Irish Wolfhounds have a majestic heritage that is believed to date back to 391 AD. Named for their mix, Wolfhounds were used by the Gaels as hunting dogs, who called them Cú Faol (wolfhound). While they might sound like the stuff of legends – they are now known as sweet, affectionate, and sometimes silly dogs. According to the official World Canine Federation standards, the desired height of this large dog breed is 32 inches (81cm) to 34 inches (86cm).
The tallest of all the American Kennel Club breeds, these big dogs might look intimidating from afar. But as their owners can prove in these photos, they are just loveable goofballs. Scroll down below to check out this Bored Panda list of hilariously adorable Irish Wolfhounds we have collected from our readers that sent us the pics of their large dogs as well as some pics found on the internet. Don’t forget to upvote your favorite of these adorable dogs, and if you want even more, check out our previous post on Irish Wolfhounds as well!
#1 Murphy At 8 Months, He’s Now 4 Years Old And 165lb
It’s hard to believe but this highly regarded breed almost went extinct. Irish Wolfhounds were primarily used for hunting in the past so when the number of wolves and elk in Ireland decreased at one point, so did the demand for the breed. By 1800 the breed had thinned out, but Capt. George A. Graham was sure that there were still a few Irish Wolfhounds left in Ireland. In the mid-1800s, the captain made it his mission to find these remaining Wolfhounds and use them to revive the breed. Graham crossed the Irish Wolfhounds he found with Scottish Deerhounds to help revive the population.
#2 Throwback To When The Grass Was Green And It Was Just Her And Him
#3 We Want Your Toast!
Height isn’t the only trait that makes this rare dog breed unique. Most dog breeds come in the same common variations of colors – but usually blue isn’t one of them. Pure Irish wolfhounds come in many colors, from cream to black, but some end up as blue. To be technical blue in dogs isn’t a color but a color paling effect which dilutes the color pigment of the coat, skin, and eyes – called ‘blue dilute.’ This trait used to be considered impermissible to the point that the affected puppies were put down at birth or as soon after as their color became obvious. Now it is known that this in no way affects the health of the dog.
#4 My Irish Wolfhound, Sitting On Grandma’s Lap. He Has No Idea How Big He Is
#5 Photobombed
Irish Wolfhounds used to hunt large game such as wild boar and deer. With their large stature and skill, they make great hunters and are still even used to this day to herd sheep. One might think that their ability to attack animals would translate into a great guard dog, but you would be mistaken. This breed is not suspicious of strangers, nor are they aggressive towards them.
#6 Big Ron And Big Ern
#7 If Lincoln Can’t Be A Couch Dog Then She Will Be A Floor Person
The earliest written record of an Irish Wolfhound is from 391 A.D., scribed in a letter from a Roman consul to his brother. The consul thanks his brother for his gift of “Irish dogs,” saying, “All Rome viewed them in wonder.” Apparently these “wolfdogs of Ireland” were often gifted to Roman consuls, as well as to kings of other European countries, to shahs of Persia, and other world leaders.
#8 Just A Lap Dog
#9 Christmas Morning Pjs
Most models must be tall and lean – so it makes sense that the Irish Wolfhound would make the best canine model of the breeds. These dogs are said to be very photogenic and good in front of the camera, which is why they are frequently used in fashion photography.
#10 Beauty And The Beast
#11 Gilligan Sharing A Birthday Kiss With 110 Year Old Mariette
#12 Dog-Head Is Served. Enjoy Your Meal!
#13 My Dad, Who Always Complains About The Dogs
#14 Favorite Place To Nap
#15 Sloane Got To Sit On My Lap. He Wasn’t Excited At All…
#16 Floki. He’s Such A Sweetheart!
#17 Looks Like They’re About To Drop The Hottest Music Album Of The Year
#18 On A Walk
#19 This Is Guinness. He Just Passed Last Month At 9 Years…
#20 Happy And Houndy Thanksgiving!
#21 How He Lies In The Kitchen Waiting For Something To Fall
#22 This Gang
#23 When You’re The Size Of A Couch
#24 Ever Get The Feeling Someone’s Watching You?
#25 Manager Amber Is 5ft… Moose Is One Big Boy!
#26 Partners In Crime
#27 Huge Paw Or Small Hand?
#28 My Boy Fezzik
#29 Jarvis Watching His Boy
#30 Naps And Cuddles With Hoomum
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