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Miniature Irish Wolf Schnauzer |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Ireland <> Germany -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Miniature Irish Wolf Schnauzer |
| A rare hybrid breed, this dog is the result of a specific cross between a Miniature Schnauzer and an Irish Wolfhound. The size of the puppies can vary considerably due to the different sizes of the parent dogs. Most are medium-sized, but there are variables where they can almost reach Wolfhound giant status, so be aware that the cute little puppy you're looking at may turn out to be bigger than you thought. The Miniature Irish Wolf Schnauzer has a friendly nature if well socialized when young, otherwise it can be wary. Courageous but not aggressive, this breed is an ideal family dog, affectionate, active and full of character. Loyal and devoted, they want to be part of your life and will follow you around to see what you're up to. They have a strong hunting instinct to chase anything that moves, whatever your stop commands. Best suited to a home with a very secure fenced yard, these dogs are a worthy companion and trusted friend. |
History of the Miniature Irish Wolf Schnauzer |
| The Miniature Irish Wolf Schnauzer is not a pure-bred dog. It's a cross between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Irish Wolfhound. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look for all the breeds in the cross. It's possible that you'll get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. Not all of these hybrid breeder dogs are 50% / 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multigenerational crosses. Please examine individual breeds for potential health problems. |
A little of the Irish Wolfhound |
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| The Irish Wolfhound has a long history dating back to 301 A.D., when the Romans quickly learned to view it with wonder. The Irish Wolfhound was a war dog, trained to pull men from horses or chariots. They were also used to hunt elk, wild boar and wolves. Irish law stipulated that only kings and nobles could own these dogs, and the number owned by an individual was a sign of his wealth. These noble dogs had an almost magical history, surrounded by folk tales and traditions. When the elk and wolf in Ireland were hunted to extinction, it looked like the Wolfhound might be next, but Major H.D Richardson took an interest in them in the mid-1800s and began breeding them with the Highland Deerhound, which was a very similar breed. Other breeders launched their own breeding programs, and soon Captain George Augustus Graham revitalized the breed. The first Irish Wolfhound to be recognized by the American Kennel Club was in 1897. Today, the breed continues its quiet, dignified progress, winning hearts for its gentle companionship. | ||
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| Standard of the Irish Wolfhound | ||
A little of the Miniature Schnauzer |
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| The way the Miniature Schnauzer acts, you'd think it too came from the nobility. But this feisty little dog was bred to hunt rats that infested homes and stables in the mid-19th century. They were developed from the standard Schnauzer and have retained the breed's character and integrity. Although historical data is limited, the first recorded birth of the breed dates back to October 1888, when a black female named Findel was born. The world wars were hard on dogs and some breeds were almost lost. But dedicated breeders prevailed and the Miniature Schnauzer's popularity soared in the years that followed. While the coat color changed from red, black and tan and yellow to a distinguished silver and black, the little dog with the big attitude remained a popular breed. | ||
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| Standard of the Miniature Schnauzer |
Appearance of the Miniature Irish Wolf Schnauzer |
| As with most hybrid breeds, the appearance of the Miniature Irish Wolf Schnauzer can vary due to the presence of two different distinct breeds as parents. While some are taller and have the long, lean legs of the Irish Wolfhound, others may be shorter with sturdy legs. Even faces can vary from a blocky muzzle to a refined pointed one. The good thing about a hybrid is the different shapes it comes in, although it can be difficult to predict its size. Their facial hair will be longer in certain places, such as the eyebrows and around the mouth, even extending to a full moustache. The tail is often semi-long and held slightly lower than the body. Pricked or semi-pricked ears set wide apart and expressive dark eyes complete a dog destined for human companionship. |
Temperament of the Miniature Irish Wolf Schnauzer |
| Although dogs' temperaments can vary, it often comes down to the way a puppy is raised and socialized in its early stages. The Miniature Irish Wolf Schnauzer combines the nobility and gentleness of the purebred Irish Wolfhound with the affectionate, self-centered extroversion of the Mini Schnauzer. They're outgoing and love company, especially yours. Not a dog to sit and watch, they'll be by your side, on your lap or glued to your feet wherever you are. They vary in their ability as watchdogs, some taking on the Mini Schnauzer and bridling indignantly at the appearance of a stranger, letting you and them know that their presence has been noted and is not tolerated. Some other dogs may not even bark, but simply keep a watchful eye on the intruder. These dogs are ideal family dogs as long as they are socialized early and overcome their innate distrust of other people and pets. Raised in a family, they will regard all members as their own support system and will play on bonds to sleep on the bed or doze on the sofa, with you or the children. They appreciate close contact, so if you don't like it, this dog isn't for you. |
Needs and activities of the Miniature Irish Wolf Schnauzer |
| The Miniature Irish Wolf Schnauzer benefits from a daily outing to see what's going on in the neighborhood. It's advisable to keep them on a leash as they tend to chase small moving animals due to their hunting instinct. Taking your dog to a secure dog park will give him time to socialize with other animals and owners, producing a gentler attitude and acceptance that he's not the only dog in the neighborhood. They love to play and get along with children, who will love their comical ways. Intelligent and gentle, they can sometimes be stubborn and pretend not to hear you or understand what you want if they don't feel like obeying. Firm but gentle handling will counteract this attitude, aided by lots of positive praise and a treat or two. |
Maintenance of the Miniature Irish Wolf Schnauzer |
| The coat of the Miniature Irish Wolf Schnauzer should be brushed two or three times a week. Again, this depends on the inherited coat. Wolfhounds tend to shed steadily throughout the year, while the Miniature Schnauzer hardly sheds at all. What you get in the new hybrid could be a combination of one or both parent dogs. Your dog may need professional clipping to maintain ease of care. A coat stripping may also be necessary. Other areas of maintenance include ear care, a gentle wipe with a damp cloth will help, their teeth need brushing and their nails trimmed. If your dog has long eyebrows, the area around the eyes may need a little tweezing to enable him to see properly or to prevent the hair from damaging the eyes. The Miniature Irish Wolf Schnauzer will love this grooming process with all your attention and care. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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