Havanese vs Irish Wolfhound

Toy · Small vs Hound · Giant

Quick take
  • Irish Wolfhound is the larger breed at 120 lbs (males) vs 7–13 lbs for the Havanese.
  • The Havanese typically lives longer (14–16 years).
  • The Havanese sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitHavaneseIrish Wolfhound
Group
ToyHound
Size
SmallGiant
Origin
CubaIreland
Height (male)
8.5–11.5"32–34"
Height (female)
8.5–11.5"30–32"
Weight (male)
7–13 lbs120 lbs
Weight (female)
7–13 lbs105 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
14–16 years6–8 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very Low (1/5)Moderate (3/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
High (4/5)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
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with strangers
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Very Low (1/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
longwirehaired
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesNo
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About the Havanese

The Havanese is an intelligent, outgoing, funny lapdog — Cuba's national dog with a silky, hypoallergenic coat. Originally from Cuba, this small toy breed typically weighs 7–13 lbs and lives 14–16 years. Breeders describe them as intelligent, outgoing, funny.

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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Havanese health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Heart problems

Irish Wolfhound health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Bone cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Bloat
  • Hip dysplasia