Pomeranian

The DeerhoundHistory of the DeerhoundThe Deerhound is known as the "Scottish Deerhound" and has been used to hunt red deer for many centuries. The standard describes a long tradition in Scotland and emphasizes that the type has remained very similar over the centuries.AppearanceBody shape: Reminiscent of a very large, rough-coated Greyhound: high-stepping, deep-chested, powerfully built but elegant. His body is built for speed, strength and endurance.Coat: The coat is functional: wiry and weatherproof on the body, with softer areas on the head/chest/belly; "woolly" coats are undesirable.Temperament and characterTypical characteristics are gentle dignity, friendliness and a rather calm demeanor in the house. The standard describes him as gentle, friendly, good-natured, obedient and easy to train - at the same time he remains a sighthound with a sight-hunting instinct.GroomingBrush/comb out regularly (especially after forest/hedges) so that dirt and small patches of felt do not remain. Check ears, claws and teeth as usual. Above all, it is important to find the right balance between exercise (e.g. free, safe sprints) and rest - Deerhounds are often athletic outdoors and surprisingly relaxed indoors.HealthIn large, deep-chested breeds, gastric torsion (GDV/bloat) is an important issue. In addition, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and bone cancer (osteosarcoma) are described as relevant problems in Deerhounds.TrainingFriendly, clear and calm leadership. Typical for sighthounds is the instinct to hunt by sight: recall is often never "100% game-proof". Therefore, train alternatives early on (impulse control, orientation towards humans) and work with a lead/secured free run in areas with lots of game. Short, positive sessions usually work better than drill-like training.What are the special features of this breed?Very large, fast and strong - needs safe opportunities for free runs. Sight hunting instinct: deer/hares can "flip the switch" (management more important than perfection). Often quiet indoors, athletic outdoors - many are real "sofa sprinters". Keep an eye on health issues of large, deep-chested dogs (e.g. GDV).Suitable for first-time dog owners?Conditionally. If you are experienced in handling large dogs or are prepared to familiarize yourself consistently (safety management, greyhound recall reality, health care), it can work. As an "uncomplicated side dog" it is usually too demanding.Family dog or not?Yes, often - if the family is right. In quiet households with respectful children, clear rules and enough space/exercise, he can be a very pleasant family dog. For very hectic families or when there are hardly any safe running opportunities, he is rather difficult.

The Small Münsterländer The history The Kleiner Münsterländer is an old German hunting dog breed from the Münsterland region. Its development began in the 19th century, when long-haired quail dogs were already known in the region. These dogs were considered to be willing to track, willing to point and strong retrievers. In 1912, the Verband für Kleine Münsterländer Vorstehhunde (Association for Small Münsterland Pointing Dogs) was founded, which marked the beginning of the planned breeding of the breed. Appearance Body shape: The Kleiner Münsterländer is a medium-sized, harmoniously built and athletic dog with a lot of expression and elegance. The body is slightly longer than the height at the withers, strong but not heavy. He appears agile, enduring and powerful. Coat: The coat is glossy, dense and not too long. It is usually smooth or slightly wavy on the body. Typical are the well-defined feathering on the front and hind legs as well as the clearly feathered tail. Temperament/character The Kleiner Münsterländer is considered intelligent, attentive, friendly and spirited. He is very attached to his owner, learns quickly and enjoys working with him. At the same time, it is a passionate hunting dog with lots of energy, prey drive and stamina. In everyday family life, he is often affectionate and even-tempered if he is kept sufficiently occupied. Grooming Grooming is generally easy to manage. Regular brushing helps to remove loose hair, dirt and small tangles. After walks in the fields, woods and undergrowth, the coat, ears and paws should be checked, as burrs or parasites can easily get stuck there. Claws and teeth also need regular care. Health The Kleiner Münsterländer is generally considered to be a robust and efficient breed. Nevertheless, as with all medium-sized hunting dogs, attention should be paid to responsible breeding, healthy growth and a suitable body weight. Depending on the line, joint problems or eye issues can play a role. The general robustness is well supported by the many years of hunting use, the possible diseases are a cautious professional classification. Training Training should be friendly, clear and consistent. The Kleiner Münsterländer is intelligent and cooperative, but can also be easily distracted due to its hunting disposition. Early socialization, reliable recall and a sensible combination of exercise, nose work and mental exercise are particularly important. Harsh methods are unsuitable because they can put a strain on cooperation. What are the special features of this breed? What is special about this breed is the combination of closeness to the family and a genuine hunting disposition. The Kleiner Münsterländer is not just a companion dog, but a versatile pointing dog with a great deal of willingness to search, tracking ability and stamina. He is often very sensitive to working with his human and needs tasks that suit his nature. It is precisely this mixture of elegance, willingness to work and strong bond that makes him special. Suitable for first-time dog owners? Conditionally. A committed and well-informed first-time dog owner can get on well with a Kleiner Münsterländer if sufficient time, exercise and activity are planned. However, the breed is not easy because it is motivated by hunting and needs consistent training. If you are looking for a calm, undemanding beginner's dog, this breed is usually not the best choice. Family dog or not? Yes, the Kleiner Münsterländer can generally be a good family dog. They are often friendly, affectionate and people-oriented. However, it is particularly suitable for active families who enjoy exercise, training and spending time together. Without sufficient exercise, this intelligent hunting dog will quickly become underchallenged in everyday life.

Small Poodle History of the Poodle The poodle is one of the old European dog breeds and was originally used as a water dog. It was strongly influenced and further developed in France in particular, which is why France is now considered the country of origin. Over time, the larger working dog developed into different size variants, including the small poodle. Later, the poodle became known primarily as an intelligent companion, show and family dog. Appearance Body shape: The Small Poodle has a harmonious, elegant and well-proportioned build. It appears neither clumsy nor fragile, but lively, proud and agile. Typical are the rather square overall impression, the fine but not weak bone structure and a springy, light movement. Coat: The coat is one of the most striking characteristics of the breed. It is dense, fine and strongly curled or formed in cords. The Small Poodle usually sheds very little, but needs regular and careful grooming. Nature/character The Small Poodle is considered to be very intelligent, attentive, playful and people-oriented. They learn quickly, enjoy working with their people and are often extremely adaptable. Many small poodles are friendly, alert and sensitive without being overly nervous. Thanks to their intelligence and keen powers of observation, they often react very clearly to the mood and everyday life of their caregivers. Grooming Grooming is more complex than many people initially think. The coat must be regularly brushed, combed and cut or clipped at sensible intervals so that it does not become matted. Ears, claws, teeth and eyes should also be checked regularly. Because the coat sheds so little, loose wool often gets caught in the coat and must be actively removed. Health The small poodle is generally considered to be a fairly robust and long-lived variety. Nevertheless, attention should be paid to responsible breeding. Depending on the line, patella problems, eye diseases, dental problems or hereditary diseases can play a role. Regular veterinary checks, good weight management and a reputable breeding base are important. Training The small poodle is generally very easy to train. It learns quickly, is attentive and often wants to work closely with its owner. It responds best to friendly, clear and consistent training. Harsh methods are unsuitable because many Poodles react sensitively. With early socialization, variety and meaningful mental activity, the small poodle usually develops into a very pleasant companion. What are the special features of this breed? What is special about this breed is the combination of intelligence, elegance and a great love of learning. The small poodle is usually much more than just a pretty companion dog. They are often very attentive, athletic and versatile, for example in everyday life, dog sports or mental tasks. They also have a special coat that sheds very little but requires a lot of grooming. Suitable for first-time dog owners? Yes, the small poodle is often very suitable for first-time dog owners. They are usually smart, cooperative and easy to train. The important thing is not to underestimate them. Even a small to medium-sized poodle needs training, activity and regular grooming. If you are prepared to do this, you will often find a very pleasant beginner's dog. Family dog or not? Yes, the small poodle is generally a very good family dog. They are usually friendly, playful and closely bonded to their humans. They generally feel very comfortable in a family with loving consistency, sufficient activity and respectful treatment. Due to its adaptability, it often suits both active families and quieter households.

The RottweilerHistory of the Scottish TerrierThe Rottweiler is one of the oldest dog breeds. Its ancestors were already used as herding dogs in Ancient Rome and travelled across the Alps with the Roman legions. In the area around Rottweil, these dogs were mated with local dogs and developed into the type that later became known as the Rottweiler butcher's dog. It herded cattle, guarded property and was officially recognised as a police dog in 1910.AppearanceBody shape: The Rottweiler is medium to large in size, strong, compact and strikingly stocky in build. Despite its size, it should not appear clumsy, but rather like an athletic, enduring and agile athlete. Typical features include a broad head, deep chest, strong musculature and an overall very powerful appearance. Coat: The coat is double-coated, dense and weather-resistant. It consists of medium-length, coarse outer hair with an undercoat, which should not, however, be visible. The typical colour is black with clearly defined reddish-brown markings.Nature/characterThe Rottweiler is considered to be even-tempered, calm, strong-nerved and self-confident. At the same time, he is alert, resilient and usually closely attached to his family. With good socialisation and training, they are often friendly, docile and suitable for everyday use. Typical characteristics are his high stimulus threshold, his seriousness and his natural protective and guarding instinct.GroomingGrooming is generally uncomplicated. Occasional brushing is usually sufficient to remove loose hair and dirt. Brushing should be more thorough during the shedding period. In addition, ears, claws, teeth and paws should be checked regularly. HealthThe Rottweiler is generally regarded as a resilient and capable breed. Nevertheless, attention should be paid to responsible breeding. As with other large and strong dogs, hip and elbow problems or other hereditary diseases can play a role, depending on the line. Controlled growth, good weight management and sensible physical exercise are also important. EducationTraining should begin early, clearly, calmly and consistently. The Rottweiler is strong, intelligent and usually easy to handle, but needs reliable leadership and very good socialisation. Loving consistency is particularly important. Harsh or unfair methods are unsuitable. Good leash control, impulse control and safe everyday behaviour are very important for this breed.What are the special features of this breed?What makes this breed special is its combination of strength, nerve and versatility. The Rottweiler is not only a guard and family dog, but also a service, rescue, therapy and sporting dog. He has a lot of substance, seriousness and protective instinct, which is why his keeping and training must be particularly responsible. It is precisely this mixture of leadership and strength that makes him special.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Rather only to a limited extent. A very well-informed and consistent first-time dog owner can cope with a Rottweiler if they are intensively involved with socialisation, training and responsibility. Overall, however, the breed is rather demanding because it is powerful, alert and has a strong character. Family dog or not?Yes, in principle the Rottweiler can be a good family dog. With good socialisation and appropriate training, it is often described as friendly, loyal and family-oriented. However, it is best suited to people who can offer it clear leadership, close family ties and a responsible attitude. It is not intended to be an uncomplicated dog for every household.

The Shih TzuHistory of the Scottish TerrierThe origins of the Shih Tzu lie in Tibet, but the actual development of the breed took place in China, where such dogs were kept at the imperial court. The Shih Tzu was often confused with the Lhasa Apso, although there are clear differences. As an independent breed, it was later given its own register and continued as a companion dog.AppearanceBody shape: The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, heavily coated, compact little dog with a proud bearing. It is slightly longer in build, i.e. longer from the withers to the base of the tail than it is tall. Typical features include the round head, large dark eyes, short muzzle and chrysanthemum-like face. Coat: The coat is long, dense and flows luxuriously. It should not be curly, but a slight wave is permitted. The undercoat is well developed, giving the coat a full and luxurious appearance.Nature/characterThe Shih Tzu is considered to be friendly, attentive, lively and at the same time quite independent. It is generally a very people-orientated companion dog, often charming and affectionate without being overly submissive. Many representatives of the breed show an alert, cheerful and balanced natureGroomingGrooming this breed is time-consuming because the long coat needs to be brushed and kept clean regularly. Without consistent grooming, it can quickly become matted, especially on the ears, chest, legs and under the belly. Eyes, beard and paws also need frequent attention. Grooming is an integral part of the Shih Tzu's everyday life.HealthThe Shih Tzu is generally regarded as a robust little dog, but can be prone to breathing problems, eye problems, dental problems and skin problems typical of the breed. Due to their short muzzle and abundant head hair, careful observation is important in everyday life. Serious breeding with a view to health and free breathing is therefore particularly important.EducationThe Shih Tzu is usually capable of learning, but can also have a mind of its own. It can be trained well with friendly consistency, clear rules and positive reinforcement. Pressure and harshness are of little use. Early familiarisation with grooming, everyday stimuli and respectful interaction with people and other animals are important.What are the special features of this breed?Particularly striking are the chrysanthemum-like face, the long luxurious coat and the very close suitability as a companion dog. The Shih Tzu was not bred for hard work, but for closeness to humans. As a result, it is often very affectionate, charming and likes to be at the centre of family life. At the same time, it requires considerably more grooming than many other small breeds.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Yes, in many cases it is. The Shih Tzu can be well suited to first-time dog owners if they are prepared to take on the intensive grooming and provide consistent but loving training. It is usually manageable, people-friendly and can be easily integrated into everyday life as a companion dog.Family dog or not? Yes, the Shih Tzu is generally a good family dog. It is usually friendly, adaptable and likes to be close to its humans. However, it is important for families that children treat the small dog with respect and that grooming is not underestimated. In a loving home, it is often a very pleasant and cheerful flatmate.

The small spitz History of the Scottish Terrier The Kleinspitz belongs to the German Spitz breed and is one of the oldest dog breeds in Central Europe. The Spitz is considered to be a descendant of the Stone Age turf dog and later pile dwelling Spitz. For many generations, they were kept as watchful farmyard and companion dogs. The Kleinspitz developed as a smaller variety of the German Spitz. Appearance Body shape: The Miniature Spitz is small, compact and almost square in build. Typical features include the fox-like head, the small, erect ears, the dark, alert eyes and the bushy tail curled over the back. Despite its small size, it appears alert, proud and lively. Coat: The coat is very lush and striking. The neck and shoulders are framed by a thick mane, the legs are well feathered and the tail is bushy. The coat is neither wavy nor curly, but stands out in a typical spitz-like manner due to the dense undercoat. Nature/character The Kleinspitz is considered to be lively, attentive, affectionate and very alert. It is usually closely attached to its humans and reliably reports what is happening around it. It is often rather reserved towards strangers without being fundamentally fearful. His eagerness to learn, his presence and his often astonishingly self-confident demeanour for such a small dog are typical. Grooming The coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting and to remove loose hair. Thorough brushing several times a week is advisable, often even more frequently when the coat is changing. Ears, claws, teeth and eyes should also be checked. Despite their luxuriant coat, grooming is usually manageable if it becomes a routine right from the start. Health The Kleinspitz is generally regarded as a robust and long-lived variety. Nevertheless, as with any breed, care should be taken to ensure responsible breeding. Depending on the line, patellar luxation, dental problems, eye problems or other hereditary diseases can play a role. Regular veterinary checks, good weight management and a reputable breeding base are important. Education The Kleinspitz is generally easy to train if it is handled in a friendly, clear and consistent manner. Because of its alertness, particular attention should be paid to directing barking behaviour at an early stage. He is smart and attentive, but can also be stubborn if he is not taken seriously because of his size. With early socialisation and loving leadership, he usually develops into a pleasant companion. What are the special features of this breed? What is special about this breed is the combination of small size and large demeanour. The Kleinspitz is not a quiet lap dog, but an attentive, self-confident and often very alert companion. Other typical characteristics are the lush coat, the tail carried over the back and the close bond with its humans. He has a lot of personality and wants to be taken seriously in everyday life. Suitable for first-time dog owners? Yes, the Kleinspitz is often well suited to first-time dog owners. They are usually eager to learn, adaptable and closely attached to their humans. However, it is important that his alertness and barking behaviour are well managed from the outset and that he is not belittled simply because of his small size. This assessment is a professional categorisation based on the breed characteristics described. Family dog or not? Yes, the Kleinspitz can be a good family dog. They are affectionate, lively and like to be close to their humans. It fits particularly well into families or households that enjoy a watchful, small and present dog. He usually feels very comfortable with respectful behaviour and clear rules.

Cocker Spaniel profileHistory of the Cocker SpanielThe English Cocker Spaniel was bred to be a hunting dog and was traditionally used for hunting, including woodcock, from which the name "Cocker" is derived.AppearanceBody shape: You get a compact, athletic dog with a strong build designed for endurance and agility. Coat: The coat is of medium length, silky and with typical feathering. To keep it beautiful, it needs regular grooming, especially on the ears, chest and "pants".Nature and characterMany Cockers are cheerful, people-oriented, intelligent and eager to work. At the same time, they are often sensitive and, depending on their line and occupation, can quickly "turn on" if there is a lack of rest and structure.GroomingThey should be brushed regularly and knots untied early, especially on the ears and feathering. Ear care is also important because the long ears can promote ear infections.HealthTypical issues are ear problems as well as various hereditary diseases, which is why health examinations and proofs are very useful in breeding.EducationThey usually do very well with positive reinforcement, clear rules and consistent recall training. As many Cockers like to work with their nose, search games, retrieving and dummy training help to keep your dog balanced in everyday life.What special features does this breed haveThe Cocker is a search dog that loves to work: active and motivated outdoors, often pleasantly cuddly indoors when well exercised. The long, heavily feathered ears and the need for regular grooming and ear care are typical.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Often yes, if you are prepared to train consistently, groom regularly and keep the dog busy and mentally and physically active. If you are looking for a dog that "just works" without training and exercise, it may be more difficult.Family dog or not?In many cases, yes: many cockers are friendly, playful and fit well into active families, as long as exercise, activity and rest periods are right

Cocker Spaniel profileHistory of the Cocker SpanielThe English Cocker Spaniel was bred to be a hunting dog and was traditionally used for hunting, including woodcock, from which the name "Cocker" is derived.AppearanceBody shape: You get a compact, athletic dog with a strong build designed for endurance and agility. Coat: The coat is of medium length, silky and with typical feathering. To keep it beautiful, it needs regular grooming, especially on the ears, chest and "pants".Nature and characterMany Cockers are cheerful, people-oriented, intelligent and eager to work. At the same time, they are often sensitive and, depending on their line and occupation, can quickly "turn on" if there is a lack of rest and structure.GroomingThey should be brushed regularly and knots untied early, especially on the ears and feathering. Ear care is also important because the long ears can promote ear infections.HealthTypical issues are ear problems as well as various hereditary diseases, which is why health examinations and proofs are very useful in breeding.EducationThey usually do very well with positive reinforcement, clear rules and consistent recall training. As many Cockers like to work with their nose, search games, retrieving and dummy training help to keep your dog balanced in everyday life.What special features does this breed haveThe Cocker is a search dog that loves to work: active and motivated outdoors, often pleasantly cuddly indoors when well exercised. The long, heavily feathered ears and the need for regular grooming and ear care are typical.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Often yes, if you are prepared to train consistently, groom regularly and keep the dog busy and mentally and physically active. If you are looking for a dog that "just works" without training and exercise, it may be more difficult.Family dog or not?In many cases, yes: many cockers are friendly, playful and fit well into active families, as long as exercise, activity and rest periods are right

The Italian wind chime The history The Italian Greyhound descends from small sighthounds that were already known in ancient Egypt. These dogs arrived in Italy via Greece, where the breed developed in particular. They became most widespread during the Renaissance at the courts of the nobility. To this day, it is considered one of the oldest small sighthound breeds. Appearance Body shape: The Italian Greyhound is a small, very elegant and slender dog with a square shape. Despite its delicate appearance, it embodies all the typical characteristics of a true sighthound. It appears graceful, light-footed and distinguished. Coat: The coat is very short, fine and silky and lies close to the body. It appears smooth and well-groomed, without fringes or undercoat. Typical are the clear, solid colors with only a little white allowed. Nature/character The Italian Greyhound is considered lively, gentle, affectionate and docile. It is very people-oriented and often seeks the closeness of its caregivers. Many representatives of the breed are sensitive, charming and more sensitive than robust. They are usually very affectionate towards familiar people, often playful and attentive. Grooming Grooming is uncomplicated, as the short coat requires little effort. Regular gentle brushing or rubbing is usually sufficient. It is also important to check claws, teeth, ears and skin. Due to the very short coat, you should also pay attention to sensitivity to cold and protect the dog well at low temperatures. Health The Italian Greyhound is generally considered to be a rather delicate breed. Due to its fine build, it can react more sensitively to cold, rough handling and injuries than more robust dogs. Depending on the lineage, problems with teeth, joints or bones can also play a role. Responsible breeding, a safe environment and good weight management are important. Training Training should be gentle, patient and consistent. The Italian Greyhound is sensitive and usually does not respond well to harshness or pressure. It usually learns well with friendly guidance, early socialization and a lot of trust. It is also important to establish basic signals that are safe for everyday use and to carefully build up self-confidence, as some dogs can be somewhat reserved or sensitive. What are the special features of this breed? What is special about this breed is the combination of delicate elegance, genuine sighthound type and a strong affinity with people. The Italian Greyhound is small, but not a typical small dog in the classic sense, but a miniature sighthound with a corresponding physique and movement behavior. It is often very sensitive, loves warmth and closeness and needs to be handled with care. It is precisely its delicacy that makes it special, but also somewhat more demanding in everyday life. Suitable for first-time dog owners? Conditionally. The Italian Greyhound may be suitable for calm, sensitive and well-informed first-time dog owners. However, if you are looking for a robust, uncomplicated dog, this breed is not always ideal. Sensitivity, sensitivity to cold and the fine physique require attention and respectful handling. Family dog or not? Yes, in principle the Italian Greyhound can be a good family dog. It is affectionate, loving and strongly related to its people. However, it is best suited to quiet, considerate households. In families with very small or rambunctious children, special care should be taken to handle them carefully due to their delicate stature.

Miniature Spitz - Pomeranian Characteristics Body shape: The height at the withers and the length of the dog are equal: square Fox-like head Pointed ears, close together Short and straight back Coat: Thick coat Various coat colour variations Character of the Miniature SpitzThe Miniature Spitz is a cheerful, lively dog known for its liveliness. As a rule, it gets on very well with children and loves to play with them.They are very intelligent dogs and are very capable of learning, which are neither aggressive nor fearful.This little four-legged friend should not be left alone for too long, as it needs a lot of affection and is a very affectionate dog. Due to its weather-resistant nature and good alertness, the Miniature Spitz is also suitable as a guard dog. TrainingThis dog breed is considered easy to train – nevertheless, training should not be neglected.

The Great DaneHistory of the Scottish TerrierThe FCI standard names the old Bullenbeisser as well as Hatz and Saur males as the forerunners of the Great Dane, i.e. strong and agile dogs that were used for hunting game. These types later developed into today's uniformly standardised Great Dane.AppearanceBody shape: The Great Dane is a very large, powerful yet elegant dog with a proud bearing. It should appear harmoniously proportioned and well-muscled – not clumsy.Coat: The coat is short and low-maintenance, lies close to the body and has a sheen.Nature and characterTypical of the "gentle giant": friendly, people-orientated and usually quiet in the house, but at the same time alert. Due to its size, good behaviour is particularly important, because even "naughty friendliness" quickly becomes impractical in everyday life.GroomingThe short coat only needs regular brushing/rubbing. More effort is often required for the surrounding area: ears, claws and teeth, but above all everyday management (car, stairs, space requirements, suitable lead/harness size). Many Doggers also drool more than other breeds.HealthImportant issues with the Dogger are above all: Gastric torsion (GDV/Bloat): large, deep-chested dogs like the Dogger are particularly at risk; it is an emergency. Heart disease, especially dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), is described more frequently in Great Danes. Hip dysplasia (and joint stress in general in giant breeds) is also a relevant issue.EducationCalm, friendly and consistently trained. Practise early on: walking on a lead, greeting without jumping up, impulse control and staying alone in a relaxed manner. Because of their size, it is better to train good manners immediately than to "train them off" later.What are the special features of this breed?Extreme space and strength factor: everyday life must be suitable for Great Danes (living space, car, transport, stairs). "Gentle giant", but not automatically uncomplicated: Needs clear rules and good socialisation. Health management (especially GDV/heart/joints) plays a major role for many owners.Suitable for first-time dog owners?Conditional. If you get help (dog school), train consistently and really want to take on the responsibility of a giant breed (costs, handling, health), it can work. Without structure it quickly becomes difficult.Family dog or not?Yes, often - with conditions. In a calm, well-organised family, the Dogger can be very affectionate and child-friendly. Retreats, respectful children and a daily routine that takes size and health into account are important.

Irish Wolfhound - Irish Wolfhound History of the Scottish Terrier The Irish Wolfhound is one of the oldest known types of sighthound. Its ancestors were valued very early on in Ireland as great hunting and war dogs. Later, the population declined sharply and the breed was systematically rebuilt in the 19th century. A decisive role was played by Capt. G. A. Graham, who consolidated the modern breed with a few remaining dogs of the old type and with Deerhound blood, among other things. The Irish Wolfhound thus also became a symbol of Irish cultural history. Appearance Body shape: The Irish Wolfhound is a very large, imposing yet elegant dog. It should not be as massive as a Great Dane, but more powerful than a Deerhound. Its build is muscular, long-lined and harmonious, with a head and neck carried high and, overall, a light, active gait. Coat: The coat is rough, hard and weather-resistant. Particularly distinctive is the somewhat shaggy hair above the eyes and on the muzzle. Several colour variations are permitted, including grey, brindle, red, black, white and fawn. Nature/character The Irish Wolfhound is considered to be friendly, calm, dignified and people orientated. A famous description of their character is the phrase "a lamb at home and a lion on the hunt". In everyday life, many representatives of the breed show a gentle, patient and rather sensitive demeanour. Despite their size, they are not usually nervous or constantly alert dogs, but rather calm companions with a close bond to their humans. Grooming Grooming is generally straightforward, although the wiry coat should be brushed regularly. Loose hair and dirt can usually be removed easily. In addition, ears, claws, teeth and paws should be checked regularly. Due to their enormous body size, care should also be taken to provide a suitable lying surface, exercise that is easy on the joints and a suitable body weight. Health Like many very large dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound also has special health characteristics. Important features include attention to heart problems, bone disease, gastric torsion and joint-related stresses. Growth as a young dog must also be well monitored so that bones and joints are not overloaded. Overall, the breed is considered to be comparatively sensitive in terms of size, and life expectancy is often shorter than with smaller breeds. Education Training should be loving, calm and consistent. The Irish Wolfhound is usually sensitive and does not respond well to harshness. Early socialisation, good leash training and basic signals that are safe for everyday use are important, as even a young dog develops enormous strength. Because of its sighthound background, the recall should also be carefully developed. With patience and fair leadership, the breed is generally easy to control. What are the special features of this breed? The most striking feature of the Irish Wolfhound is of course its enormous size. The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. Despite this impressive appearance, it is often gentle, calm and very affectionate. At the same time, it has typical sighthound characteristics, i.e. a certain hunting instinct, dignity, sensitivity and sometimes also a quiet independence. They need a lot of space in everyday life, good management and an awareness that even normal movements of such a large dog can develop a lot of strength. Suitable for first-time dog owners? Rather limited. Although the Irish Wolfhound can be friendly and good-natured in character, its size, strength and special health requirements do not make it the easiest breed to start with. However, a very well-informed and responsible first-time dog owner can get on well with this breed with plenty of preparation, suitable support and sufficient space. Family dog or not? Yes, in principle the Irish Wolfhound can be a very good family dog. It is often gentle, patient and closely bonded to its people. It usually feels at home in a calm, responsible family with sufficient space and understanding for its needs. Because of its size, however, it should always be closely supervised around small children, simply because such a large dog can be unintentionally very physical.