Irish Wolfhound vs Scottish Deerhound

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.

Irish Wolfhound vs Scottish Deerhound — at a glance

The Irish Wolfhound (48–70 kg, 6–8 years) and the Scottish Deerhound (34–50 kg, 8–11 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 Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound — both need similar daily exercise.

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

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.

	Irish Wolfhound	Scottish Deerhound
Group	Hound	Hound
Origin	Ireland	Scotland
Weight	48–70 kg	34–50 kg
Height	76–86 cm	71–81 cm
Lifespan	6–8 years	8–11 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

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 →

Scottish Deerhound

Temperament

Calm, dignified, devoted to family. Reserved with strangers without being aggressive. Loves to lie around indoors and explode into sprints outside.

Exercise

45–60 minutes daily including a chance to run. Adult dogs are sprinters not endurance athletes. Avoid impact for puppies under 18 months.

Grooming

Rough harsh coat — brush 1–2× weekly. Strip every 6–8 months. Light shedder year-round.

Health

Watch for: dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM — get cardiac screening), osteosarcoma, bloat (GDV — deep-chested), factor VII deficiency (bleeding disorder, DNA test).

Full Scottish Deerhound profile →

Which is right for you?

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.

Pick the Scottish Deerhound if

Quiet rural homes with space, owners willing to handle short lifespan.

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Irish Wolfhound vs Scottish Deerhound