In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I’m featuring the Irish Wolfhound on Dog Art Today. Of course the breed has standards and descriptions from The AKC, but I think this passage from "The Icelandic Saga of Nial" sums up these amazing dogs best…
"I will give thee a dog which I got in Ireland. He is huge of limb, and for a follower equal to an able man. Moreover, he hath a man’s wit and will bark at thine enemies but never at thy friends. And he will see by each man’s face whether he be ill or well disposed to thee. And he will lay down his life for thee.” —- Beautiful!
Quote and photo (above) courtesy of Rohan Irish Wolfhounds.
Postcard published by W.E. Mack, London (courtesy of IrishWolfhounds.org)
Hilary Jupp of Sussex, England runs what may be the most comprehensive Irish Wolfhound site on the Web. A former breeder, owner, and publisher of Irish Wolfhound Quarterly, Jupp now devotes her time to preserving the breed’s history, which was slowly disappearing, in digital format. Her website, IrishWolfhounds.org is a true labor of love and a treasure trove of stories, photos, art, legend and practical knowledge about this majestic animal. Here are some my favorite images courtesy of Hilary Jupp.
Comrades by Herbert Dicksee, late 19th century. An Irish Wolfhound sleeps with a Westie.
The Empty Chair by O.B. MacCammon, 1912.
Portrait by Malcolm Nicholson, circa 1932
Time For A Guinness by John Baker
End Of The Hunt, artist unknown
Photo by Heather Beckettt, contemporary
Irish Wolfhound lovers and dog lovers in general owe a debt of gratitude to Hilary Jupp for her passionate devotion to the breed. Thank you Hilary for all your hard work and for bringing us a smile from your beloved Wolfhounds on this St. Patrick’s Day!