George Augustus Graham

Captain George Augustus Graham (6 August 1833 – 21 October 1909) was a British Army officer, historian and dog breeder. He is best known for reviving the Irish Wolfhound from Irish foundation stocks and establishing the modern breed standard.

Early years and family Born on 6 August 1833 in Bathwick, George Augustus Graham was the son of Col. Charles Graham , who served in the First Ava War, and his wife Mary Ann Graham. He was educated at Cheltenham College. He was of Scottish descent, his family belonging to the Rednock branch of Clan Graham.

Irish Wolfhound

Although the Irish Wolfhound had become rare by the 19th century, efforts to revive the breed began in earnest in the latter half of the century (no reports earlier than 1862). Captain Graham played a leading role in these efforts. While based in England, Graham worked with Irish wolfhound bloodlines and drew upon dogs believed to be descended from original Irish stock, acknowledging the breed’s historical roots in Ireland:

Graham acquired "Faust" of Kilfane and "Old Donagh" of Ballytobin, County Kilkenny, in Ireland. These dogs became foundational to his breeding program and were believed to carry the lineage of the original Irish wolfhound.

Based on the writings of others, Graham concluded that the Scottish Deerhound and Great Dane had earlier been derived from the Irish wolfhound. As a result, these breeds were included in his program to restore the size and appearance of the historical wolfhound. For genetic diversity, outcrosses such as the Borzoi and a so-called "Tibetan wolfdog" may have also been introduced. It has been speculated that the latter may have been a Tibetan Kyi Apso.

In summation of the breeding developments in England in the 19th century,Fredson Thayer Bowers writes:

In 1885, Graham founded the Irish Wolfhound Club and formulated the Breed Standard of Points to guide future breeders. Although his work was conducted primarily in Britain, the genetic base and cultural heritage of the breed remain firmly rooted in Ireland. In 1902, the Irish Wolfhound was officially designated the regimental mascot of the Irish Guards, further reinforcing its national and cultural identity.