Irish Wolfhound vs Scottish Deerhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Irish Wolfhound
Hound Group
Scottish Deerhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Irish Wolfhound Overview
Majestic Irish Wolfhounds stand as gentle giants of the canine world, with their distinctive rough coat and commanding presence. Their muscular build, deep chest, and long legs create an imposing yet graceful silhouette. Despite their formidable size, these hounds possess remarkably gentle temperaments, combining dignified bearing with patient, calm demeanors that make them exceptional companions.
Scottish Deerhound Overview
Majestic and noble, Scottish Deerhounds possess a commanding presence with their tall, lean build and rough coat. Standing up to 32 inches at the shoulder, these graceful giants combine strength with elegance. Their dignified bearing reflects their aristocratic heritage, while their gentle eyes and soft expression reveal their characteristically kind nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Irish Wolfhounds are less energetic than Scottish Deerhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Irish Wolfhounds require more grooming attention compared to Scottish Deerhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Irish Wolfhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Scottish Deerhounds.
- Trainability: Scottish Deerhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Scottish Deerhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Scottish Deerhounds adapt better to apartment living, while Irish Wolfhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Irish Wolfhound | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 6-8 years | 8-11 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Irish Wolfhound | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 30-32 inches 76-81 cm | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm |
| Weight | 105-120 lbs 48-54 kg | 75-110 lbs 34-50 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Irish Wolfhound | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Courageous, Dignified, Calm | Gentle, Dignified, Polite |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Irish Wolfhound | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Irish Wolfhound Temperament
The Irish Wolfhound is known for being courageous, dignified, calm, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Scottish Deerhound Temperament
The Scottish Deerhound is characterized by being gentle, dignified, polite, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 3/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 4/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 3/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 2/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 3/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Irish Wolfhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Irish Wolfhounds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Irish Wolfhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Scottish Deerhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Scottish Deerhounds need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Scottish Deerhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Irish Wolfhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Bloat
Scottish Deerhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Liver shunt
Pros & Cons
Irish Wolfhound
Pros
- Gentle and patient temperament
- Good with children
- Minimal barking
- Noble and dignified presence
Cons
- Very short lifespan
- Requires large living space
- High food costs
- Health issues common
Scottish Deerhound
Pros
- Gentle and dignified temperament
- Low barking tendency
- Good with other dogs
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Requires large living space
- High exercise needs
- Short lifespan
- Strong prey drive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.