The Irish Wolfhound holds the title of the largest hunting dog utilised by the ancient Celts for tracking large game. Just catching a glimpse of one is enough to make you grateful not to be prey, regardless of size. These formidable hounds instilled fear in the Romans who ventured into Celtic territories. However, upon closer interaction, they discovered that beneath their daunting appearance lay friendly, sociable creatures; their fierce nature emerged only during hunts. The Romans began exporting these hefty greyhounds back to their homeland for the purpose of hunting deer, wolves, wild boars, and even bears.
The first recorded mention of these giants dates back to 391 AD, when a Roman consul wrote a letter to Emperor Quintus Aurelius, describing large dogs sent to Rome in cages to participate in spectacles in the arena. Up until the 17th century, pairs of Irish Wolfhounds were regarded as prestigious gifts for royal courts, with notable instances including presentations to Cardinal Richelieu in 1641 and the Duke of Tuscany in 1946. Interestingly, the term "wolfhound" didn't come into use until the 15th century, when British counties were mandated to keep 24 large dogs to safeguard livestock from wolves.
These dogs gained immense popularity on the European mainland, to the point where their numbers dwindled on the British Isles. Consequently, in 1652, Oliver Cromwell issued a ban on the export of wolfhounds. Nevertheless, their population continued to decrease due to Ireland's growing population; the last wolf was killed in 1786, leaving no prey for the wolfhounds. As a result, their presence waned, primarily remaining with the nobility as symbols of status. Eventually, the descendants of these noble dogs would serve as the foundation for the breed's resurgence in England.
History of the revival of the breed
In 1841, a Scotsman residing in Dublin named Major Richardson advocated for the revival of the Irish wolfhound breed. He not only highlighted the issue but also took it upon himself to breed wolfhounds. Later, in 1959, George Augustus Graham, another Scotsman, acquired his first Irish wolfhound, named Faust. Impressed by the dog, Graham dedicated himself to locating and breeding the remaining wolves, beginning in 1860, with the aim of restoring the breed. However, inbreeding led to the birth of non-viable puppies, prompting him to introduce Scottish deerhounds into the mix for increased agility and endurance, although this reduced the wolfhound's size. To counter this, he also crossed them with Great Danes and English mastiffs to regain the desired size. Graham committed his entire life to the resurrection of the breed, ultimately saving it from the brink of extinction. Today, all contemporary Irish wolfhounds can trace their lineage back to the dogs he bred.
Breed fanciers clubs
The breed required additional assistance, prompting George Graham to establish the Irish Wolfhound Club in 1885. That same year, the Breed Standard was created, which has remained largely unchanged. It received official recognition from the Kennel Club in 1886, marking the registration of the first Irish Wolfhounds, totaling 24 individuals.
Since 1914, the Club has been producing yearbooks, and in 1979, it began hosting its own shows, distinct from those of other breeds. The inaugural Open Show took place in 1974, followed by the introduction of a Limit Show in 1982, and a Centenary Show in 1985.
Towards the end of the 19th century, there was a Northern Irish Wolfhound Club, but it quickly disappeared. In 1924, a group of noblemen formed the Irish Wolfhound Association, which two years later merged with the Irish Club. The Irish Wolfhound Society was established in 1937 and published an annual report, but it eventually disbanded.
In the 1980s, the Society was revitalised by Florence Nagle, a feminist and breeder of both Thoroughbreds and Irish Wolfhounds.
In 1974, the Delaware Valley Irish Wolfhound Association was founded and still operates, maintaining breed standards and holding exhibitions, competitions and shows.
One of the infantry regiments of the British Army, the Irish Guards, was founded in 1900. In 1902, the Irish Wolfhound Club presented the wolfhound Rajah to the Irish Guards as a mascot in the hopes of increasing the popularity of the breed in the country. The dog's name was later changed to Brian Boru. In 1961, the wolfhound was accepted into the official mascot club, so he was taken on allowance and looked after by one of the regiment's drummers. The mascot accompanies the regiment at parades, and this is the only such experience in the country.
Coursing
Scotsman MK Angelo, one of the first Irish Wolfhound breeders in Britain, who began breeding them in 1890. He loved deer hunting and used deerhounds and Irish wolfhounds on his estate to hunt and find wounded deer. This was not coursing yet, but the wolfhound's hunting qualities were used for their intended purpose.
In the 1920s, Irishman James Nagle and his wife Florence had an Irish wolfhound kennel on their Sulhamstead estate. James believed that if wolfhounds were bred, their hunting qualities should be used in the field. Dogs should be able to use their abilities, otherwise why breed them, not for their dubious beauty. In 1924, he organised Irish Wolfhound Coursing competitions, using the Waterloo Cup as a basis. Plans were published in newspapers, and dogs were registered. The competitions occurred in January 2025 on Salisbury Plain, close to his residence. Using large animals as bait proved to be challenging, so live hares were used for the wolfhounds to chase. It turned out that wolfhounds are excellent long-distance runners, often outpacing greyhounds, though they are less efficient at catching and killing their prey.
Earlier, towards the end of 2024, another event was organised by the Irish Wolfhound Association in Pippingford Park, located in Natalie, Sussex.
Following the passing of James Nagle in 1935, coursing competitions continued with the introduction of Stakes tournaments, such as the Springhill Stakes for Open Dogs and Broadway Stakes for Open Bitches. These events persisted until the onset of the Second World War.
The advent of the mechanical hare sparked considerable debate, with scepticism about whether the dogs' instincts would allow them to chase an artificial lure. However, practical experience demonstrated that both greyhounds and wolfhounds adeptly pursued the mechanical hare. Nevertheless, greyhounds were trained to run on oval tracks, while Irish wolfhounds competed in straight-line sprints, emphasising their speed.
Wolfhound coursing competitions in the UK are held by the Irish Wolfhound Association of the Delaware Valley.
Wolfhound coursing is not as popular now as exhibitions and shows where dogs compete in exterior, obedience, etc. For example, in Birmingham there is an annual prestigious dog show, where in March 2024 Sting's dogs took second place. It is wonderful that this beautiful, strong and kind animal can live among people, be a friend and companion and do without tearing animals apart. And the opportunity to run and stretch your muscles, and remember your hunting instincts can be provided by modern coursing - running after a mechanical hare, available in Irish wolfhound clubs around the world.