1. He/she was originally a war dog used to drag men off horseback or off chariots.
2. He was also used as a hunting dog and a guard dog. They hunted wolves and elks when they were abundant in Ireland.
3. Oliver Cromwell saved the Irish wolfhound by refusing to allow the export of any more from Ireland after the numbers dwindled.
4. In the mid 1800s Capt George Augustus brought the breed back form the verge of extinction by cross breedings with deerhounds, great danes and mastiffs
5. The pure Irish wolfhound comes in various colors, from cream to black. Wheatens, reds of various shades, and greys from pale silver to slate are included, either with or without brindling. White on tip of tail and feet (and legs) is acceptable, but excess white spotting (blaze or collar) is not.
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Read More:
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6. There is also a color in the breed which is considered impermissible which is blue. In the past, if this color occurred the affected puppies were put down at birth or as soon after as their color became obvious.
7. Wolfhounds usually adore children. However, they are not always good with other animals especially smaller ones because of their hunting instinct. and that is something that should be borne in mind.
8. The Royal Irish Regiment , Prince William’s regiment in the British Army has a wolfhound as mascot
9. They are sometimes used in Scotland for herding sheep and are said to be almost as good as the border collies.
10. They are not considered the brightest of dogs, compared to border collies or other breeds.
Here's a clip about Irish wolfhounds -
13 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.flameangel | Nov 03, 2011, 02:35 PM EDT
I love these beautiful, loving dogs.We had 5 growing up, they were sweet & gentle and when you walk them some people would be scared and cross the street just because of their size...
PolinDeB | Nov 02, 2011, 09:44 PM EDT
If ever there was proof that English protestants care more about their pets than children ;0 "Oh look at the baby on the pike.. mind the dog.. oh what a pretty dog you are..." Oliver Cromwell in Clonmel.
paddyRanger | Nov 02, 2011, 09:23 PM EDT
And Both the Royal Irish Regiment AND the Irish Guards have a Wolfhound as Regimental Mascots !~
warrenpoint00 | Nov 02, 2011, 09:09 PM EDT
He may have saved dogs dude , but he murdered raped and brutalized many Irish nationals with his warped mentality. I hope the hounds are peeing on his soil. I have no doubt a huge big hound is taking good care of him now in the inner depths of eternity.Cherrio Oliver.
paddyRanger | Nov 02, 2011, 08:08 PM EDT
"8. The Royal Irish Regiment , Prince William’s regiment in the British Army has a wolfhound as mascot" WRONG..........please fact check before you post stuff this is totally incorrect, PRINCE ANDREW IS col in chief of the Royal Irish Regiment, Prince William is a Col of the IRISH GUARDS, learn the difference, the IRISH GUARDS are NOT THE ROYAL IRISH REGIMENT
manhattan | Nov 02, 2011, 05:06 PM EDT
To bad the wolfhound didn't eat Cromwell for breakfast. But then the poor dog would have died after tasting that horrible creature.
dwelleronthe | Nov 02, 2011, 03:07 PM EDT
Mrs. Benzick (sic) for years led the St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York with her four Irish Wolf Hounds. She was our neighbor in Elmont L.I.. I have fond memories of those dogs.
Liamkeyes | Nov 02, 2011, 03:06 PM EDT
I always wanted one but it has to be treated exceptionally well. The short lifespan is definitely a minus, one becomes very attached to them and losing one is very difficult to deal with. I for one missed my pets more than I missed some people.
Nicomax | Nov 02, 2011, 01:42 PM EDT
A little known fact was that "Dogs over People" was inked on Cromwell's left buttock.
Jamcelt | Nov 02, 2011, 01:19 PM EDT
Holy S**t, the genocidal maniac that was Cromwell did some good in Ireland. Hope he still gets a cactus shoved up his ass every half hour in hell.
PhlutiePhan | Nov 02, 2011, 12:49 PM EDT
I have been to the St. Paddy's Parade in NYC the last four yrs. The Fighting Sixty Ninth always has a few wolfhounds. They are impressive and were used in Iraq when the National Guard was deployed and left a few brave men behind.
cillowen | Nov 02, 2011, 11:40 AM EDT
Put people to work saving an animal that served his reign well. Had a thing with royals as well, wanted 'em dead. This Hitler-like maniac got his cumuppance like goodly number of tyrants do.
JimmieM | Nov 02, 2011, 11:03 AM EDT
Well that is the first I ever heard of old jollie ollie saving anything