Rough Diamond Pets

Original Function:  Owned by nobility and were used to hunt Wolves and deer.
Modern Function: Companion and showdog
Appearance: The Irish Wolfhound should not be quite so heavy or massive as the Great Dane, but more so than the Deerhound, which in general type he should otherwise resemble. Of great size and commanding appearance, very muscular, strongly though gracefully built, movements easy and active; head and neck carried high; the tail carried with an upward sweep with a slight curve towards the extremity. Great size, including height at shoulder and proportionate length of body, is the desideratum to be aimed at, and it is desired to firmly establish a race that shall average 32 inches (81cm) to 34 inches (86cm) in dogs, showing the requisite power, activity, courage and symmetry
Weight/Height: Desired height: averaging 32 inches (81cm) to 34 inches (86cm) in dogs. Minimum height: Dogs 31 inches (79 cm). Minimum weight: Dogs 120 pounds (54.5kg). Minimum height: Bitches 28 inches (71 cm). Minimum weight: Bitches 90 pounds (40.5 kg).
Coat Colours/Texture: The recognised colours are grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn or any colour that appears in the Deerhound. HAIR: Hair texture rRough and hard on body, legs and head; especially wiry. Hair over eyes and beard especially wiry.

Grooming:Weekly brush, followed with a bath once or twice a year is sufficient, some show dogs are more groomed, with hair on ears being stripped out and untidy body hair removed to give a better outline.

Character/Temperament:Generally calm and accepting of most things in life. 
Compatibility with other animals/cats: Hounds are generally pack animals so get on well with other dogs and people, males can become quite dominant if not trained early on.  Cats and other animals will have to be introduced from puppyhood, as they are natural hunters so anything that runs could be seen as prey, Wolfhounds will chase and catch, so care should always be taken with other species. 

Compatibility with people/children: Perfect family pet, get on well with most people, if you Wolfhound dislikes a person ask “Why”.  The dangerous end of a Wolfhound is the rear end where it has a powerful tail which can cause harm if wagged in your face, care must be taken around young children and elderly persons as Wolfhounds are often not aware of their size and one running past or bumping you can send you flying, which could be serious in the young or elderly.

Indoors/Outdoors: Both, but being hounds they prefer to be around their human pack members.
Exercise/Training: Wolfhounds train very easily, no excessive exercise until growing has finished which is around 18 months of age, recommended distances are about 100m for every month of age.  Wolfhounds are more suitable to Townhouse living than many small dogs as they don’t need much exercise, they have a mad 5 minutes once or twice a day unlike many small dogs who are busy all day long.

Longevity/Health: In general your giant breeds are not long lived, average 7-8 years.  Problems in the breed are osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and heart problems.  Most breeding lines in South Africa have excellent hips and elbows but you get the odd ones that don’t test to always best to enquire if the necessary certification has taken place.