Greyhound vs Irish Wolfhound

Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.

Greyhound vs Irish Wolfhound — at a glance

The Greyhound (27–32 kg, 10–13 years) and the Irish Wolfhound (48–70 kg, 6–8 years) sit in different — or sometimes overlapping — corners of dog ownership. Here's how they really compare for an everyday Irish or UK family.

Energy levels are well-matched between the Greyhound and Irish Wolfhound — both need similar daily exercise.

Both have manageable grooming routines — the Irish Wolfhound demands slightly more, but neither needs daily fuss.

For a first-time owner, the Greyhound is much more forgiving than the Irish Wolfhound.

Insurance premiums for breeds with brachycephalic, joint or cancer predispositions run 20–40% above average — check before you commit. We have a free quote calculator here.

	Greyhound	Irish Wolfhound
Group	Hound	Hound
Origin	Egypt / Middle East	Ireland
Weight	27–32 kg	48–70 kg
Height	69–76 cm	76–86 cm
Lifespan	10–13 years	6–8 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

Greyhound

Temperament

Gentle, dignified, sensitive, quiet. Greyhounds are remarkably calm indoors and tolerant of other dogs. They have high prey drive — small fluffy pets are at risk.

Exercise

30–45 minutes of daily exercise — two short walks plus a sprint in a secure area is ideal. They're sprinters, not marathoners.

Grooming

Short coat, weekly brush. Bathing as needed.

Health

Bloat / GDV. Bone cancer (osteosarcoma). Sensitive to anaesthesia (always use a Greyhound-experienced vet). Thin skin (cuts easily). Dental disease.

Full Greyhound profile →

Irish Wolfhound

Temperament

Calm, dignified, surprisingly low-energy indoors. Wolfhounds bond deeply with family, are patient with children and tolerant of other dogs. They have a strong prey drive — cats and small fluffy dogs may trigger chase. Not aggressive guardians; their size alone deters intruders.

Exercise

Despite their size, Wolfhounds need only moderate exercise: 40–60 minutes daily of walking + a chance to gallop in a safe enclosed space. Puppies under 18 months must NOT over-exercise — their growing joints are extraordinarily vulnerable.

Grooming

Harsh, rough double coat — brush 1–2× weekly with a slicker. Stripping every 6 months keeps texture correct. Light shedder year-round. Check ears weekly.

Health

Sadly the breed is plagued by serious health issues. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), osteosarcoma (bone cancer), gastric torsion (bloat) and hip/elbow dysplasia are all common. Average lifespan is 6–8 years. Insurance is expensive and many providers cap large-breed coverage. Choose a breeder who DNA-tests for cardiac issues.

Full Irish Wolfhound profile →

Which is right for you?

Pick the Greyhound if

Apartment-friendly retiree owners, calm families, allergy-tolerant owners.

Pick the Irish Wolfhound if

Quiet families with space (garden essential), experienced dog owners willing to face short lifespan, those with deep pockets for vet care.

🎯 Take the breed match quiz → 💰 Compare lifetime cost

Greyhound vs Irish Wolfhound