8 Interesting Facts You Never Knew About The Irish Wolfhound

One of the gentlest dog breeds, the giant Irish wolfhound has a rich and old history – full of amazing facts you probably never knew! Here are interesting facts about this amazing breed. Do you own one? Share a picture in the comments!

#1 – Bred for their tall stature, they were used to knock knights of their horses in Ireland where they were used as war dogs as well as hunting dogs.

#2 – The great Irish chief Fionn mac Cumhall did not even use horses or chariots, but instead was said to have two hounds for every foot soldier. The Chief himself is said to have had over two hundred adult hounds.

#3 – Oliver Cromwell decreed that the dogs not be allowed out of Ireland after their numbers had dwindled, thus saving the breed. (irishwolfhounds.org)

#4 – The famous Dorothy Osborne requested an Irish wolfhound from Henry Cromwell when he was courting her. Although she received two of them from Cromwell, she did not marry him. (irishwolfounds.org)

#5 – While today’s hounds are known as “gentle giants,” ancient Irish wolfhounds were fierce protectors – so much so that all guests had to be secured indoors prior to letting the dogs loose to protect the grounds at night. (www.irishwolfhounds.org).

#6 – While they come in a variety of shades from cream to black, blue was not a permitted color. In fact, puppies who started to turn blue were destroyed by early breeders. It is now recognized, however, and quite common.

#7 – The Royal Irish Regiment of the British Army still uses an Irish wolfhound as a mascot.

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#8 – In Scotland, a few Irish wolfhounds have been used for herding; they introduced them to sheep through a pet lamb in the kitchen to teach the dog sheep were family, not prey. (www.irishwolfhounds.org)

(H/T: IrishCentral.com)