The Irish Wolfhound is a sight to behold – a giant breed possessing both immense strength and surprising gentleness. Its appearance is marked by its imposing size, rough coat, and overall athletic build. Describing a Wolfhound’s look is like painting a picture of a noble, ancient hunter.
Size and Build: First and foremost, the Wolfhound is big. Males typically stand at least 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 180 pounds, while females are only slightly smaller. Their frame is muscular and powerful, built for endurance and chasing down prey. They possess a deep chest and a long, slightly arched back that gives them a commanding presence. A well-proportioned Wolfhound moves with a fluid, graceful gait despite its size, never appearing clumsy or awkward.
Head and Face: The Wolfhound’s head is long and relatively narrow. Their muzzle is moderately pointed, with a black nose. Their ears are small and carried in a manner described as semi-erect or rose-shaped – meaning they fold slightly backwards. The eyes are dark and express intelligence and a gentle disposition. They have a distinctive, wiry beard and eyebrows that contribute to their characteristic shaggy appearance.
Coat: The coat is one of the Wolfhound’s most defining features. It’s rough and wiry all over the body, including the legs and head. This texture provides protection from the elements and from scrapes while working in rough terrain. The coat isn’t excessively long or fluffy; rather, it’s dense and close-lying, further emphasizing their athletic build. Grooming consists of regular brushing and occasional stripping (removing dead hairs by hand) to maintain the coat’s proper texture and appearance.
Color: Wolfhounds come in a variety of colors. Acceptable colors include grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, and fawn. Grey is perhaps the most commonly recognized color. Regardless of the specific shade, the coat color should be consistent throughout the body, although some subtle shading variations are permissible.
Tail: The tail is long and slightly curved, carried low. It’s well-covered with the same rough coat as the rest of the body. The tail should never be carried over the back or tightly curled, as this is considered a fault.
In summary, the Irish Wolfhound’s appearance is that of a powerful, rough-coated giant. They exude an air of calm strength and gentle dignity. Their impressive size and unique coat texture, combined with their kind eyes and noble bearing, make them an unforgettable breed.
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