Celtic Engagement Rings

Irish Favors

Irish Favors

The Irish Wolfhound - A Big Dog with a Bigger Heart

The Irish Wolfhound became so popular as a gift a couple of centuries ago that exportation from Britain was banned for several decades. They are a very large dog, sometimes weighing in at 150 pounds. The Irish Wolfhound has a shaggy coat and a muscular body, but these dogs require careful care and attention.

The popularity of the Irish Wolfhound was probably due to the fact that it was favored among the nobility and wealthy families. There's no doubt that the large, shaggy appearance of these giants is what attracted the attention of so many people.

The breed originated as a hunting dog, mainly for big game. Elk, wolves and hogs were among the animals the Irish Wolfhound were trained to track - hence the selective breeding to gain the large size. This is the tallest breed of dog in existence.

The popularity of the breed and the constant exportation combined with the fact that the fox hunts in England killed out the entire fox population led to the near-demise of the Irish Wolfhound. In fact, it's noted that there were probably no full-blood Irish Wolfhounds left in Ireland at some point during the 17th Century. When the breed was returned to its native country, new bloodlines were introduced - including that of the Great Dane - in an effort to revitalize the breed.

As a rule, the Irish Wolfhound tends toward light colors - gray or white. Some have darker markings, including black or red overcoats. White, gray, red, brindle and black are all recognized by the AKC standard.

The sheer size of these dogs makes them a good choice for a guard dog, but it's important to note that guarding doesn't come naturally to this breed. They do tend to be loyal to a fault and will usually prefer to spend time with their family above and beyond all other activities. They do like to play, but their size makes them clumsy - not typically a good choice for an indoor pet, especially if there's limited space.

The Irish Wolfhound is usually very easy to train. Most who own, breed or train these dogs seem to think that these canines are very anxious to please and will try to anticipate what is wanted. Their willingness to learn makes them a good choice for learning tricks, though what they can do will be somewhat limited by their size. Remember that early training is a must, because a grown Irish Wolfhound will likely be too big to be controlled by a normal-sized person.

One of the negative points of the Irish Wolfhound is this dog's tendency toward a short life. They typically live only about seven or eight years, mostly due to their large size. Their size also makes them susceptible to hip problems. Young Irish Wolfhounds, unlike most puppies, need limited exercise. Long walks are not a good idea until the muscle mass catches up to the rapidly growing frame of the Irish Wolfhound pup.

About the Author

For more information on Irish Wolfhounds and other Popular, and not-so-popular breeds of dogs, visit
The Hound Dog Directory

Luck Of The Irish Personalized Old Irish Pub Coasters $31 Bring old world Irish charm into your home with our traditional Irish pub coasters. With its wood paneled background and tavern design, this coaster set brings rustic appeal to every table it protects. This charming coaster set is refined with a high gloss finish, free personalization and cork backing and is a great complement to our matching bar sign. Facts and features:Measures 3 ¾"" by 3 ¾""Materials: Laminated wood Sold in a set of 4Personalize with a possessive first or last name (max of 12 characters) and a year at no additional cost. (Please Note: In order for your coasters to be personalized properly, all names should have an ('s) added to the end. For example, if your name is Smith, it should be entered as Smith's.)

“Crowned With Love� Irish Flower Girl Basket $19.99 This green and white flower girl basket allows you to celebrate your Irish heritage as well as your love. Scattering flowers from this basket will prepare the way for your love to bloom. Features and facts:White flower girl basket with green ribbon and lace accentMeasures 8�Coordinates with the “Crowned With Love� guest book and pen set, pillar candle, ring pillow and personalized mint tin favor

Irish Blessing $7.99 Irish Blessing

Irish Socks $9.99 Truly a cheerful treat for Irish feet?.socks with shamrocks, an Irish flag and the word Irish! Cotton and spandex.

Irish Blessing 4 Plate $11.99 Irish Blessing 4 Plate

Irish Blessing 8 Plate $22.99 Irish Blessing 8 Plate

Irish Dancer Bead $53 Irish Dancer Bead

Born Usa 100% Irish $59 Born Usa 100% Irish

Irish Cup Of Tea Bead $70 Irish Cup Of Tea Bead

Irish Mom Bead $31 Irish Mom Bead

Irish Soup Recipes Magnet $9.99 Irish Soup Recipes Magnet

Irish Cottage Bead $55 Irish Cottage Bead

Irish Stout Recipes Magnet $9.99 Irish Stout Recipes Magnet

Honey With Irish Cream Liqueur $7.99 Honey With Irish Cream Liqueur

Irish Tux Shirt $21.99 Irish Tux Shirt

Irish Penguin Scarf Irish Shot Glass by CafePress $12 Irish Penguin Scarf Irish Shot Glass From Jello shots to drinking games, our custom shot glasses bring a personalized touch to bar supplies. Holding 1.9 oz., this ceramic shot glass is available with a white or black interior. Ideal for wedding favors, graduation party favors, barware amp;

Irish $10 Irish

Irish Sweatshirt $39.99 Let the world know that you're proudly Irish! Printed in the USA. 50% cotton / 50% polyester.

Celtic Charm Ring Pillow $39.99 The Celtic Charm Ring Pillow, made of Irish-inspired white linen, will carry your rings with pride. The Celtic Trinity Knot in silver holds a green ribbon for the rings or ring pouches to be tied to. Features and facts:White linen ring pillow with lace trim, green ribbons and Irish inspired Trinity Knot charmMeasure 8"" squareCoordinates with the Celtic Charm Collection: unity candles, bridal garter, flower girl basket, guest book and pen set, cake serving set, Claddaugh cake topper and toasting glasses

Personalized Irish Angel Ornament $6.99 An adorable angel and as Irish as can be! Resin. Imported.

Irish Attitude License Plate Cover $7.99 Irish Attitude License Plate Cover

Summer Fruit Preserve With Irish Whiskey $7.99 Summer Fruit Preserve With Irish Whiskey

Irish Whiskey Loaf $24.99 Ultra moist and delectable, this favorite Irish treat is filled with raisins, pecans, and real Irish whiskey. 17 oz. USA.

Irish Visor $21.99 What could say Irish more than this! Be noticed by all and have fun doing it! Cotton/polyester. One size fits most.

Green with Irish $10.99 These green with white shamrock socks show that you're Irish from the tip of your toes to your knees! Organic Cotton and Spandex. One size first most. USA.

Best Irish Folk Songs $10.99 These ever-popular songs include Danny Boy, When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, Black Velvet Band, and 17 other Irish favorites. Canada.

Perfectly Peachy Brownie Favors $3.85 Surrounded by delicious chocolate, these hand-crafted favors feature a delightful brownie on the inside and a beautiful design on the outside. Features and facts:Hand-decorated brownie ball on a stick dipped in luscious chocolate accented with dotted swirls, hearts or spiralsChoose from chocolate swirls on peach & chocolate design, lime dotted swirls on coral design or gold hearts on pale peach designWrapped in clear cellophane with ribbon in your choice of colorMinimum 12 of the same design

Harlequin Brownie Favors $3.85 A delicious addition to your special day, these brownie favors are dipped in chocolate and decorated by hand. Available in a variety of colors. Features and facts:Hand-decorated brownie ball on a stick dipped in luscious chocolate accented with a classic crosshatch design that is sprinkled with sugar crystalsChoose from red, turquoise, orange, green, yellow and purpleWrapped in clear cellophane with ribbon in your choice of colorMinimum 12 of the same design

Beautiful Blooms Brownie Favors $3.85 A delicious addition to your special day, these brownie favors are dipped in chocolate and decorated by hand. Available in a variety of colors. Features and facts:Hand-decorated brownie ball on a stick dipped in luscious chocolate accented with blooming flowersChoose from pink, orange, white and chocolateWrapped in clear cellophane with ribbon in your choice of colorMinimum 12 of the same design

Celtic Charm Unity Candle $59.99 The Celtic Charm pillar candle features a traditional Irish Wedding Blessing, ""may your hands be forever blessed in friendship and your hearts joined forever in love"", framed with green, white and olive ribbon. The Celtic Trinity Knot is also displayed below the saying. The lighting candles complement the unity candle with white lace and green and olive ribbon topped with a single crystal. Features and facts:White pillar candle with traditional Irish wedding blessing accented with green ribbons, lace and a Trinity Knot charm are beautifully complemented by the white tapers with a medley of green ribbons and white laceTapers are sold separatelyPillar candles measure 3"" x 9""Coordinates with the Celtic Charm Collection: bridal garter, ring pillow, flower girl basket, guest book and pen set, cake serving set, Claddaugh cake topper and toasting glasses

Musical Irish Dancer $29.99 This Irish lass will dance her way into your heart! Dressed in traditional Irish costume the 7? figurine is adorned with shamrocks and plays ?Irish Lullaby?. Please state name up to 24 characters. Poly Resin. Dancer must be screwed in counter clockwise to top of base.

Fortune Favors $6 Fortune Favors

Irish Limp T-Shirt $17.99 This famous Irish blessing captures cheeky Irish wit at its finest! Printed in USA. 100% cotton. Sizes S (35), M (38), L (43), XL (47), 2XL (50), 3XL (54).

Nostalgic Irish Blessing Thermometer $13.99 This distressed Irish designed tin thermometer would look great hanging anywhere. How appropriate that the three lines of the Irish Blessing all have to do with weather - wind, rain, and sun. Imported.

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