 Get Twitter buttons |
The Regimental dog
In 1901 the Irish Wolfhound Club was looking for ways to promote the breed. A decision was taken to make a gift of a Wolfhound to the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards. With this end in mind, the following year, a special category was created at the Kennel Club Show at the Crystal Palace – “The Irish Guards Presentation Hound Competition”. The winner was a two-year-old dog, Rajah of Kidnal. He was presented to the Irish Guards, re-named Brian Boru and became the “Regimental Pet” from 1902-1910. Since then each successive dog has been named after a High King or Legendary Chieftain of Ireland. In 1961, Shaun was accorded the official title of Regimental Mascot. (The upkeep and welfare of Regimental Pets is the responsibility of the regiment, whereas those of the Regimental Mascots are borne by the public purse.)
Conmael is the 14th Mascot of the Irish Regiment and made his debut at the Trooping of the Colour in June 2009. The main duty of the mascot is to lead the regiment on ceremonial occasions.
THE IRISH WOLFHOUND
The Irish wolfhound is the largest and tallest of the gazehounds or sight hounds. Male dogs can grow to a height of 3 feet at the shoulder and weigh up to 14 stones. The origins of the breed can be traced as far back as the 5th century AD when they were used to hunt large prey such as wolves and elks. They were also employed in war to pull riders from horseback. They were initially only allowed to be owned by Irish royalty or the nobility. They are muscularly powerful, gracefully fast and have very keenly developed eyesight. Often referred to as “gentle giants”, they are gregarious both with humans and other dogs. Like all very large dogs they have a relatively short life span - between 5 and 10 years.
RELATED POINTS OF INFORMATION
1. Irish wolfhounds appeared fighting animals in Roman times at the Coliseum.
2. The ferret held by the 1st Battalion, the Prince of Wales’s Own Regiment of Yorkshire is not a charge to public funds and the cost of feeding, accommodating and clothing (small cap and ceremonial jacket) is born by the regiment.
Footnote in the British Army Manning Figures.
Footnote in the British Army Manning Figures.
3. The Royal Irish Regiment also has a Wolfhounds as its mascot. They have all been called Brian Boru. The present is Brian Boru VIII.
4. Regimental Pets or Mascots. Commonly - dogs, goats, sheep and ponies. More unusually – goose, pelican, kangaroo, elephant, mule and baboon.
5. On 29th June 1998 Sergeant Watchman III, a 9 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier and late mascot of the Staffordshire Regiment was given full Military honours at his burial in Burton-upon-Trent.
| Debbie Connolly Bites Back |
| Jane Common - Getting Around With The Hound |
| Kate Bendix - Taking Itch Out Of Your Bitch |
| Subscribe to our newsletter and you'll receive regular emails keeping you up to date on our latest news, special offers and exclusive member only deals! |
