Dog breed comparison
Irish Wolfhound vs Scottish Deerhound
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Irish Wolfhound is the bigger breed, about 25 kg heavier on average. The Scottish Deerhound tends to live about 3 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Irish Wolfhound | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hound Dogs | Hound Dogs |
| Size | Very Large | Large |
| Height | 32 to 35 inches | 28 to 32 inches |
| Weight | 115 to 180 pounds | 75 to 110 pounds |
| Life span | 6 to 8 years | 8 to 11 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 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
The Scottish Deerhound
An ancient Scottish sighthound used to hunt red deer, kept by Highland chieftains. It is one of the tallest breeds.
It is gentle and quiet, and makes a poor guard dog.
Health to watch
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Osteosarcoma
- Bloat
- Cystinuria
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Energy
The Scottish Deerhound has more energy than the Irish Wolfhound.
Good with other dogs
The Irish Wolfhound gets on better with other dogs than the Scottish Deerhound.
Shedding
The Scottish Deerhound sheds more than the Irish Wolfhound.
General health
The Scottish Deerhound tends to have fewer health problems than the Irish Wolfhound.
Exercise needs
The Scottish Deerhound needs more exercise than the Irish Wolfhound.
Easy to train
The Irish Wolfhound is easier to train than the Scottish Deerhound.
Which to choose
Irish Wolfhound or Scottish Deerhound?
Choose the Irish Wolfhound if…
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
Choose the Scottish Deerhound if…
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
Questions.
Is the Irish Wolfhound or the Scottish Deerhound bigger, and which lives longer?
The Irish Wolfhound is the bigger breed, about 25 kg heavier on average. The Scottish Deerhound tends to live about 3 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Irish Wolfhound or the Scottish Deerhound?
The Irish Wolfhound is generally easier to train than the Scottish Deerhound. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Irish Wolfhound or the Scottish Deerhound?
The Irish Wolfhound is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Scottish Deerhound can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Irish Wolfhound sheds less than the Scottish Deerhound. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound have?
The Irish Wolfhound is prone to dilated cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma, bloat. The Scottish Deerhound 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.
