Breed Clubs - South Africa
- Alaskan Malamute
- Australian Shepherd Dog
- Basenji
- Boerboel
- Borzoi
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- Chow Chow
- Corgi
- Dachshund
- Dobermann
- French Bulldog
- German Shepherd
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- Great Dane
- Greyhounds & Whippet
- Irish Wolfhound
May/June 2008
Order the Giant Breeds back issue ...
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Labrador Retriever
- Miniature Dachshund
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Pomeranian
- Poodles
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Rottweiler
- Saluki
- Scottish Terrier
- Setters
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Spaniels
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- White Swiss Shepherd
- Xoloiztcuintle
- Yorkshire Terrier
Irish Wolfhounds
It is recommended that only reputable breeders should be approached when seeking breed information or if you wish to purchase a puppy.
See the advertisements in either this month's issue, our classifieds section, or our back issues featuring your breed of choice. Alternatively contact one of the clubs listed below for breeders in your area.
Gauteng |
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Irish Wolfhound Club |
Irish Wolfhound Club of Gauteng
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| Hound Club | Sporting Dogs Association
Gold Reef Sighthound Club
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Kwazulu Natal |
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| Hound Club | Natal Sporting Hound Association
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Eastern Cape & Border |
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Hound Club |
Algoa Hound Club
Kaffrarian Hound Association
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Western Cape |
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| Hound Club | Cape Hound Club |
Fact File - Irish Wolfhounds
| KUSA Group | Hound | |
| FCI Group | 10 | |
Original Function |
Up to the end of the17th century Irish Wolfhounds were used for hunting wolves and deer in Ireland, and also for hunting the wolves that infested large areas of Europe before the forests were cleared. | |
| Modern Function | Companion/show dog | |
Appearance |
Of great size and commanding appearance, 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; movement easy and active; head and neck carried high, the tail carried with an upward sweep with a slight curve towards the extremity. | |
Weight |
Ideal weight: Dogs: 120 pounds (54.5kg) Bitches: 90 pounds (40,5kg) |
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| Height | Ideal height: Dogs: 31 inches (79cm) Bitches: 28 inches (71cm) |
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| Coat Colour | The recognised colours are grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn or any colour that appears in the Deerhound. | |
| Coat Texture | Rough and hard on body, legs and head; especially wiry over eyes and under jaw. | |
Grooming |
Once weekly, full brushing and combing. Some stripping may be required to keep the coat tidy. | |
| Personality/Temperament | ‘Lambs at home, lions in the chase’. Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked. Can be aloof but once they know you, they are very affectionate. | |
Compatibility with other dogs |
Get on well with other dogs. Can chase smaller dogs. | |
| Compatibility with cats and other animals | Can be taught to get on with cats and other animals; however one must never forget their original purpose | |
Compatibility with people/children |
Excellent with children and people | |
Living Space – Indoors/Outdoors |
Like to be under your feet at all times. Will live happily outdoors especially in hot climates, but prefer to be on the couch with the family. | |
Space and Exercise |
Need a fair amount of space to be able to really run at full speed. Otherwise will do well on a smaller property if walked regularly during the day. | |
Trainability |
Easily trained. | |
| Suitability as Watchdog
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Not suitable because of reticence in strange situations. Will hold back if confronted or wait for owners cue. | |
Noise Factor |
Usually minimal barking but will bark when needed and will howl if in a pack (2 or more) situation. | |
| Average Lifespan
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7 years. | |
| Feeding | Follow your breeder’s advice otherwise feed a premium dog food - follow manufacturers’ recommendations for age and weight. | |
Health |
Cancer, Heart, Torsion, Allergies. | |
| Availability | Enquire via your Club for reputable breeders and healthy puppies. Be prepared to wait for well-bred puppies! | |
| Some questions to ask Breeders | Ask to see the Sire (if available) & Dam. Are the puppies KUSA registered; have puppies been de-wormed and vaccinated; have they been tested for genetic diseases; how long has breeder been breeding; what support can the breeder give you should you encounter health or other problems with your Irish Wolfhound? |