Irish Terrier vs Irish Wolfhound
Terrier · Medium vs Hound · Giant
Irish TerrierMedium
A bold, dashing, tenderhearted Irish 'daredevil' — fiery red-coated farm dog and WWI message-runner.
Weight: 27 lbsLifespan: 13–15 years
Irish WolfhoundGiant
A courageous, dignified, calm gentle giant — the tallest of all dogs, ancient Celtic war and hunting hound.
Weight: 120 lbsLifespan: 6–8 years
Quick take
- • Irish Wolfhound is the larger breed at 120 lbs (males) vs 27 lbs for the Irish Terrier.
- • The Irish Terrier typically lives longer (13–15 years).
- • The Irish Terrier has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Irish Terrier sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Irish Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
Group | Terrier | Hound |
Size | Medium | Giant |
Origin | Ireland | Ireland |
Height (male) | 18" | 32–34" |
Height (female) | 18" | 30–32" |
Weight (male) | 27 lbs | 120 lbs |
Weight (female) | 25 lbs | 105 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 13–15 years | 6–8 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | 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. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | 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 | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Low (2/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | wirehaired | wirehaired |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | No |
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About the Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier is a bold, dashing, tenderhearted Irish 'daredevil' — fiery red-coated farm dog and WWI message-runner. Originally from Ireland, this medium terrier breed typically weighs 27 lbs and lives 13–15 years. Breeders describe them as bold, dashing, tenderhearted.
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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Irish Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Hyperkeratosis
- • Eye disorders
Irish Wolfhound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Bone cancer
- • Heart disease
- • Bloat
- • Hip dysplasia