Irish Wolfhounds

[Auggie]

The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest breeds in the world, often reaching the height of a small pony (which translates to around 7 feet tall when balancing on their hind legs).

The Irish Wolfhound's name originates from its wolf-hunting prowess, rather than from its appearance, as the uninitiated might assume. Despite this wiry-haired hound's sometimes intimidating looks, they are known for their sweet-temper and friendly and patient demeanor. Because they tend to greet everyone as a friend, it's best not to rely on them as a serious watch dog. However, their giant presence alone may serve as a significant-enough deterrent to ne'er-do-wells. Intelligent, willing and eager to please, they are unconditionally loyal to their family.

READ MORE: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/pets/detail?entry_id=59483

That is a lot of dog.

[Walk away]

1. I absolutely love Irish Wolfhounds!!!!!!!!!

They are so sweet and good natured. I have worked with a few and they are remarkable, gentle giants.

If only there life span was longer.

[Stinky The Clown]

2. Sweet dogs, but their size comes with a price

They have short life spans. maybe 7 or 8 years.

But they're such sweet dogs.

[BrklynLiberal]

4. Yep. They are incredible..but not long lived. Sadly

[housewolf]

3. They are beautiful dogs

I met a couple in person at the farmer's market last year, first time I'd ever seen them up close. Very lovely animals. I'd like to have one!

[Auggie]

5. I'd like to have one also,

but Mrs. Auggie gets the sniffles just looking at pet fur.

[david13]

6. Yeah, the Baskervilles had one of them. It didn't turn out very

good for them.
dc

[badgerpup]

8. Umm...point of order?

:hi:
IIRC, the Hound of the Baskervilles wasn't technically a hound...
it was more like a mastiff, according to Dr. Watson's description.
Don't know much about dogs and I'm not gonna cheat by Googling...but aren't mastiffs in the terrier clan? :shrug:

[Zoigal]

7. Lovely hound...great temperament, too. My male borzoi is big (when he

stands on his hind legs he tops me about five inches) but not nearly as big as a wolfhound.
Same sweet demeanor though. If you're in the area, visit the sighthound show in Lampoc, CA (in July) and you will see lots of them.....z
be able to see lots of them...

[glinda]

9. They are a lovely gentle breed.