A side-by-side comparison of the Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound across size, temperament, grooming, family fit, and more.
Deerhound
Irish Wolfhound
Overall, Irish Wolfhound wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.
Irish Wolfhound
2 wins
Deerhound
1 win
More family-friendly
Irish Wolfhound edges ahead on kid-friendliness, affection, and trainability.
Lower maintenance
These breeds require similar grooming effort.
Longer-lived
Deerhound typically lives longer on average.
Calmer
These breeds have similar energy levels.
Quieter
These breeds bark about as much as each other.
More trainable
Irish Wolfhound picks up commands and new behaviors more readily.
| Breed | Size | Weight | Height | Lifespan | Energy | Shedding | Grooming | Trainable | Affection | Barking | Kids | Dogs | Cats | Apartment | First-timers | Low-allergen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant | 82–101 lb | 28–30 in | 10–11 yr | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Giant | 105–150 lb | 28–34 in | 8–10 yr | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
Dog Food Cost Calculator
How much does dog food cost per month? Combine calorie needs with your food’s real bag price.
Dog Crate Size Calculator
Find the right crate dimensions from your dog’s height and length, with crate recommendations.
Dog Harness Size Calculator
Turn your dog’s chest and neck measurements into the correct harness size.
The Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound are both popular breeds, but they differ meaningfully in day-to-day life. The verdict above scores them on six key dimensions — use it as a starting point, then factor in your specific home, activity level, and family situation.
Overall, Irish Wolfhound wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.