sarah Farnsworth. Although they can adapt well to life as a couch potato, Irish Wolfhounds require free running exercise to keep them in optimal condition. It was heartbreaking, then, when Monty had to be put to sleep, aged just six, due to cancer. Once they had been approved for Mrs Gwilliam, the people are as important as the place as wolfhounds are soulful dogs and crave that interaction with humans more than anything else Marmaduke joined the household. When I visit, there are 11 Dukesarum wolfhounds in residence, including Cainagh and Winston, our house dogs, a handsome young hound called Atticus the second love of my life, his mistress laughs and four 13-week-old puppies, with coltish long legs and endearingly huge paws. They are intuitive with their people, and often stoic about their own problems. Battersea Dogs Home isn't only in Battersea they also have centres out in the country where you could find the, Which is the more popular spaniel, the springer or the cocker? These cookies store information about how you use our website, such as what you click on. Danielle Rolfe and her husband, Guy, bought their first wolfhound, Montgomery, when they moved to Penton Park at Penton Mewsey in Hampshire. Putting Duke and Sarum together gave her the perfect prefix for these majestic dogs. Waiting for a puppy from a reputable breeder is far more rewarding in the long run than satisfying an instant need by buying one from a questionable source. Wolfhounds can cover significant ground once they get moving! However, he should be perfectly capable of understanding the basic commands essential to ensure that he is well mannered and manageable. Housing is another big consideration, as these guys take up a lot of real estate. Adult male Wolfhounds can grow to around 3' at the shoulder and weigh up to 14 stone. Credit: Millie Pilkington, The family acquired two puppies, Gideon and Finbarr, who immediately seemed to fit not just Lake House, but into our lives so loyal and kind around children, so loyal to me; the ideal dog for this lovely place.. Marmaduke is always ready for a rest at his Penton Park, Hampshire, home. 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He also refuses to get into the back of the familys Discovery, much in the way that some big horses wont load into a trailer. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the breed, and to see how they live. Youll likely find Irish Wolfhounds to be intelligent, gentle and shy. They do not enjoy being left alone for long periods and, despite their giant size, are much better suited to living in the house as part of the family than in an outside kennel. Its tremendous going for walks up the old drovers road towards Stonehenge when there are seven or eight at a time, muses Miss Styler. Wolfhounds can be very athletic, so you will need fencing of an adequate height to keep them confined within the boundaries of your property. Mythical and magnificent, yet gentle and intensely loyal, the Irish wolfhound can only be described in superlatives, finds Flora Watkins. As for 'trainability' - don't expect too much from the Irish Wolfhound. She often walks seven or eight dogs at a time. I can't imagine ever being without at least 2 or 3 of them. Health concerns are another factor to consider before getting an Irish Wolfhound. Hilary Jupp, a retired breeder whos researched the Irish wolfhound for 40 years, says that, although the name is quite a recent one, the hound itself goes back far into the mists of time. If that is not something you think you could handle, then this is probably not the breed for you. We lost our first Wolfhound at only 3 years of age. Wolfhounds are usually friendly towards other dogs, although because of their great size this is not always reciprocated! Everyone who considers this breed needs to be prepared to lose a hound at a young age. When they were babies, all of my children used to lie on him to drink their bottles, she continues. Although Gideon lived to a good age, Finn didnt go on as long wolfhounds, sadly, only tend to live for 610 years and the experience prompted Miss Styler to found her Dukesarum kennel, committed to breeding for health and longevity. Credit: Sarah Farnsworth. The first modern Irish wolfhounds were registered with the English Kennel Club in 1886. Once the country seat of William Cubitt, when he was Lord Mayor of London, its now owned by Mr Rolfes parents and run by the family as a wedding venue. is something the Wolfhound wants to know! Although they do not require huge amounts of food once they are mature, they do need to eat substantially while they are growing into giants. Established in 1885 by Capt George Augustus Graham. Theyll need 1-2 walks a day to keep them fit and healthy, although play time out in the garden would be a valid alternative. The oldest Irish Wolfhound club in the world. When considering the lifetime cost of owning a dog, remember to take into account: For more info on finding the best dog breed for you and your lifestyle, have a chat with your vet. They need exercise, like any other dog, but theyre not high-energy, like spaniels and labradors, Dr Lyons continues. The 69ths wolfhounds are the only animals permitted in the St Patricks Day parade on Fifth Avenue in New York, Sporting artist Cecil Aldin repeatedly painted his wolfhound, Micky, alongside Cracker the bull terrier in the charming book Sleeping Partners, Other famous owners have included the actor Rudolph Valentino, who left a dog valued at $5,000 (3,735) when he died in 1926, and the Regency romance novelist Georgette Heyer, whose bitch, Misty Dawn, stood 33in at the shoulder, Many think Sir Arthur Conan Doyle had an Irish wolfhound in mind for. Wolfhounds are certainly not suitable candidates for patrolling and protecting business premises. As with other sighthounds, theyll take a bit of exercise, then like to take it easy. : at 10 months, Marmaduke (pictured here with two-year-old Camilla Rolfe) already stands 36in at the shoulder. Only kings and the nobility were allowed to own the great Irish hound, which was used to hunt wolves and deer, to protect herds and went into battle alongside its master. A course of antibiotics alone can easily cost several hundred dollars. Despite this, Maura Lyons, a molecular geneticist who is heavily involved with efforts to improve the health of the breed, manages to keep three wolfhounds at her two-bedroom cottage in Angus although she reveals that we dont mind sharing our sofas and Florrie gets into bed with us. Monty proved to be the archetypal gentle giant with the couples three little girls. I think youd enjoy having your own dog and this house sort of looks like it should be for wolfhounds., Miss Styler stands tall with two of her Dukesarum wolfhounds, Atticus and Scout. The same goes for ongoing costs of ownership. They are most definitely "people" dogs". I would also encourage anyone wanting a Wolfhound to talk to and visit with as many breeders as they can. Iwould encourage anyone new to the Irish Wolfhound breed to attend a Specialty Show if they have a chance to. Find your nearest vet using ourFind a Vetpage, or speak to a vet online usingOnline Vets. However, the minute a wedding cake comes into the house, were on lockdown, Mrs Rolfe adds hastily. If problems can be identified early, Dr Lyons explains, then owners know that you dont breed from that dog. Thanks to the efforts of Miss Styler and fellow passionate advocates, the wolfhound is looking to the future, as well as the past. Owing to their large size and hunters instincts, Irish Wolfhounds are suited to houses with large and secure open/garden areas for them to roam around in. Even then, nothing is sacred to a hound hell-bent on self-service, who stands well over 6 feet on his hind legs! Because of his size, most treatments will be more expensive, so a good insurance policy is worth considering. These cookies do things like tell us if you've seen our adverts on social media, such as Facebook or Twitter. It's also an excellent chance to get a feel for what it is like to be around such giant dogs. To use this website you must enable JavaScript. Youll only need to bathe your Irish Wolfhound when theyve rolled through something smelly. Something about the place itself inspired her husband, she recalls. Food cannot be left on kitchen worktops and needs to be placed at picture rail level. Living with an Irish Wolfhound is a truly rewarding experience, but it is not for everyone. "What's in if for me?" They will be there at all hours of the day or night to support you and answer your questions, so make sure the fit is right for you. After the last wolf was killed in Ireland in the 18th century, the breed came close to dying out and it fell to two Victorian Scots to revive it: Maj Richardson lived in Dublin and Capt Graham began breeding in Gloucestershire, outcrossing with Scottish deerhounds. Its an arresting image and one with which devotees are familiar, for myths and legends swirl around the wolfhounds origins, like so many ancient sites. The cost of all veterinary care will be more than the average sized dog. 76 81cm, How heavy are Irish Wolfhounds? As a general rule, Wolfhounds do not make good guard dogs. A neighbour put the Rolfes in touch with the Dukesarum kennel and Miss Stylers breeder, Glenys Gwilliam. The breed continued to be a favourite of the aristocracy: that great sporting Diana, Elizabeth, Empress of Austria, who travel-led to Ireland and Leicestershire for the hunting, had a brace of Irish wolfhounds: Shadow and Plato. Please note: A dogs exercise, training/stimulation and grooming requirements can depend on several factors such as age and health. Trudie Styler at home with six Irish wolf-hounds from her Dukesarum kennel. For advice on one specific dog, we always advise chatting with a vet. Registered number: 07746795 - Registered Address: The Chocolate Factory, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 2AU Credit: Sarah Farnsworth. They can be hunters one minute, then clowns the next. Their great size and deep bark may prove an effective deterrent to the uninitiated, but as most Wolfhounds are friendly sorts, they will likely welcome any intruder with a wag and a lick! He is a hunter, not a working dog. (Picture: Sarah Farnsworth). Monty once wolfed down a delivery of scallops and king prawns, that had been ordered from a Chelsea fishmonger for a family barbecue. Irish Wolfhounds are loving, loyal souls, with a great sense of humor! Today, the Irish wolfhound is no longer the preserve of the aristocracy and is prized as a family pet rather than a hunter, but owners do need sizeable grounds. She speaks warmly of Miss Stylers efforts, as patron of the Irish Wolfhound Health Group, to try to reduce the heart problems and osteo-sarcoma that can affect the breed. Photographs by Millie Pilkington and Sarah Farnsworth. However, Mrs Jupp cautions that some of the stories about wolfhounds such as that of Gelert, slain by his master, Prince Llewellyn of Wales, in the mistaken belief he had killed his infant son (Gelert had killed a wolf threatening the baby) seem, sadly, to have been made up completely. Although not typically outgoing with strangers, these dogs can be lap-dogs with their closest friends! When you welcome a Wolfhound into your life everything will change. They enjoy companionship of other animals and can be disarmingly gentle with the tiniest of creatures. Some live much longer than that, even into double digits, while others die much younger. With proper training, they can excel in the Obedience ring. We discovers why lurchers are one of life's guilty pleasures. Sting just said to me Id like to buy a wolfhound. (Picture: Sarah Farnsworth). Space is essential for an Irish wolfhound, because, when youre as tall as a Shetland pony and the kitchen table is at shoulder height, all your accoutrements are Brobdingnagian. This is a smart breed that will not do repetitive tasks for the sake of pleasing you. Originally bred as hunting dogs, your Irish Wolfhound will always have the temptation to chase, so keep them on a lead whilst out walking until you reach a secure area where they cant wander off too far. If it isnt hard to imagine Uther Pendragon walking among the Dukesarum wolfhounds on Salisbury Plain, thats because the breed, in some form, dates from well before the time of the Arthurian legends. However, you must remember, he is a hunting sighthound and his instincts to chase are likely to be strong. Finding a suitable breeder match is very important. Theyll need socialising from an early age in order to feel comfortable around new friends, but Irish Wolfhounds are typically really good with children and other pets. Coffee tables become pointless items of furniture - from which everything will be wagged off. See our cookie policy. We use 3 different types of cookies on our website. This breed has been referred to time and again as the "heartbreak" breed, and it can be true. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for credit-related regulated activities under reference number: FRN738010. These cookies do things like keep the website secure. Read more. The mournful howls of lonely hound will disturb the entire parish, not just next door neighbours, and may make you most unpopular! There are many considerations to think about before welcoming this breed into your life. You can say which ones you're happy for us to use below. Our website uses cookies to distinguish you from other users of our website. A family pet of the Rolfe family, Marmaduke was bought from Dukesarum kennel, which is owned by Trudie Styler.

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