Great Dane vs Irish Wolfhound: side by side
| Great Dane | Irish Wolfhound | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | XLarge | XLarge |
| Weight | 50–79 kg (110–175 lb) | 48–54 kg (105–120 lb) |
| Height | 28–32 in (71–81 cm) | 30–32 in (76–81 cm) |
| Lifespan | 7-10 years | 6-8 years |
| Exercise | 60–90 per day | 45–60 per day |
| Shedding | Moderate | Moderate |
| Temperament | AKC temperament summary: friendly / patient / dependable. Adaptability 4/5, affection with family 5/5, opennes | AKC temperament summary: dignified / courageous / calm. Adaptability 3/5, affection with family 5/5, openness |
The differences that actually matter
- Great Dane is the bigger dog. Adults run 50–79 kg (110–175 lb) against 48–54 kg (105–120 lb) for the Irish Wolfhound.
- Great Dane needs more exercise. Great Danes are listed at 60–90 per day a day against 45–60 per day for the Irish Wolfhound.
- Shedding: Great Dane is rated moderate, Irish Wolfhound moderate. In practice you will be brushing both.
- Lifespan: Great Dane 7-10 years vs Irish Wolfhound 6-8 years.
- Trainability: Great Dane — Moderate — learns well with consistency Irish Wolfhound — Moderate — learns well with consistency
- First-time owners: Great Dane — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners. Irish Wolfhound — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners.
So which one should you get?
Pick the Great Dane if you want: Active people who genuinely enjoy daily exercise; commitment to socializing a natural guardian..
Pick the Irish Wolfhound if you want: Households able to offer a daily walk and some play; commitment to socializing a natural guardian..
Neither is the "easier" option across the board — they fail in different ways. Be honest about which failure you can live with.
Health: what each one is prone to
Great Dane: Hip dysplasia — confirm breeder screens breeding stock (OFA/PennHIP); Eye disorders — reputable breeders screen annually; Heart conditions — cardiac screening recommended; Bloat (GDV) — a life-threatening emergency; feed smaller meals, avoid exercise right after eating
Irish Wolfhound: Heart conditions — cardiac screening recommended; Bloat (GDV) — a life-threatening emergency; feed smaller meals, avoid exercise right after eating
Ask any breeder or rescue for the health testing relevant to these conditions before you commit. This page is educational — not veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Great Dane and a Irish Wolfhound?
Great Dane is the bigger dog. Adults run 50–79 kg (110–175 lb) against 48–54 kg (105–120 lb) for the Irish Wolfhound. Great Dane needs more exercise. Great Danes are listed at 60–90 per day a day against 45–60 per day for the Irish Wolfhound. Shedding: Great Dane is rated moderate, Irish Wolfhound moderate. In practice you will be brushing both. Personality differs too: the Great Dane is akc temperament summary: friendly / patient / dependable. adaptability 4/5, affection with, while the Irish Wolfhound is akc temperament summary: dignified / courageous / calm. adaptability 3/5, affection with f
Which is bigger, a Great Dane or a Irish Wolfhound?
Great Dane is the bigger dog. Adults run 50–79 kg (110–175 lb) against 48–54 kg (105–120 lb) for the Irish Wolfhound.
Is a Great Dane or a Irish Wolfhound better for first-time owners?
First-time owners: Great Dane — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners. Irish Wolfhound — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners.
Which sheds more, a Great Dane or a Irish Wolfhound?
Shedding: Great Dane is rated moderate, Irish Wolfhound moderate. In practice you will be brushing both.