wolfhound

Thân thiện

A wolfhound stands proudly beside its owner in a grassy field.

Definition

Noun: 1. A very large breed of dog originally developed for hunting wolves: A wolfhound is a type of dog characterized by its great size, strength, and speed, historically bred specifically for the purpose of pursuing, coursing, or hunting wolves.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The Irish wolfhound is a gentle giant despite its history as a fierce wolfhound.
  • They used a team of wolfhounds to protect the livestock from predators.
  • The Borzoi is a Russian wolfhound known for its elegant appearance and swift gait.

Advanced Usage

• As a modifier: The term can function attributively to describe other nouns related to the breed.
  • Wolfhound breeding requires knowledge and responsibility due to the dogs' size.
  • The wolfhound club organizes events for owners and enthusiasts.

Variants and Related Words

• Irish Wolfhound (n): A specific, very tall breed of wolfhound originating in Ireland.
• Borzoi / Russian Wolfhound (n): A specific breed of wolfhound originating in Russia, known for its long coat and slender build.

Synonyms

• Sighthound: A category of hounds that hunt primarily by sight and speed, which includes many wolfhound breeds.
• Coursing hound: A dog bred for pursuing game by sight over open ground.

Notes on Meaning

The term "wolfhound" primarily refers to the function and historical purpose of the dog (hunting wolves) rather than a single, unified breed. Therefore, it correctly applies to several distinct large sighthound breeds, such as the Irish Wolfhound and the Borzoi, which were developed for this task in different regions. In modern casual use, it is often synonymous with the Irish Wolfhound, which is frequently cited as the tallest breed of dog.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the largest breed of dogs; formerly used to hunt wolves