Lagotto Romagnolo vs Irish Wolfhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Sporting Group
Irish Wolfhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Lagotto Romagnolo Overview
Lagotto Romagnolo dogs feature distinctive curly coats resembling water-resistant wool, with well-proportioned, square-built frames. Their expressive eyes and rounded heads give them an alert, intelligent appearance. Known for their keen truffle-hunting abilities, these medium-sized dogs combine affectionate temperaments with remarkable work ethic. Their waterproof double coat comes in various colors including brown roan, orange, and white.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Lagotto Romagnolos are less energetic than Irish Wolfhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lagotto Romagnolos require less grooming attention compared to Irish Wolfhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lagotto Romagnolos tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Irish Wolfhounds.
- Trainability: Irish Wolfhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Irish Wolfhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lagotto Romagnolos 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 Lagotto Romagnolo and Irish Wolfhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 15-17 years | 6-8 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-19 inches 41-48 cm | 30-32 inches 76-81 cm |
| Weight | 24-35 lbs 11-16 kg | 105-120 lbs 48-54 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Keen, Undemanding | Courageous, Dignified, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lagotto Romagnolo | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lagotto Romagnolo Temperament
The Lagotto Romagnolo is known for being affectionate, keen, undemanding, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Irish Wolfhound Temperament
The Irish Wolfhound is characterized by being courageous, dignified, calm, 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 Lagotto Romagnolo and Irish Wolfhound, 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
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 3/5
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 5/5
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 3/5
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 1/5
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lagotto Romagnolo
Rating: 2/5
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Lagotto Romagnolo Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lagotto Romagnolos 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, Lagotto Romagnolos require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Irish Wolfhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Irish Wolfhounds 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, Irish Wolfhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Lagotto Romagnolo Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Benign Juvenile Epilepsy
- Storage Disease
Irish Wolfhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Bloat
Pros & Cons
Lagotto Romagnolo
Pros
- Excellent nose work abilities
- Minimal shedding
- Highly trainable
- Good with families
- Adaptable to different environments
Cons
- Requires regular grooming
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Expensive to purchase
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Lagotto Romagnolo and Irish Wolfhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.