The
Irish Wolfhound is one of the oldest breeds of dogs in the world; we have
record of it being around in the 5th century in Ireland but it had already
been an established breed at this point. This massive animal used to be much
larger at the beginning of its existence but, because the larger ones were more
frightening, they were most likely killed in battle. The Irish Wolfhound that we
know today is much different from the ancient hound. Today they are known for their
loyalty, easy-going nature, and size; while the ancient hound was known for its
ruthlessness, loyalty, and ability to take down horses. The original purpose of
taming the Irish Wolfhound was for its use in battle and as a guardian of
homes. There is one story in which two competing kingdoms of Ireland are at
war; one king is riding in the country side in his chariot pulled by two
horses, a wolfhound comes bounding out of the brush and charges the chariot.
She jumps onto the chariot, crushing it, tears the charioteer’s head from his
body and, being unable to find the king because he runs away, kills both the
horses. These dogs were not to be trifled with, they are extremely loyal to
their masters and have an insane amount of power. In the Great War of
1914-1918, Great Britain used Irish Wolfhounds as ambulance dogs, messengers,
and guard dogs. They were used to drag wounded men to safety and their lives
were constantly risked saving hundreds of men. Great Britain used these dogs to
no end and there were many heroes that will go forever unnoticed by the general
population. I think that this could be used as a representation of how Britain
thought of the Irish people. They accepted many Irish men into their military
and used them to keep their own country in line during the Rising, almost
seeming to sacrifice them to their own.
Irish Wolfhound vs Great Dane
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