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Irish wolfhounds were described by an early Roman as being able to look a Roman in the eye while all four feet were on the ground. Biiig doggie! The dogs were kept by Celtic kings for reducing the wolf populations so that the king's cows didn't become wolf chow.

So,now comes the real question. What was the original wild stock from which Irish wolfhounds were domesticated? My guess is that it may have been the Ice Age dire wolf. That animal was some 6' at the shoulder, so smaller, gentler ones may have been tamed.

By the way, wolfhounds were also good war dogs. Come to think of it, why not a traveling pack of wolfhounds to deal with "reintroduced" wolves? A natural, historic "war on wolves" right out of Celtic legends and Norse sagas.

With a bit of marketing of the TV rights, and some industry sponsorship money, we might again see wolfhounds able to look a man in the eye.

We might even get one big enough to ride. Imagine that - a horse that wasn't a flight reflex waiting to be triggered. Not to mention a trusty steed able to nosh on coyotes instead of grass.

Now you see 'em - Snap- now you don't. ;-)