ALIFEWITHPURPOSE• DanSayers continued
The Irish Wolfhound is known too by the more familiar motto, “Go mín le bánaí, ach briogtha le bánaí” or “Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked.” Since 390 AD at least, when a gift of seven Irish dogs was given to a Roman consul by his brother, the breed’s tender heart and courage in battle have been admired and revered beyond the Emerald Isle. However, despite the breed’s venerable past, today’s hounds are not immortal. In fact, the average lifespan for an Irish Wolfhound is six or seven years on average, although many do live longer. Though a big dog can seem larger than life, its shorter life span often leads to heartache, if not a broken heart. Living with a purpose-bred dog does not make for a perfect life, but it is predictable. And that’s the whole point. Whether you’re looking for a dependable partner, a little charmer, or commanding colossus, there’s an AKC-recognized breed — or two — that fits the bill. n Dan Sayers covers the dog sport with a particular interest in the peo- ple who’ve served to promote and preserve purebred dogs. His arti- cles feature breeders and exhibitors of the past as well as those who work tirelessly on behalf of the fancy today. A self-taught artist, Dan’s artwork is represented in collections worldwide and his illus- trations appear in the award-winning Encyclopedia of K-9 Terminology by Ed and Pat Gilbert. Since 1981, Dan has exhibited primarily Sporting breeds and Hounds. He’s bred both Irish Water Spaniels and Rhodesian Ridgebacks and has judged a variety of match shows and sweepstakes, including the Irish Water Spaniel Club of America National Specialty twice.
Gentle Giants Though the appeal of a small dog is undeniable, some people just have to have a big dog. And though bigger isn’t always bet- ter, only one breed towers above the rest. The Irish Wolfhound owns this distinction and can measure three feet at the with- ers. When standing on its hind legs, the breed can easily stare down a grown man. With a frame so large, it’s a good thing the breed’s heart is just as big. Though commanding in appear- ance, Wolfhounds are really just gentle giants with a disposi- tion that is both patient and prudent. To many big dog lovers, this amiable breed is perfectly suited for life in the 21st centu- ry. However, the modern man or woman needs to be fully pre- pared to open heart and home to such an immense Irishman. The August 1988 issue of the AKC Gazette features an arti- cle by Irish Wolfhound breeder and author Gretchen Bernardi titled, “Ireland’s Wolfdog.” In a sidebar with the heading, “A Hound from Antiquity,” the author honors the dedication with which modern-day breeders have undertaken the task of breed preservation. As Bernardi notes, “Conscientious breed- ers of Irish Wolfhounds strive to bring this ancient hound to perfection and towards that end are fortunate to have at their disposal a standard virtually unchanged since Captain Graham himself faced the same challenge. [Captain G. A. Graham, a Scotsman in the British army, is credited with reviving the breed in the 19th century.] The author goes on to write that even though modern hounds are seldom called upon to prove their dogs’ hunting skills, the breed’s “courage, devotion and gentle nature, which were equally as esteemed in ancient song and lore, are celebrated as much today as when Spencer wrote of the Wolfhound in 1801, ‘So true, so brave — a lamb at home, a lion in the chase.’”
62 • S how S ight M agazine , A ugust 2017
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