The Kennel Club Irish Wolfhound Standard (1994) (scroll down) General appearance Of great size, strength, symmetry and commanding appearance, very muscular, yet gracefully built. Characteristics Of great power, activity, speed and courage. Temperament Gentle, kind and friendly nature. Head and skull Head long, carried high, the frontal bones of forehead very slightly raised and very little indentation between the eyes. Skull not too broad. Muzzle long and moderately pointed. Nose and lips black. Eyes Dark. Elliptical (regular oval) and full. Eyelids black. Ears Small, rose shaped, of fine velvet texture. Preferably dark in colour, not hanging close to the face. Mouth Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite ie upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Level bite tolerated but not desirable. Neck Rather long, very strong and muscular, well arched, without dewlap or loose skin at the throat. Forequarters Shoulders muscular, giving breadth of chest, set sloping. Elbows well under, turned neither in nor out. Leg and forearm muscular, and whole leg strong and straight. Body Chest very deep. Breast wide. Back long rather than short. Loins arched. Belly well drawn up. Hindquarters Muscular thighs and second thighs, long and strong, good bend of stifle with hocks well let down and turning neither in nor out. Feet Moderately large and round, turned neither in nor out. Toes well arched and closed. Nails very strong and curved. Tail Long and slightly curved, of moderate thickness and well covered with hair, carried low with an upward sweep towards the extremity. Gait/movement Easy and active. Coat Rough and harsh on body, legs and head; especially wiry and long over eyes and under jaw. Colour Recognised colours are grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, wheaten and steel grey. Size Minimum height for dogs 79cm (31in), bitches 71cm (28in). Minimum weight 54.5kg (120lb) for dogs, 40.9kg (90lb) for bitches. Great size, including height of shoulder and proportionate length of body is to be aimed at, and it is desired to establish firmly a breed that shall average from 81-86cm (32-34in) in dogs. Faults Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog. Note Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum. |