Staffy Bull Wolfhound

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a smooth-coated dog of tremendous strength for its size, combining an athletic, muscular build with remarkable agility and endurance. Standing between 14 to 16 inches at the shoulder, males typically weigh 28 to 38 pounds while females weigh 24 to 34 pounds, with these heights being directly related to the corresponding weights. The breed exhibits square proportions, with the length of back from withers to tail set equaling the distance from withers to ground. This creates the distinctive balanced silhouette that is essential to breed type and distinguishes the Stafford from other bull-and-terrier breeds. The body is close-coupled with a level topline, wide front, deep brisket, and well-sprung ribs that contribute to the breed's powerful appearance while maintaining athletic capability. The head is short and deep through with a broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, and a distinct stop that gives the face its characteristic expression. The foreface is short, and the nose must be black, with a pink or Dudley nose considered a serious fault in the show ring. Eyes are medium-sized, round, and set to look straight ahead, preferably dark in color though they may relate somewhat to coat color. Light eyes or pink eye rims are considered faults except where white coat surrounds the eye. Ears are rose or half-pricked, small in proportion to the head, and never cropped. The strong, muscular neck is relatively short and clean in outline, widening gradually toward the well-laid shoulders. Acceptable coat colors include red, fawn, white, black, or blue, or any of these colors combined with white markings. Any shade of brindle or brindle with white is also permitted and commonly seen. Black and tan or liver colors are not desirable and are disqualified in the show ring as they do not exist genetically in the breed. The smooth, short coat lies close to the skin and requires minimal grooming while providing adequate weather protection. The tail is medium length, set low, tapers to a point, and is carried rather low without curling excessively. Movement should be free, powerful, and agile with economy of effort, with legs moving parallel when viewed from front or rear, demonstrating the efficient athleticism that defines this remarkable breed.

The Irish Wolfhound holds the distinction of being the tallest of all dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, presenting a remarkable combination of immense size, commanding presence, and graceful movement. Males stand a minimum of 32 inches at the shoulder with averages reaching 34 to 35 inches, and weigh at least 120 pounds with many individuals weighing between 140 to 180 pounds. Females are somewhat smaller, standing at least 30 inches and weighing a minimum of 105 pounds, though they often range from 115 to 140 pounds. Despite their massive stature, these dogs should never appear clumsy or heavy, instead displaying the swift, graceful build of a sighthound. The overall silhouette resembles a very large, rough-coated Greyhound, emphasizing the breed's purpose as a coursing hound capable of tremendous speed and endurance. The body is long with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs that provide adequate heart and lung capacity. The back is long with an arched loin, and the croup is broad and slightly sloping. The long tail reaches approximately to the hock, is slightly curved, and covered with rough hair. The neck is long, strong, and well-arched, carrying the head high with dignity. The head is long and level, carried high, with a frontal skull that is very slightly raised and minimal indentation between the eyes. The muzzle is long and moderately pointed, and the breed possesses strong jaws with a scissors bite. Small, rose-shaped ears are carried back against the head like a Greyhound's. The eyes are dark in color and convey a gentle, far-seeing expression. The coat is rough and hard, especially wiry and long over the eyes and under the jaw, providing protection from weather and terrain. Acceptable colors include gray, brindle, red, black, pure white, and fawn, with gray being the most common. Movement is easy and active, covering ground effortlessly with a long, reaching stride.