Australian Cattle Dog vs Irish Wolfhound

Herding · Medium vs Hound · Giant

Quick take
  • Irish Wolfhound is the larger breed at 120 lbs (males) vs 35–50 lbs for the Australian Cattle Dog.
  • The Australian Cattle Dog typically lives longer (12–16 years).
  • The Australian Cattle Dog has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Australian Cattle Dog is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitAustralian Cattle DogIrish Wolfhound
Group
HerdingHound
Size
MediumGiant
Origin
AustraliaIreland
Height (male)
18–20"32–34"
Height (female)
17–19"30–32"
Weight (male)
35–50 lbs120 lbs
Weight (female)
35–50 lbs105 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–16 years6–8 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Low (2/5)Low (2/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Low (2/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Good with kids
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with strangers
Low (2/5)Very High (5/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
shortwirehaired
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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About the Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is an alert, curious, pleasant herding dog with a blue or red speckled coat — needs intense daily exercise. Originally from Australia, this medium herding breed typically weighs 35–50 lbs and lives 12–16 years. Breeders describe them as alert, curious, pleasant.

About the Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is a courageous, dignified, calm gentle giant — the tallest of all dogs, ancient Celtic war and hunting hound. Originally from Ireland, this giant hound breed typically weighs 120 lbs and lives 6–8 years. Breeders describe them as courageous, dignified, calm.

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Australian Cattle Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Deafness
  • Progressive retinal atrophy

Irish Wolfhound health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Bone cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Bloat
  • Hip dysplasia