Irish Wolfhound vs Great Dane: Ultimate Giant Breed Comparison
Temperament, health, and care differences reveal which gentle giant suits your lifestyle.
If youâre considering welcoming a truly giant dog into your home, two of the most awe-inspiring breeds are the Irish Wolfhound and the Great Dane. Both are gentle giants with fascinating histories, unique appearances, and important differences that may affect which breed is best for you. This guide covers everything you need to knowâincluding size, temperament, health, grooming, and moreâto help you choose the right companion.
Overview: Quick Breed Comparison
| Trait | Irish Wolfhound | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Ireland (ancient sighthound) | Germany (developed as boar hunter) |
| Type | Sighthound | Mastiff-type |
| Height | 32â35 inches (often taller) | 28â32 inches (sometimes taller in exceptional cases) |
| Weight | 105â180 lbs | 110â200 lbs |
| Coat | Shaggy, wiry, rough | Short, smooth, sleek |
| Temperament | Calm, dignified, gentle, independent | Friendly, playful, affectionate, people-oriented |
| Life Expectancy | 6â8 years | 7â10 years |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate (40+ min/day) | Moderate to high (45+ min/day) |
| Grooming | Moderate | Minimal |
| Family Friendly | Yes | Yes (especially good with kids) |
| Drooling | Low | High |
Breed Origins and History
Irish Wolfhound Origins
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, with a history that stretches back centuries in Ireland. Originally bred to hunt wolves, elk, and later serve as war and guardian dogs, the Irish Wolfhound earned respect for its strength, agility, and imposing height. Over time, their status shifted from hunter and warrior companion to beloved family member recognized for gentle dignity.
Great Dane Origins
Despite their name, Great Danes were developed in Germany as powerful boar hunting and estate guardian dogs. Their lineage is thought to descend from a mixture of mastiff-like breeds and sighthounds (sometimes possibly including Irish Wolfhound ancestry), resulting in the distinctive Great Dane blend of robustness and elegance. Today, Great Danes are cherished as lovable “gentle giants,” famed for their affectionate nature.
Physical Appearance
Height and Weight
- Irish Wolfhound often stands taller at the shoulder, with many individuals exceeding 32â35 inches. However, they tend to be leaner, usually weighing between 105â180 lbs.
- Great Dane may not always be as tall as the tallest Wolfhounds, but they are heavier and more robust, with weights often between 110â200 lbs. The heaviest Danes can far outweigh most Wolfhounds.
- It is important to note that the record for tallest dog ever goes to a Great Dane named Zeus, who reached a stunning 44 inches at the shoulder.
Body Build and Structure
- Irish Wolfhound: Lean, long-legged, and athletic, with a slightly arched back and a graceful sighthound physique. The head is long and narrow, with small ears carried back (âroseâ ears).
- Great Dane: Stocky, strongly built with a deep chest and rectangular body. Square, muscular muzzle, large natural ears (sometimes cropped in appearance) and an imposing, upright stance. Their body structure resembles that of a Mastiff more than a traditional sight hound.
Coat Type and Colors
- Irish Wolfhound: Distinctive long, shaggy, and wiry coat that sheds moderately. Allowed colors include grey, brindle, red, black, white, and fawn. The âbearded faceâ is a signature look.
- Great Dane: Short, sleek, and smooth coat requiring minimal grooming. Standard colors include fawn, brindle, black, blue, harlequin (white with black patches), mantle (black and white), and more.
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Temperament and Personality
Shared Traits
- Both breeds are generally calm, affectionate, devoted to their families, and tend toward gentleness despite their size.
- Nicknamed âgentle giants,â both are often good with children and can adapt to a quiet household environment if sufficiently exercised.
Irish Wolfhound Temperament
- Calm, dignified, sensitive, and somewhat independent.
- May be slightly reserved, with a gentle patience for children and a tendency towards serenity rather than exuberance.
- Less likely to be openly goofy or clownish compared to the Great Dane.
- Strong prey drive: They may chase smaller pets or animals if not socialized early.
Great Dane Temperament
- Playful, friendly, affectionate, loyal, and people-oriented.
- Known as âthe worldâs biggest lapdogs,â they enjoy being close to people and can be quite silly and outgoing.
- Often show a strong desire to please, which can make them easier to train.
- Can be protective of family members while remaining socially friendly.
Exercise Needs and Care Requirements
Exercise and Activity Levels
- Both breeds require moderate daily exercise (40â60 minutes) to maintain a healthy weight and prevent boredom.
- Gentle walks, playtime in a large yard, and opportunities to stretch out are essential.
- Due to their size, neither breed is well-suited to exhausting or repetitive jumping exercises, which can strain joints.
- Irish Wolfhounds may prefer relaxed strolls, while many Great Danes enjoy playful activities with their families.
Grooming and Shedding
- Irish Wolfhound: Moderate grooming needs.
- Their coarse, shaggy coat should be brushed several times a week to prevent matting and remove loose hair.
- Occasional stripping or trimming may be needed.
- Great Dane: Minimal grooming needs.
- The smooth, short coat requires brushing about once a week and baths as needed.
- Sheds a moderate but easily managed amount.
Drooling
- Great Danes: Notorious for heavy drooling, especially after eating or drinking.
- Irish Wolfhounds: Rarely drool, making them a popular choice for owners who prefer a tidier dog.
Trainability and Intelligence
Both breeds are intelligent, but their trainability can vary due to differences in motivation and independence.
- Irish Wolfhounds are intelligent and sensitive but can be independent and sometimes stubborn. Training should focus on positive reinforcement and patienceâearly socialization is critical to manage their prey drive and ensure polite behavior.
- Great Danes are highly eager to please and respond well to consistent, reward-based training. Their social, affectionate nature helps them learn family routines quickly.
Health Risks & Lifespan
Lifespan
- Irish Wolfhound: 6â8 years
- Great Dane: 7â10 years
Both breeds have sadly shorter lifespans compared to smaller dogs, primarily due to their rapid growth, size, and susceptibility to certain health conditions.
Common Health Concerns
- Both are at risk for joint issues (hip and elbow dysplasia), bloat (gastric torsion), and heart problems.
- Great Danes may have a slightly lower risk of bone cancers than Irish Wolfhounds.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune diseases are seen in both breeds.
- Because of their deep chests, bloat is a particularly life-threatening riskâowners should learn its signs and prevention strategies.
Suitability: Which Is Best for Your Family?
Careful assessment of your family lifestyle, space, and expectations is key when choosing between these two breeds.
- Irish Wolfhounds are wonderful for calm, quiet homes and can do well with children if trained and socialized early. Their large size and higher prey drive mean supervision is important with smaller pets.
- Great Danes are generally better with outgoing families, children, and households seeking an affectionate, social companion. Their size and energy require ample space.
- Both breeds need indoor space due to their size but are not suitable for apartments without frequent, safe outdoor access and plenty of exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Irish Wolfhounds or Great Danes more friendly with kids?
Both breeds can be very gentle with children. Great Danes are particularly noted for their playful patience and strong bond with kids, while Irish Wolfhounds tend to be calm and tolerant but may be less interactive. Always supervise any large dog around small children due to their sheer size and strength.
Do either breed get along with other pets?
Both breeds can coexist peacefully with other dogs, especially if socialized early. However, Irish Wolfhounds have a stronger prey drive and may chase cats or small animals without proper training. Great Danes can usually adapt to multi-pet households with fewer issues if raised with other animals.
How much space do I need for an Irish Wolfhound or Great Dane?
Bigger is better! Both breeds need spacious homes and secure, fenced yards to move and lounge comfortably. Compact apartments are rarely suitable unless extraordinary exercise opportunities are provided daily.
Are these breeds difficult to train?
Both can be trained using positive reinforcement. Great Danesâ desire to please often makes them easier to train for beginners, while Irish Wolfhoundsâ intelligence sometimes brings independent streaks that require patience and early socialization.
Which breed suits a first-time giant dog owner?
Great Danes may be easier for beginners because of their affectionate and responsive nature. Irish Wolfhoundsâ gentle independence may appeal to those with sighthound experience or a calmer home environment.
Summary Table: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Irish Wolfhound | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 32â35 inches | 28â32 inches |
| Weight | 105â180 lbs | 110â200 lbs |
| Coat Type | Shaggy, wiry | Short, smooth |
| Grooming Needs | Moderate | Minimal |
| Drooling | Rare | High |
| Life Expectancy | 6â8 years | 7â10 years |
| Temperament | Calm, dignified, independent | Affectionate, playful, loyal |
| Good with Children | Yes (gentle, reserved) | Yes (playful, patient) |
| Other Pets | May chase small animals | Mostly compatible with other pets |
Final Thoughts
Whether you are drawn to the dignified, ancient presence of the Irish Wolfhound or the striking, affectionate energy of the Great Dane, both breeds offer immense rewards for experienced owners ready to meet their unique needs. Consider your lifestyle, space, and expectationsâand with proper research and preparation, your âgentle giantâ will quickly become a cherished member of the family.
References
- https://a-z-animals.com/pets/dogs/dog-comparison/irish-wolfhound-vs-great-dane/
- https://www.adoptapet.com/blog/breeds/irish-wolfhound-vs-great-dane
- https://www.aol.com/both-dogs-very-laid-back-123500834.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFjCEXm8IwQ
- https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/irish-wolfhound-vs-great-dane
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