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"Aw, don't tell 'em about my teddy - it'll ruin my image!"

© Donna Eliassen

I love my two Irish Wolfhounds, but I'm undecided whether they are actually furry, juvenile delinquents, or just independent-thinking, overgrown teddy-bears. They have mastered the art of getting their own way and have this particular human family trained just how they want us. Still, I am filled with awe for this incredible breed. When one hears talk of the origin of breeds, invariably wolves and greyhounds, and even the Australian dingo, spring into the conversation. But no breed commands the respect and fascination as much as the Irish Wolfhound. We literally stop traffic when we take our hounds for a walk, and if I was paid for every time I heard, "Where's their saddles?", I'd be a very rich lady now.

The earliest recorded history of the Irish Wolfhound dates back several thousand years. (And some days when I'm cleaning up after my furry children,this is how old I feel!) Wolfhounds were first reported accompanying their masters, ancient Celtic footsoldiers and warriors on horseback, to war, and later, these same creatures were used to hunt and kill wolves, deer, and also those very large Irish elk, which stood around six feet at the shoulder - formidable opponents! (I can't see it, quite frankly. My couch potatoes exerting themselves? No, obviously these historical references refer to other people's Wolfhounds; not mine.) The Celts are attributed with the original ownership of very large,powerful hunting dogs, believed to be the descendants of the Irish Wolfhound, and skeletal remains found in parts of Ireland and Britain have proved the existence of a very large dog belonging to the Greyhound family. Since these earliest days, the Wolfhound has undergone quite a few transformations, and were it not for the dedicated efforts of a certain Captain Graham, this magnificent dog would not be around today.

I am prone to think about these things when I watch my two furry beasties galloping around the back yard, ears flapping in the wind, teddy bears in mouth. My Wolfhounds are gentle giants, but I wouldn't recommend you try to part them from their beloved teddy bears (which they stole from my daughter's bedroom). You can take my TV and my stereo, by all means. Take my video too. Just don't touch the teddies! If anybody ever wanted to break into my home, these two would probably help them carry the furniture out. A breeder once gave me some sound advice. If I want my beasties to spring into action and save my life, I need only throw myself on the floor and scream blue murder. If my Wolfhounds think my life is in danger, then, and only then, will they live up to their reputation: "Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked." Apparently, harming the human family of a Wolfhound qualifies as extreme provocation. I should think so!

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