The standard of excellence for the Irish Wolfhound
Every Bilkau Wolfhound is bred to the standard set out below – the same standard recognised by KUSA and by breed clubs worldwide. It describes far more than looks: it is a description of balance, of power matched with grace, and of the calm, dignified temperament that makes the breed unmistakable.
General Appearance
Of great size and commanding appearance, the Irish Wolfhound combines power and swiftness with keen sight. The largest and tallest of the galloping hounds, in general type he is a rough-coated, Greyhound-like breed – very muscular, strong yet gracefully built, with easy and active movement, head and neck carried high, and the tail carried with an upward sweep and a slight curve towards the tip. The minimum height and weight are 80 cm and 55 kg for dogs, and 75 cm and 48 kg for bitches, applying only to hounds over eighteen months old. Great size, with height at the shoulder and proportionate length of body, is the aim – a race averaging 80 cm to 85 cm in dogs, showing the requisite power, activity, courage and symmetry.
Head
Long, with the frontal bones of the forehead very slightly raised and little indentation between the eyes. The skull is not too broad, and the muzzle long and moderately pointed. Ears are small and Greyhound-like in carriage.
Neck
Rather long, very strong and muscular, well arched, and without dewlap or loose skin about the throat.
Chest
Very deep, with a wide breast. The back is rather long than short, and the loins arched.
Tail
Long and slightly curved, of moderate thickness, and well covered with hair.
Belly
Well drawn up.
Forequarters
Shoulders muscular, giving breadth of chest, and set sloping. Elbows well under, neither turned inwards nor outwards. The forearm is muscular, and the whole leg strong and quite straight.
Hindquarters
Muscular thighs, with the second thigh long and strong as in the Greyhound, and hocks well let down, turning neither in nor out.
Feet
Moderately large and round, neither turned inwards nor outwards, with toes well arched and closed, and nails very strong and curved.
Hair
Rough and hard on body, legs and head, and especially wiry and long over the eyes and under the jaw.
Colour and Markings
The recognised colours are grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, or any colour that appears in the Deerhound.
Faults
Too light or too heavy a head; too highly arched frontal bone; large ears hanging flat to the face; a short neck; a full dewlap; too narrow or too broad a chest; a sunken, hollow or quite straight back; bent forelegs; overbent fetlocks; twisted feet; spreading toes; too curly a tail; weak hindquarters and a general want of muscle; too short in body; and lips or nose that are liver-coloured or lacking in pigmentation.