Conway Mill Trust

The steeple chase originated in Ireland as the result of a wager in 1752 between two men racing four miles across Co Cork.

The pure Irish wolfhound comes in various colors, from cream to black. Wheatons, reds of various shades and greys from pale silver to slate are included, either with or without brindling. White on the tip of the tail and feet (and legs) is acceptable, but excess white spotting (blaze or collar) is not.

In the mid-1800s, Captain George Augustus brought the breed back from the verge of extinction by cross-breeding wolfhounds with deerhounds, great danes and mastiffs.

Oliver Cromwell saved the Irish wolfhound by refusing to allow the export of any more from Ireland after their numbers dwindled.

The Irish wolfhound was also used as a hunting dog and a guard dog.  They hunted wolves and elk when they were abundant in Ireland.

The Irish wolfhound was originally a war dog used to drag men off horseback or off chariots.