Irish Wolfhound vs. Scottish Deerhound: History, Traits & How to Tell Them Apart
Insight into each hound’s unique temperament and care needs for confident ownership.
If you are a fan of majestic hounds or a curious potential dog owner, you’ve likely encountered the two tallest dog breeds in the canine world: the Irish Wolfhound and the Scottish Deerhound. Despite their similar, regal appearance, these breeds differ dramatically in history, temperament, care requirements, and suitability for different homes. This guide delves deep into the origins, key characteristics, and subtle distinctions that set these two gentle giants apart.
Table of Contents
- History and Origins
- Appearance and Physical Characteristics
- Temperament and Personality
- Care, Grooming, and Exercise Needs
- Health and Lifespan
- Which Is Right for You?
- Frequently Asked Questions
History and Origins
While both breeds have ancient roots and were created to hunt big game, their exact roles and stories are unique to their homelands.
Irish Wolfhound
- Origins: The Irish Wolfhoundâs history traces back as far as 700 BC.
- Purpose: Developed in Ireland to hunt wolves and protect crops and livestock.
- Legacy: Renowned as the dog of Irish nobility, they were treasures often given as royal gifts. Irish law restricted their ownership to the aristocracy for centuries to preserve the breedâs hunting prowess.
Scottish Deerhound
- Origins: The breedâs written record begins in the Scottish Highlands before the 16th century, but they likely existed earlier.
- Purpose: Bred to hunt red deer, a crucial food source and sporting game for Scottish nobility.
- Legacy: A favorite among Scottish clans and royalty for their ability to chase and bring down the largest deer, their numbers ebbed and flowed alongside the fluctuating fortunes of the Scottish aristocracy.
Appearance and Physical Characteristics
At first glance, the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound are strikingly similar, both boasting lanky builds, wiry coats, and brisk, athletic strides. However, subtle structural and cosmetic differences reveal their unique identities.
| Feature | Irish Wolfhound | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 30â36 inches tall; 130â160 lbs (males larger) | 30â32 inches tall; 75â110 lbs |
| Build | Broader, more muscular, commanding presence | Lean, sinewy, greyhound-like, more refined |
| Head | Long head, slightly arched muzzle, wise expression | Elongated skull, refined jaw, elegant face |
| Tail | Long, slightly curved and bushy | Tapered, whip-like |
| Ears | Small, folded back (rose ears) | Very small, may appear pointed or semi-erect |
| Coat | Double-coated, wiry; moderate year-round shedding | Harsher wiry coat, no undercoat; seasonal (less year-round) shedding |
| Color | Gray, brindle, red, black, white, fawn | Dark blue-gray, light gray, brindle, sandy red, red fawn; black ears/muzzle possible |
Key Distinctions
- The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest dog breed recognized by the AKC, often rivaling small ponies in stature.
- The Scottish Deerhound is slightly shorter and lighter than its Irish cousin, with more greyhound-like refinement.
- Wolfhounds have broader frames and a more substantial overall build, while Deerhounds excel in sleek agility and delicate bone structure.
Temperament and Personality
Despite their imposing size, both breeds are lauded for their affectionate, adaptable, and gentle naturesâqualities that make them beloved companions in the right environment.
| Irish Wolfhound | Scottish Deerhound | |
|---|---|---|
| Mood | Calm, steady, gentle, loving, loyal | Dignified, devoted, friendly, reserved |
| Family Life | Exceptional with children and pets, though requires supervision due to size; bonds deeply with owners and can be sensitive. | Affectionate to family, respectful of children, but might be less outgoing with strangers; highly attuned to human mood. |
| Guarding Instinct | Not naturally territorial; unlikely to be effective guard dogs | Polite to strangers, not suited for guarding |
| Trainability | Moderately responsive; gentle methods work best; needs patient, positive reinforcement. | Learns quickly but can be independent; excels with calm, consistent guidance. |
What others are reading
Both breeds display a gentle giant demeanor, preferring companionship over conflict. The Irish Wolfhound may be more overtly affectionate and depend heavily on being close to their humans while the Scottish Deerhound exudes quiet dignity and may be slightly more independent.
Behavioral Points
- Neither breed is highly vocal; both tend to bark rarely.
- They have a strong prey driveâcare around small animals and off-leash areas is essential.
- Both breeds are patient and tolerant, though their size means interactions with small children must be supervised.
Care, Grooming, and Exercise Needs
Caring for a giant breed goes beyond food bowls and fluffy beds! Understanding and anticipating their needs is crucial.
Exercise
- Both breeds require daily exercise to keep them fit and stimulated.
- The Scottish Deerhound tends to be more energetic and agile, relishing time outdoors and regular, safe off-leash runs in secure areas.
- Irish Wolfhounds appreciate leisurely walks but are less intense in their activity needs.
Grooming
- Both breeds have coarse, wiry coats needing weekly brushing to remove dead hair and reduce shedding.
- The Irish Wolfhoundâs double coat leads to year-round shedding; Scottish Deerhounds shed primarily seasonally.
- Bathing can be infrequentâevery few months unless the dog is dirty.
- Check their ears weekly, trim nails regularly, and brush teeth to maintain health.
Living Space
- Due to their size, both breeds need ample living space and soft bedding to cushion their joints.
- They are not suitable for apartments or homes without secure, fenced yards.
- Giant breeds are prone to joint stress, so stairs and slippery floors should be minimized.
Health and Lifespan
Sadly, large-breed dogs can have shorter lifespans due to their rapid growth and size-related health vulnerabilities.
| Irish Wolfhound | Scottish Deerhound | |
|---|---|---|
| Expected Lifespan | 6â10 years | 8â11 years |
| Common Health Issues | Dilated cardiomyopathy (heart), bone cancer, bloat/torsion, hip/elbow dysplasia | Dilated cardiomyopathy, bone cancer, bloat/torsion, bleeding disorders, cystinuria |
| Preventive Care | Regular checkups, heart and joint screening, avoid strenuous activity after eating | Annual checkups, genetic screening where available, monitor for urinary issues |
Both breeds require responsible breeding to reduce risks of inherited disorders, and owners must be attentive to subtle signs of illness. Prompt veterinary intervention is key given how quickly some conditions can progress in giant breeds.
Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between an Irish Wolfhound and a Scottish Deerhound requires careful thought. Here are key considerations to help guide your decision:
- Space: Both need a large, safe, and secure outdoor area and plenty of indoor lounging room.
- Activity: The Deerhound is slightly more energetic and needs outlets for running; the Wolfhound is lower-energy but still needs daily walks.
- Experience: Both breeds suit experienced giant-breed owners able to manage their size and support lifelong training and socialization.
- Family: Both are good with children if supervised; neither is ideal for families with very young or frail people because of accidental knocks.
- Commitment: Financial costsâfood, vet care, and beddingâcan be significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Irish Wolfhounds and Scottish Deerhounds good with children?
Both breeds are affectionate and patient, but due to their size, they should always be supervised around small children to prevent accidental bumps or falls.
Do these breeds make good guard dogs?
Neither breed has a strong guarding instinct. Their gentle, non-territorial nature means they are more likely to greet strangers politely than alert you to danger.
Which breed lives longer?
On average, the Scottish Deerhound tends to live slightly longer (8â11 years) than the Irish Wolfhound (6â10 years).
Are Irish Wolfhounds or Scottish Deerhounds hypoallergenic?
No. Both breeds shed and produce dander, making them unsuitable for allergy sufferers.
How much exercise do they need?
Irish Wolfhounds benefit from daily strolls and play, while Scottish Deerhounds thrive on regular, vigorous exerciseâideally in safe, fenced areas where they can run.
Do Irish Wolfhounds and Scottish Deerhounds get along with other pets?
Both can coexist peacefully with other dogs, especially if raised together. However, due to their prey drive, introductions to cats or small animals should be careful and ideally supervised at all times.
Conclusion
Both the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound offer companionship, history, and elegance wrapped in giant-sized packages. Their differencesâwhether in build, temperament, or care needsâmake each breed ideal for slightly different owners, but both reward devotion with loyalty and affection. Choosing between these impressive breeds depends on your lifestyle, space, and experience with large dogs. Embrace the right giant hound, and youâll have a noble friend for years to come.
References
- https://dogsnet.com/scottish-deerhound-vs-irish-wolfhound/
- https://a-z-animals.com/pets/dogs/dog-comparison/scottish-deerhound-vs-irish-wolfhound-differences/
- https://worldanimalfoundation.org/dogs/irish-wolfhound-vs-scottish-deerhound-which-is-more-graceful/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-lBUHNqK_U
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jACqt96ObpU
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