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The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest dog in the world, standing three feet at the shoulder. A very ancient breed, they were more famous hundreds of years ago than they have ever been since. Many were exported before the War to parts of the Empire where wolves or coyotes were still a menace. The form of the dog partakes of the greyhound, and is the largest of that type.
1938 DOGS - SECOND SERIES OF 48 No 1 ISSUED BY GALLAHER
Ireland's historic hound is a giant of his race. He is of very ancient origin, closely identified with the Fingalian legends, and was highly prized by the Romans who frequently used him for their combats in the arena. Great size and strength is aimed at by breeders, but the dog must be at the same time a very speedy animal. He has a rough wiry coat, and the most popular colour is grey brindle. There are also fawns, reds, and even blacks.
1925 DOGS - No 48 in a series of 50, issued by Players
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At an early period Ireland was noted for hounds of huge size employed in; defending flocks and herds from wolves; in hunting; and in warfare. In A.D. 391 a Roman Consul wrote thanking his brother for seven Irish dogs to be used in fighting lions, bears and Saxons. Reginald, King Edward III's huntsman, brought over 19 hounds obtained from various Irish lords in 1335. This breed resembles the Deerhound in general type, but is more massive in build, 32-34inches being considered a good height in dogs. Colours: grey, brindle, red. black, white.
1929 DOGS HEADS - No 50 in a series of 50, issued by Players
The descendant of the Irish wolf-hunting dogs. Head long, level and carried high. Muzzle long and tapering. Ears small and carried with tips thrown backwards. Eyes dark. Neck long and arched. Forelegs straight and heavily boned. Hindquarters very powerful and muscular, bent, at stifle. Body lengthy, well-ribbed, wide across hips, arched in loin and tucked up in belly. Feet fairly large and round. Chest very deep and fairly broad. Tail long and slightly curved. Coat rough and hard. very wiry and long over eyes and under jaw. Colour: grey, brindle. red. black and fawn in various shades; white.
1937 DOGS - No 50 in a series of 50, issued by Wills
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Ireland's historic Wolfhound, a giant of the canine race, is of very ancient origin. There is some resemblance between the Scottish Deerhound and the Irish Wolfhound, and possibly some blood relationship, but the Irish dog is bigger, less elegant in outline, heavier and more powerful. He has also a coat of harder texture, rough and wiry. Colours: grey, briudle, red, black, pure white, fawn or any colour that appears in the Deerhound.
Height: dogs 34 in., bitches 32 in.
Weight: dogs 120 lb., bitches 100lb.
1931 DOGS - No in a series of 50, issued by Players
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