Irish Wolfhounds & Shire Horses
Companions of Kings – Guardians of Ancient Legends
On Sunday, August 9, 2026, the annual Irish Wolfhound specialty show will take place at the Sighthound Festival.
No one can simply overlook this dog.
The Irish Wolfhound is considered the tallest dog breed in the world, yet it is not sheer size that moves the heart. It is the union of strength and elegance. Of substance and lightness. Of an imposing presence and a gentleness one can hardly comprehend in a giant—until standing beside one. These dogs carry history within them. And a dignity that does not need to be loud.
This year, we are privileged to experience something truly special. The Irish Wolfhounds will once again meet the Shire Horses. Karin and Matthias, who have been part of our show program several times with their impressive Shires, will be joining us again. Anyone who has ever seen these horses does not forget them: immense in stature, calm in temperament—with their characteristic, abundant feathering on their legs that sways with every movement.
Wolfhound and Shire Horse – two giants.
And yet no heaviness. Only strength, gentleness, and an almost quiet grandeur.
Height is measured in centimeters – dignity in moments like these.
A Moment That Lasts – Falconry at the Sighthound Festival Donaueschingen
On Saturday, August 8, 2026, we will experience something truly special at the Sighthound Festival:
Horus Falconry will once again be a guest in Donaueschingen – and not only for the opening.
Falconry is far more than a demonstration.
It is trust, respect, and a partnership between human and animal that reaches back thousands of years.
Or, as Horst Stern so aptly put it:
“Falconry is the art of binding a wild being to oneself by continually granting it freedom.”
That spirit will be tangible throughout the day.
In two impressive flight demonstrations, visitors will experience birds of prey in free flight – powerful, elegant, focused.
Among them is Azul, a blue eagle of extraordinary beauty – currently the only one of its kind in Germany.
In these presentations, sighthounds are actively involved in the program.
What makes this encounter so special:
Between the demonstrations, visitors are welcome to enter the falconers’ camp, get very close to the birds, ask questions, and gain insight into a fascinating craft shaped by knowledge, patience, and deep mutual respect.
I invited Horus Falconry to Donaueschingen many years ago.
And I will never forget what it feels like when an eagle lands on your own hand – heavier than expected, alert, free … and that gaze. A moment that stays with you.
Falconry and sighthounds – two ancient hunting partners.
Eyes turned to the sky, tension on the ground. Freedom, speed, dignity.
This is not a program item.
This is an experience.
You have to see it.
More about the falconry:
We very much look forward to sharing this special day in Donaueschingen with you.