i68 Hounds 



come into greater prominence; nevertheless, it is 

 not a breed of dog that is ever likely to attain that 

 degree of popularity acquired by such hounds as the 

 Boarhound, etc., but, like the last named, the only 

 practical utility it has at the present time is either for 

 companionship or the guardianship of persons or 

 property. Concerning the question of the origin 

 of the breed there is very little information of an 

 authentic nature, but the appearances of the Wolf- 

 hound are strongly in favour of the breed having been 

 derived from the Deerhound cross; at any rate this 

 would seem to apply within the last century or so, 

 during which time the breed has been regenerated. 

 When wolves existed in Ireland, which would probably 

 be until the end of the seventeenth century, it is 

 reasonable to assume that these hounds would be 

 a good deal employed for hunting the wolf, and the 

 decHne of the breed would, as a natural event, follow 

 the extinction of this animal. In general build 

 these hounds are closely allied to the Deerhound, 

 but of a somewhat stouter conformation, the necessity 

 for which would arise in consequence of having to 

 deal with more formidable adversaries than the 

 hounds previously alluded to. Typical specimens 

 of the breed should weigh from 130 to 145 or 150 lbs., 

 and measure 34 in. at the shoulder. Size and weight, 

 provided that the body is of proportionate build, 

 must be regarded as a primary essential in a hound of 



