Irish Hound
Breed Description

The Irish Hound is known by several names throughout different regions and historical periods. In its native Ireland, it may be referred to as the Cú Faoil, which translates to "wolf hound" in Irish Gaelic. Historical references sometimes call them Irish Greyhounds, Great Hounds of Ireland, or simply the Great Irish Hound. In some European countries, they are known by translations of their Irish name, such as Lévrier Irlandais in French or Irischer Windhund in German. The breed has also been called the Irish Elk Hound in some historical contexts, though this name can be confusing as it references an extinct animal rather than the breed's hunting heritage.

The Irish Hound stands as one of the tallest and most majestic canine breeds in existence, representing the epitome of grace, power, and nobility in the dog world. This ancient sighthound breed combines impressive size with surprising gentleness, creating a companion that commands respect while offering unwavering loyalty and affection to their human families.

These magnificent dogs possess a distinctive silhouette that is unmistakably theirs - tall, lean, and muscular, with lines that speak to both their hunting heritage and their aristocratic bearing. The Irish Hound's appearance reflects thousands of years of careful breeding for both function and form, resulting in a dog that is equally at home coursing across open terrain or resting peacefully by the fireside.

The breed's size alone sets them apart from virtually all other canines. Males typically stand 32 inches or more at the shoulder, with many exceptional individuals reaching 34 or even 36 inches in height. Females are slightly smaller but still impressive, usually measuring at least 30 inches tall. Weight ranges from 105 pounds for females to 120 pounds or more for males, with some exceptional specimens reaching 140 pounds or more while maintaining their breed's characteristic lean, athletic build.

Their coat is rough and wiry, providing protection against harsh weather while maintaining the breed's working heritage. The texture should be neither too soft nor too coarse, striking a balance that allows for both protection and easy maintenance. Colors include grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, and combinations of these shades. The most common colors are various shades of grey and brindle, though all recognized colors are equally valuable and beautiful.

The Irish Hound's head is long and lean, carried high on a well-arched neck that flows smoothly into powerful, sloping shoulders. Their eyes are dark and expressive, conveying intelligence and gentle dignity. The ears are small and folded back when at rest, though they prick forward with interest when alert. The muzzle is long and tapering, reflecting their sighthound heritage and providing the jaw strength necessary for their original hunting purposes.

Perhaps most remarkably, despite their imposing size and hunting background, Irish Hounds are renowned for their gentle, calm temperament. They are often described as "gentle giants," displaying patience and tolerance that makes them excellent family companions. This combination of size and gentleness creates a unique dynamic - a dog capable of great physical prowess yet choosing to exercise restraint and kindness in their daily interactions.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC standard emphasizes the Irish Hound's impressive size, requiring males to be at least 32 inches tall and weigh at least 120 pounds, with females standing at least 30 inches and weighing at least 105 pounds. The standard calls for a commanding appearance with great size and muscular power, combined with speed and keen sight. The gait should be easy and active, with the head carried high. The coat should be rough and hard on the body, legs, and head, particularly wiry and long over the eyes and under the jaw. Colors recognized include grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, or any other color that appears in the deerhound. The general appearance should be that of a very large, muscular, gracefully built dog with movements easy and active, head and neck carried high, and tail carried with an upward sweep and a slight curve towards the extremity.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The FCI standard describes the Irish Hound as the tallest of all breeds, emphasizing its great size, commanding appearance, and muscular build combined with elegance and speed. The standard specifies that the overall appearance should convey great size and power, activity, courage, and symmetry. The breed should move with a long, swift stride that covers the ground effortlessly. The head should be long, the skull not too broad, with a slight depression between the eyes and a tapering muzzle. Eyes should be dark, and ears small and Greyhound-like in carriage. The neck should be rather long, very strong and muscular, well arched, and without dewlap or loose skin. The chest should be very deep and moderately broad, giving ample space for the heart and lungs. The back should be rather long than short, with loins arched. The standard emphasizes that despite their size, these dogs should appear dignified and gentle in temperament.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC standard focuses on the Irish Hound as a sighthound of great size and rough coat, bred for hunting large game by sight and speed. The standard emphasizes that the breed should combine the speed of the Greyhound with the strength and size necessary to hunt large prey. The dog should be tall, muscular, and symmetrically formed, with a commanding appearance that suggests both power and grace. The standard calls for a dog that is longer than tall, with a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, and a slightly arched loin. The tail should be long, carried low with an upward curve. The rough coat should provide protection from harsh weather while not impeding movement. The standard emphasizes that the Irish Hound should have the temperament of a gentle giant - dignified, calm, and devoted to their family, yet alert and capable when required.

Other Organizations

The Canadian Kennel Club standard closely follows the AKC requirements, emphasizing the breed's great size, muscular build, and commanding presence. The Irish Kennel Club, as the breed's country of origin, maintains a standard that emphasizes the historical working heritage while recognizing the modern companion role. The Kennel Club (UK) standard focuses on the breed's hunting ancestry while acknowledging their gentle nature. All major breed organizations agree on the essential characteristics: impressive size, rough coat, sighthound structure, and gentle temperament. Minor variations exist in specific measurements and emphasis, but all standards recognize the Irish Hound as a breed that must combine great physical presence with a calm, dignified temperament suitable for modern family life.

The Irish Hound boasts one of the most ancient and storied histories of any dog breed, with roots that stretch back over two millennia into the mists of Irish legend and history. Archaeological evidence and historical records suggest that large hounds similar to the modern Irish Hound existed in Ireland as early as the first century CE, making them among the oldest documented purebred dogs in the world.

Ancient Irish literature is filled with references to great hounds that served Celtic warriors and kings. The most famous of these legendary hounds was Bran, the faithful companion of the mythical hero Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn MacCool) in Irish mythology. These early hounds were prized not only for their hunting ability but also as symbols of status and power among Irish nobility. The ownership of these magnificent dogs was often restricted to kings, chieftains, and nobility, with strict laws governing their possession and trade.

During the Middle Ages, Irish Hounds were highly sought after throughout Europe, considered among the finest hunting dogs available. They were frequently given as diplomatic gifts between royal houses, with historical records showing exchanges between Irish chieftains and English, Scottish, and Continental European nobility. The breed's reputation for hunting wolves, elk, and wild boar made them invaluable in an era when such large predators posed real threats to livestock and human settlements.

The breed's golden age extended through the Renaissance period, when they were considered essential for the grand hunts of European aristocracy. However, this same period saw the beginning of challenges that would eventually threaten the breed's survival. As forests were cleared and large game became scarce in Ireland, the need for such large hunting hounds diminished. The English conquest of Ireland also disrupted traditional Irish aristocratic society, removing many of the breed's primary patrons and breeders.

By the 17th and 18th centuries, Irish Hounds faced serious population decline. The extinction of wolves in Ireland during the late 1700s removed their primary quarry, leading to questions about the breed's continued relevance. Many of the great Irish families who had maintained breeding programs for centuries were displaced or impoverished by political upheavals, further threatening the breed's survival.

The 19th century nearly saw the complete disappearance of the Irish Hound. By the 1860s, the breed was critically endangered, with only a handful of individuals remaining. It was at this crucial moment that Captain George Graham, a Scottish officer and dog enthusiast, undertook a systematic effort to revive the breed. Working with the few remaining specimens and carefully selected outcrosses to Scottish Deerhounds and other related breeds, Graham spent decades rebuilding the Irish Hound population.

Graham's revival program was meticulously planned and executed. He sought out the last authentic Irish Hounds from remote areas of Ireland and Western Scotland, using these as the foundation for his breeding program. His efforts were supported by other dedicated individuals who recognized the historical and cultural importance of preserving this ancient breed. Through careful selection and breeding, they gradually restored the Irish Hound to viable population numbers while maintaining the breed's essential characteristics.

The late 19th century saw renewed interest in the breed, both in the British Isles and internationally. The establishment of formal breed standards and kennel club recognition helped standardize the breed's characteristics and ensure consistent breeding practices. Dog shows and competitions provided venues for breeders to display their dogs and compare breeding stock, further contributing to the breed's development and improvement.

The 20th century brought new challenges and opportunities for the Irish Hound. Two world wars significantly impacted breeding programs, as resources were scarce and many kennels were unable to maintain their dogs. However, the breed's devoted followers ensured survival through these difficult periods, and post-war recovery saw renewed interest in these gentle giants.

Modern Irish Hounds have evolved from their working origins into beloved family companions while retaining their essential breed characteristics. Contemporary breeding programs focus on maintaining genetic diversity, improving health outcomes, and preserving the breed's distinctive temperament and appearance. Today's Irish Hounds serve as therapy dogs, companions for active families, participants in dog sports, and ambassadors for their breed's rich heritage.

The breed's journey from ancient war hound to modern family companion reflects broader changes in human society and our relationship with dogs. Yet throughout all these transformations, the Irish Hound has maintained its essential character: dignified, gentle, loyal, and possessed of an innate nobility that speaks to thousands of years of careful breeding and cultural significance. Today's Irish Hounds carry within them the genetic legacy of countless generations of remarkable dogs, making them living links to one of the world's oldest canine traditions.

The Irish Hound was originally developed as a specialized hunting dog, specifically bred to pursue and take down large, dangerous game that smaller hounds could not handle effectively. Their primary function throughout most of their history was hunting wolves, which roamed Ireland in large numbers and posed significant threats to livestock and human settlements. This dangerous work required dogs of exceptional size, strength, courage, and speed - qualities that remain embedded in the breed's genetic makeup today.

As sighthounds, Irish Hounds were designed to hunt primarily by sight rather than scent, using their exceptional vision to spot prey at great distances across open terrain. Once they located their quarry, they would pursue it at high speed, using their size and strength to bring down animals as large as Irish elk, wild boar, and wolves. This hunting style required not only physical capabilities but also considerable intelligence and decision-making ability, as the dogs needed to work independently when far from their handlers.

The breed's working requirements shaped every aspect of their physical development. Their great height provided them with superior vision across rough terrain and tall vegetation. Their deep chest and powerful lungs gave them the respiratory capacity needed for sustained high-speed pursuit. Their muscular build provided the strength necessary to grapple with large, dangerous prey, while their rough coat offered protection from thorns, harsh weather, and the defensive attacks of cornered animals.

Beyond their primary hunting role, Irish Hounds served important functions as guard dogs and status symbols for Irish nobility. Their imposing size and alert nature made them effective guardians of castles, estates, and settlements. Their presence alone was often sufficient deterrent against both human and animal threats. The breed's association with nobility also made them valuable diplomatic gifts, cementing alliances and demonstrating wealth and power.

In modern times, the Irish Hound's function has evolved significantly from their original working roles. Today, they serve primarily as companion animals, bringing their gentle nature and loyal temperament to family life. Their calm disposition and patience make them excellent therapy dogs, providing comfort and companionship in hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities. Their impressive appearance and gentle demeanor make them natural ambassadors for responsible dog ownership and breed education.

Contemporary Irish Hounds also participate in various dog sports and activities that allow them to exercise their natural abilities in safe, controlled environments. Lure coursing provides an outlet for their sighthound instincts, allowing them to chase mechanical lures across open fields. While they may not be as fast as smaller sighthounds like Greyhounds or Whippets, Irish Hounds can still achieve impressive speeds and clearly enjoy the opportunity to run and chase.

Many Irish Hounds excel in obedience and rally competitions, where their intelligence and willingness to please serve them well. Their calm temperament and steady nature make them suitable for these precision sports, though their size can present unique training challenges that require patient, positive methods. Some individuals also participate in agility, though course modifications may be needed to accommodate their height and stride length.

The breed's gentle nature has found new purpose in animal-assisted therapy work. Their calm demeanor and impressive but non-threatening presence make them ideal for visiting schools, libraries, and care facilities. Children are often fascinated by their size but quickly discover their gentle nature, making them excellent educational ambassadors for both their breed and responsible dog ownership in general.

Irish Hounds also serve important functions in breed preservation and education. As living representatives of one of the world's oldest breeds, they help maintain genetic diversity and cultural heritage. Breed enthusiasts and historians study them to better understand canine evolution and the development of specialized working breeds. Their continued existence ensures that future generations will be able to appreciate and learn from this remarkable example of human and canine partnership.

For many modern families, the Irish Hound's most important function is simply being a beloved companion and family member. Their loyal, gentle nature makes them excellent pets for those who can provide appropriate space and care. They offer their families protection through their imposing presence while providing companionship through their affectionate, calm temperament. In this role, they continue the ancient bond between humans and dogs, adapted for contemporary life but maintaining the essential qualities that have made them valued partners for over two thousand years.

The Irish Hound's behavior represents a fascinating contradiction that makes them uniquely appealing as companion animals. Despite their formidable size and hunting heritage, they are renowned for their gentle, calm temperament and their remarkable patience with family members, especially children. This behavioral profile reflects centuries of selective breeding that valued not only hunting prowess but also the ability to live peacefully within human households and communities.

Irish Hounds typically exhibit what can be described as a "gentle giant" personality. They are naturally calm and composed, rarely displaying the hyperactive or nervous behaviors seen in some breeds. This steadiness makes them excellent family companions, as they tend to be predictable and reliable in their responses to various situations. They rarely act impulsively or aggressively, preferring to assess situations carefully before responding.

Their intelligence is evident in their ability to read human emotions and respond appropriately. Many Irish Hound owners report that their dogs seem to instinctively know when comfort or companionship is needed, often approaching family members who are upset or distressed to offer quiet support. This emotional intelligence, combined with their imposing but non-threatening presence, makes them natural therapy dogs and wonderful companions for people of all ages.

One of the most notable aspects of Irish Hound behavior is their relationship with children. Despite their size, they are extraordinarily patient and gentle with young family members, often allowing children to climb on them, hug them, or engage in play that might annoy other breeds. However, their size means that supervision is always necessary, as even friendly, gentle behavior from such a large dog can accidentally knock over small children.

Irish Hounds are typically reserved with strangers initially, but not in an aggressive or fearful way. They tend to observe new people carefully before deciding how to respond, often choosing to remain politely aloof until properly introduced. Once they accept someone as a friend or family member, they extend their full loyalty and affection. This cautious but non-aggressive approach to strangers makes them excellent watchdogs who alert their families to visitors without creating unnecessary conflicts.

The breed's sighthound heritage influences many of their behavioral patterns. They have retained strong prey drive and will often chase small animals, cats, or anything that runs. This behavior is instinctual and not malicious, but it requires management in areas where they might encounter small pets or wildlife. Proper fencing and leash control are essential, as their size and speed mean they can quickly outdistance their owners when in pursuit of something interesting.

Irish Hounds are generally quite adaptable to their family's lifestyle, but they do best with routine and consistency. They prefer predictable schedules for feeding, exercise, and rest, and can become unsettled by sudden changes in household routine. However, they typically adapt well to new situations when given time and patient introduction to changes in their environment.

Their energy levels are moderate, characterized by periods of activity followed by long rest periods. They are often described as "40-mile-per-hour couch potatoes" - capable of impressive bursts of speed and energy when motivated, but equally content to spend hours resting peacefully. This energy pattern makes them suitable for various family lifestyles, from active households that enjoy long walks and outdoor activities to more sedentary families who prefer quiet companionship.

Training Irish Hounds requires patience and positive methods, as they respond poorly to harsh corrections or aggressive training techniques. They are intelligent and eager to please, but they think for themselves and may not respond immediately to commands if they don't understand the purpose or if they're distracted by something more interesting. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work best, along with understanding that their independent thinking is part of their breed heritage rather than stubbornness.

Social behavior with other dogs is generally good, especially when they are properly socialized from a young age. Their calm temperament makes them unlikely to start conflicts, though their size means that any interaction needs to be monitored. They often prefer the company of other large, calm dogs over small, energetic breeds that might annoy them with excessive activity or noise.

Irish Hounds are not typically excessive barkers, usually vocalizing only when they have something specific to communicate. They may bark to alert their families to visitors or unusual activity, but they generally quiet down once they understand the situation is under control. This moderate barking tendency makes them suitable for various living situations, though their size means they are generally better suited to homes with adequate space rather than small apartments.

One important behavioral consideration is their need for companionship. Irish Hounds form strong bonds with their families and generally do not do well when left alone for extended periods. They thrive on human interaction and can become destructive or depressed if isolated for too long. Families considering this breed should be prepared to include their dog in daily activities and provide adequate companionship and attention.

Irish Hounds integrate into family life in ways that often surprise those unfamiliar with the breed. Despite their imposing size, they typically consider themselves lap dogs and will attempt to share furniture with their human family members. This endearing behavior reflects their deep desire for close physical contact and their genuine affection for their people. Many owners report that their Irish Hound believes they are significantly smaller than their actual size, leading to amusing situations as these gentle giants try to squeeze into spaces clearly designed for much smaller dogs.

The breed's relationship with children is particularly noteworthy and forms one of their most appealing characteristics as family companions. Irish Hounds seem to instinctively understand that children require special care and gentleness. They typically adjust their energy level and play style when interacting with young family members, demonstrating remarkable patience even when children are learning appropriate ways to interact with pets. However, their size means that even the gentlest interaction requires supervision, as a tail wag from an Irish Hound can easily knock over a small child.

Within the family hierarchy, Irish Hounds rarely try to dominate or challenge family members for leadership. They are generally content to follow their family's lead and accept direction from all family members, including children, when consistently given. This makes them relatively easy to manage within family structures, though their intelligence means they may test boundaries if rules are inconsistently applied. Clear, consistent expectations work best with this breed.

Irish Hounds often form particularly strong bonds with one family member, usually the person who spends the most time with them or who takes primary responsibility for their care. However, they typically maintain affectionate relationships with all family members and can adapt their behavior to each person's preferences and needs. Some may be more playful with active family members while offering calmer companionship to those who prefer quieter interactions.

The breed's need for inclusion in family activities cannot be overstated. Irish Hounds are not yard dogs or animals that can be left to their own devices. They want to be wherever their family is, whether that's relaxing in the living room, working in the garden, or taking a walk around the neighborhood. This desire for inclusion makes them wonderful companions but also means that families must be prepared to accommodate a very large dog in most of their daily activities.

Their gentle nature extends to family conflicts and stressful situations. Irish Hounds often seem to sense when family members are upset or when there is tension in the household. Many owners report that their dogs actively try to provide comfort during difficult times, often approaching family members who are distressed and offering quiet companionship. This emotional sensitivity makes them valuable family members but also means they can be affected by ongoing family stress or conflict.

When it comes to multi-pet households, Irish Hounds can adapt well if properly introduced and socialized. Their calm temperament makes them unlikely to start conflicts with other pets, though their size means that any interaction needs to be supervised initially. They often get along well with other large dogs and can learn to coexist peacefully with cats, especially if raised together from a young age. However, their sighthound heritage means they may always view small, rapidly moving pets as potential prey unless carefully managed.

The breed's exercise needs fit well with many family lifestyles. They enjoy daily walks and appreciate opportunities to run in safely enclosed areas, but they are generally content with moderate exercise levels. This makes them suitable for families with varying activity levels, from those who enjoy long hikes to those who prefer shorter, more leisurely outdoor activities. Their exercise needs are more about quality time with family than about intense physical demands.

Irish Hounds often serve as family guardians through their presence rather than through aggressive behavior. Their size and alert nature make them natural deterrents to unwanted visitors, but they rarely display aggressive guarding behaviors. They typically alert their family to visitors or unusual activity through barking but then rely on their family to determine appropriate responses. This makes them excellent family watchdogs without the liability concerns that might come with more aggressive guarding breeds.

The breed's longevity, while shorter than that of smaller dogs, still allows them to be part of a family's life through significant periods of growth and change. Many Irish Hounds live to see children grow from infancy through their teenage years, forming deep bonds that become treasured family memories. Their gentle, stable temperament makes them ideal companions during the various changes that families experience over time.

For families considering an Irish Hound, it's important to understand that these dogs require significant resources in terms of space, food, veterinary care, and time. However, families who can provide these necessities often find that Irish Hounds become integral, beloved family members who enrich their lives in countless ways. Their combination of impressive presence and gentle nature creates a unique family dynamic that many owners describe as irreplaceable and deeply rewarding.

Irish Hound health requires special attention and understanding due to their large size and specific genetic heritage. Like all giant breeds, they face unique health challenges that potential owners must understand and prepare for. While Irish Hounds can be relatively healthy dogs when properly bred and cared for, their size predisposes them to certain conditions that require ongoing monitoring and management throughout their lives.

The breed's most significant health challenge is their relatively short lifespan compared to smaller dogs. Irish Hounds typically live 6-8 years, with some exceptional individuals reaching 10 years or more. This shortened lifespan is common among giant breeds and reflects the biological challenges of maintaining such large body size. However, advances in veterinary care and better understanding of giant breed nutrition have helped improve both quality of life and longevity for many dogs.

Cardiovascular health is a primary concern for Irish Hounds, as their large size puts additional stress on their hearts throughout their lives. Regular cardiac monitoring should begin early in life and continue throughout their lifespan. Many Irish Hounds live full, active lives with minor cardiac issues, but early detection and management of heart problems can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.

Bone and joint health represents another significant area of concern for this breed. Their rapid growth during puppyhood can lead to developmental issues if not properly managed through appropriate nutrition and exercise modification. Adult Irish Hounds may develop arthritis or other joint problems, particularly in their later years, requiring ongoing management to maintain comfort and mobility.

The breed's deep chest structure predisposes them to gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly known as bloat, which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Irish Hound owners must understand the signs of this condition and be prepared to seek emergency care quickly if symptoms appear. Preventive measures, including appropriate feeding practices and avoiding exercise immediately after meals, can help reduce risk.

Like many large breeds, Irish Hounds can be prone to certain cancers, particularly bone cancer (osteosarcoma), which affects a significant percentage of the breed. Early detection through regular veterinary examinations and awareness of symptoms can improve treatment outcomes, though this remains a serious concern for the breed. Ongoing research into cancer prevention and treatment continues to improve options for affected dogs.

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in Irish Hound health, particularly during their rapid growth phase as puppies. Large breed puppy foods help ensure appropriate growth rates and proper bone development, reducing the risk of developmental problems. Adult Irish Hounds benefit from high-quality diets formulated for giant breeds, with careful attention to maintaining appropriate body weight to reduce stress on joints and organs.

Exercise management is another critical aspect of Irish Hound health care. While they need regular exercise for physical and mental well-being, excessive exercise during puppyhood can damage developing joints and bones. Adult Irish Hounds benefit from moderate, consistent exercise that maintains fitness without overstressing their systems. Swimming can be an excellent low-impact exercise option for dogs with joint issues.

Preventive care is essential for maintaining Irish Hound health throughout their lives. Regular veterinary examinations allow for early detection of problems when treatment is most effective. Dental care, including regular cleaning and daily brushing when possible, helps prevent dental disease that can affect overall health. Parasite prevention and appropriate vaccination schedules protect against common infectious diseases.

Mental health is often overlooked but equally important for Irish Hounds. These social, intelligent dogs can develop anxiety or depression if isolated or understimulated. Providing appropriate mental stimulation, social interaction, and consistent routines helps maintain psychological well-being, which directly impacts physical health and quality of life.

If you're looking to adopt an Irish Hound, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Irish Hounds waiting for their forever homes.

Due to the changing nature of rescue organizations, please verify website functionality before contacting.