Page 137 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

SIGHT HOUNDS

Irish Wolfhound GELERT

In Welsh legend, Gelert was the favorite
HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Variety of colors hound of Prince Llewellyn the Great. One day
28–34in 105–150lb 8–10 years Llewellyn went hunting, leaving Gelert behind,
(71–86cm) (48–68kg) and on his return was horrified to find his baby
son missing and Gelert with blood on his jaws.
Believing that Gelert had killed the baby,
A loyal, dignified, and docile hound, this gentle giant is the Llewellyn ran the dog through with his sword.
world’s tallest breed and needs room to relax and run Just then the baby cried; Llewellyn found him
lying on a wolf, which Gelert had clearly killed.
Stricken with remorse, Llewellyn buried Gelert
This breed derives its name from its the dogs became very scarce. In the 1870s
with a memorial stone in honor of his dog.
traditional use in hunting wolves. Dogs a British Army officer, Captain George A. Today a sculpture of Gelert (below) stands near
of this type have been known in Ireland Graham, started a program to revive it, his grave in Beddgelert, Wales.
for thousands of years; Irish chieftains and using outcrosses to breeds such as the
kings used them as dogs of war, as well Scottish Deerhound (see p.133) and the
as for hunting wolves and elk. The “great Great Dane (see p.96). In 1902 an Irish
hound,” or cu, is mentioned in Irish laws and Wolfhound was presented to the Irish
literature, and was known to the Romans, too. Guards as a regimental mascot, and the
For centuries the dogs were reserved for breed still performs this role today.
royalty and the nobility and were given as Despite its imposing appearance—this
presents to important foreigners; so many giant, heavy breed can reach well over 6ft
were given away that their (1.8m) tall when standing on its hind legs—
export was prohibited in the Irish Wolfhound has a calm, gentle
1652 so that Ireland nature. It is often kept as a companion dog
would not be overrun and needs and enjoys human company.
with wolves. However, However, it is best suited to owners who can
once the last wolf was afford substantial food bills and who have
killed in 1786, the Irish sufficient indoor and outdoor space to keep
Wolfhound lost its such a large, heavy dog. The coarse coat
traditional purpose and requires regular brushing and combing.
Oval, dark eyes

Dark gray
brindle

Red brindle Small, rose ears
PUPPY

Coarse coat
Hair especially
wiry under jaw
and over eyes
Strong,
muscular
neck

Deep chest

White markings
on feet and chest

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