Page "Irish Wolfhound" Paragraph 19

References to the Irish wolfhound in the 18th century tell of its great size, strength and greyhound shape as well as its scarcity.

Writing in 1790, Bewick described it as the largest and most beautiful of the dog kind ; about 36 inches high, generally of a white or cinammon colour, somewhat like the Greyhound but more robust.

He said that their aspect was mild, disposition peaceful, and strength so great that in combat the Mastiff or Bulldog was far from being an equal to them.

The last wolf in Ireland is thought to have been killed at Myshall, Co Carlow in 1786 by a pack of wolfdogs kept by a Mr Watson of Ballydarton.

The remaining hounds in the hands of a few families who were mainly descendants of the old Irish chieftains, were now symbols of status rather than hunters, they were said to be the last of their race.