Dog breed comparison
Great Dane vs Irish Wolfhound
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Great Dane tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Great Dane | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Hound Dogs |
| Size | Very Large | Very Large |
| Height | 26 to 34 inches | 32 to 35 inches |
| Weight | 100 to 200 pounds | 115 to 180 pounds |
| Life span | 7 to 10 years | 6 to 8 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Great Dane
Developed in Germany, not Denmark, from mastiffs and Irish Wolfhounds to hunt wild boar. German nobles later kept it as an estate guardian.
Bloat is the leading cause of death in the breed; many owners have a preventive gastropexy done.
Health to watch
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Hip dysplasia
- Wobbler syndrome
- Osteosarcoma
The Irish Wolfhound
An ancient Irish sighthound bred to hunt wolves and elk and to fight in battle. It is the tallest breed and was rebuilt in the 1860s by Captain George Graham.
Its lifespan is short, often 6 to 8 years.
Health to watch
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Osteosarcoma
- Bloat
- Liver shunt
- Pneumonia
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Energy
The Great Dane has more energy than the Irish Wolfhound.
Barking
The Great Dane barks more than the Irish Wolfhound.
Drooling
The Great Dane drools more than the Irish Wolfhound.
General health
The Great Dane tends to have fewer health problems than the Irish Wolfhound.
Easy to train
The Great Dane is easier to train than the Irish Wolfhound.
Shedding
The Great Dane sheds more than the Irish Wolfhound.
Which to choose
Great Dane or Irish Wolfhound?
Choose the Great Dane if…
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
Choose the Irish Wolfhound if…
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want a dog that sheds less
Questions.
Is the Great Dane or the Irish Wolfhound bigger, and which lives longer?
The Great Dane tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Great Dane or the Irish Wolfhound?
The Great Dane is generally easier to train than the Irish Wolfhound. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Great Dane or the Irish Wolfhound?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Irish Wolfhound sheds less than the Great Dane. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Great Dane and Irish Wolfhound have?
The Great Dane is prone to bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), dilated cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia. The Irish Wolfhound is prone to dilated cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma, bloat. Both share a risk of dilated cardiomyopathy and osteosarcoma. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
