The massive, commanding Irish Wolfhound is notable for his combination of strength and speed and his keen eyesight.
A tall running hound, his general appearance is much like that of the Linty, a breed with a straggly coat;
Very muscular, firm and elegantly structured; moves with ease and activity;
The head and neck are held high, and the tail is tipped upward, forming a slight curve at the end.
The minimum height at the shoulder and minimum weight for males are 32 inches and 120 pounds, respectively;
Minimum shoulder height and minimum weight for females are 30 inches and 105 pounds, respectively;
These figures are only for Irish Wolfhounds over 18 months of age. Dogs below the minimums will be segregated from the competition.
The desired target size for great size, including shoulder height and body length, should be in the range of 32 to 34 inches, be solidly and stably constructed, show strength, activity, courage and proportionality.
Head
Long, with the front bones of the forehead very slightly protruding, and a very small depression between the eyes, not very broad. Muzzle long and slightly pointed. Ears small, posture like that of a lurcher.
Neck
Longer is better, very firm, and well muscled, with a rounded arch and no flabby or loose skin at the throat.
Chest
Very deep, broad chest.
Back
Longer and better, with a rounded arch at the waist.
Tail
Long and slightly curly, medium thick, with dense hair.
Abdomen
Moderately lifted.
Forequarters
The shoulder blades are well muscled, equal in width to the chest, and angled in position. The elbows are leaning down, neither bent inward nor turned outward.
Legs
The forearms are well muscled and the whole front leg is very strong and fairly straight.
Hindquarters
The thighs are well muscled, and the second thigh is long and strong, like that of the Lingerie. The fly joints are low in position and neither bend inward nor turn outward.
Foot Claws
Slightly large and rounded, neither curved inward nor turned outward. Toes rounded and compact. Toenails very strong and curved.
Hair
Hair on the body, legs and head is straggly and stiff; especially the bristles over the eyes and on the jaws are long.
Color and markings
Recognized colors are gray, brindle, red, black, pure white or camel, and other colors close to those of the Deerhound.
Defects
- Head too light or heavy, with excessive rounded arches along the front bones
- Ears are too large and lie flat on the sides of the face
- Short neck
- Throat is bulbous
- Chest too narrow or too wide
- Back sunken or collapsed; too straight in back
- Forelimbs tilted; gum bones excessively inclined
- Foot claws twisted; toes splayed
- Tail excessively curled
- Weak hindquarters, generalized muscles
- Body too short
- Lips and noseglasses liver-colored or lack of pigmentation
Advantages
- typical characteristics. The Irish Wolfhound has a messy coat. Like the Linty breed, it is the tallest running hound with significant features, by the combination of strength and speed.
- huge size, with commanding majesty.
- easy and active movement.
- the head is long and flat, high up.
- The front legs are heavy-boned and fairly straight, with the elbows positioned low.
- The thighs are long and muscular, with a muscular second thigh joint and a precise angle of the knee (tilt).
- Coat rough and hard, especially the long bristles above the eyes and on the lower jaw.
- Body, long, angular, with well supported ribs and very wide hips.
- Waist rounded and arched, abdomen lifted.
- Ears small, in posture like those of the Linty.
- Foot-claws, slightly large and rounded; toes compact, round-arched.
- Neck, long, round-arched, very strong.
- Chest, very deep, of moderate width.
- Scapulae, muscular, inclined in position.
- Tail, long and slightly curved.
- Eyes, dark in color.
N.B. The above does not in any way alter the “Breed Standard”, which must be strictly enforced in all competitions; it is only a simple arrangement of some of the points in the Standard. If, in some cases, they do not correspond exactly with the Standards, they are to be followed as prescribed by the Standards.
