Meet our breeds!

Here is a brief overview of these two wonderful breeds and links to the parent clubs for these magnificent dogs of kings.

If you have ever seen either of these wonderful breeds up close and personal, you will know that they are large, with lovely wiry coats, and a regal air about them. But what about more specific information? Let's take a look at these two breeds a little closer.

Irish Wolfhounds

The Irish Wolfhound is a giant sighthound. Described in the breed standard as "Of great size and commanding appearance, the Irish Wolfhound is remarkable in combining power and swiftness with keen sight. The largest and tallest of the galloping hounds, in general type he is a rough-coated, Greyhound-like breed; very muscular, strong 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."

Because of the size of these dogs, you should consider carefully before making the decision to bring one into your home. These dogs were bred to hunt by sight, and they are extremely intelligent. They enjoy human companionship and are wonderful family dogs, however, due to their size they should be supervised closely with small children.

Irish Wolfhounds are not guard dogs.

Irish wolfhounds do shed, however they do not "blow" their coat in the same way that other breeds do; instead their coats can be hand-stripped in much the same way as many terrier breeds. It is recommended to brush your wolfhound regularly to maintain a healthy coat.

Irish Wolfhounds are fast learners and enjoy training in short, fun, positive sessions. It is important to socialize your wolfhound puppy from an early age, and leash skills should be taught using fun positive experiences.

An Irish Wolfhound is expected to live on average between 6-8 years. Maintaining your wolfhound's health is a key component in helping them live a long life.

These dogs like to run and play, but are also content to sit beside you and watch your favorite show. Wolfhounds want to be with their people. Treat your Irish Wolfhound with love and respect and you will get the same back a hundred times over.

For more information, head over to iwclubofamerica.org and consider becoming a member of the parent club. Members receive the quarterly magazine, Harp and Hound.

Scottish Deerhounds

The Scottish Deerhound is a large sighthound, bred for hunting deer in rough terrain. They are a fascinating combination of speed and strength. The Scottish Deerhound Club of America states, "As a companion the Deerhound is ideal, being tractable and easy to train and possessing the most dependable loyalty and utmost devotion to his master." Sir Walter Scott wrote of the deerhound, "The most perfect creature of Heaven.”

Deerhounds love their people and crave being with them. One of the best ways to spend time with your deerhound is to go out and exercise or recreate with your deerhound. Deerhounds need a lot of exercise and have excellent stamina as adults.

Fences are important for this breed. Deerhounds are fast- much faster than humans- and you will not be able to catch up if your deerhound chooses to take off. Because of this, any off leash time should be done in a safely enclosed environment.

Scottish Deerhounds love to play, but they do not want to play by themselves. They need you, or a companion of some sort, to entertain them. They have a very jubilant and exuberant play style, so should be supervised when interacting with other dogs.

Scottish Deerhounds do not make good guard dogs. Deerhounds are sensitive and sensible, but not inclined to greet visitors.

As puppies, deerhounds enjoy shredding. Yes, they really do. Give your puppy safe and appropriate items to do this with, and keep your prized possessions out of reach. Puppies grow quickly in a physical sense, but their brains are slower to mature. Deerhound puppies require patience and a sense of humor. Training should be done in short, positive, exciting sessions. Do not repeat the same task more than a couple of times or your deerhound may decide the game is too hard and stop working with you.

Deerhound coats are wiry and easy to care for. A nice "slicker" brush and a metal comb with good teeth will keep your deerhound's coat in great shape. Nails need to be trimmed regularly. Deerhounds only need to have the long hair on their ears stripped. Everywhere else the coat is left natural.

Deerhounds are expected to live an average of 8-11 years. Maintaining your dog's health is a key component to achieving a long life.

The Scottish Deerhound is an outstanding breed and will give you years of loving companionship and entertainment. These dogs will capture your heart and uplift your soul.

For more information, head over to deerhound.org and consider becoming a member of the parent club. Members receive the quarterly Deerhound magazine, The Claymore.