The Irish Wolfhound has ties to New York’s Military
Irish wolfhound St. Patrick's Day Parade NYC
The Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant with a loving personality and unique appearance that makes them a great addition to many households. They are also one of the tallest dog breeds, reaching up to 32 inches (81 cm) at the shoulder and weighing up to 180 pounds (82 kg). They have a rough, wiry coat that comes in a variety of colors including gray, brindle, fawn, and red. They have a long, narrow head with a slightly curved nose, and long, muscular legs. The Irish name for the breed is Cu Faoil. “Cu” is a term implying bravery.
New York’s The Fighting 69th
Irish Wolfhounds are the official mascot of New York’s 69th Infantry Regiment of the New York Army National Guard and two of them marched alongside soldiers on 5th Avenue in the New York St. Patrick’s Day parade every year. Famous owners of Irish Wolfhounds include King Richard III, King Henry VII, Queen Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn, George Washington, General Custer, Robert Kennedy, Sting, Rudolph Valentino, Roger Moore and model Claudia Schiffer.
Brian Boru, The Royal Irish Regiment’s Mascot
Shortly after the 2nd Battalion The Royal Irish Rangers moved from Gibraltar to Watchet, Somerset in 1971, Major Alistair Hayes, to mark his retirement, presented the Battalion with an Irish wolfhound. The dog was named after Brian Boru (Brian Bóramha) King of Munster and High King (Ard Rí) of Ireland who was born near Killaloe around 941, killed at the Battle of Clontarf in 1041, and buried close to the north wall of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh.
History
The Irish Wolfhound is a type of dog breed that hunts primarily by sight and speed rather than scent and endurance. They were traditionally used for hunting small game, such as rabbits and hares, but they have also been used as protection against wolves They were also presented as good will gifts to foreign nobility. These dogs also fought alongside Celts as early as 600 BC. They also fought in the Gallic Wars and were mentioned by Julius Caesar.
Throughout the years the Irish Wolfhound was an excellent hunting dog and great companion but by the 1700’s Wolfhounds had hunted Ireland’s wolves into extinction. With no wolves to hunt it was nearly the beginning of the end for the breed as demand for Wolfhounds plummeted. It took roughly two decades for the Irish Wolfhound to make a comeback and be rebred into the amazing species we have today.
Healthy Irish Wolfhound
Despite their size, Irish Wolfhounds do not require a lot of exercise. They enjoy a daily walk or a chance to run in a fenced-in area, but they are generally calm and sedentary indoor pets. Do make sure your Irish Wolfhound has access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Since they are a large breed of dog they require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their health and well-being. While it may be tempting to give your Irish Wolfhound table scraps, it’s important to avoid this as human food is often high in fat and calories, and can cause digestive upset in dogs. Look for a high-quality dog food that is specifically designed for large breeds.
Like many large breeds, Irish Wolfhounds are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, bloat, and heart problems. Regular vet check-ups, a healthy diet, and appropriate exercise can help keep them healthy.
The Irish Wolfhounds are typically gentle, patient, and friendly dogs, making them great companions for families. They are also known for their loyalty and devotion to their owners. They are quite tolerant dogs and are unlikely to become aggressive or territorial towards children. However, as with any dog, it is always good to supervise interactions between children and dogs, especially when they are playing, to ensure that both the children and the dog are safe.
