Irish Wolfhound vs Leonberger
Hound · Giant vs Working · Giant
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
LeonbergerGiant
A friendly, gentle, playful giant — bred to resemble a lion, with a famous black-masked golden mane.
Weight: 110–170 lbsLifespan: 7–10 years
Quick take
- • Leonberger is the larger breed at 110–170 lbs (males) vs 120 lbs for the Irish Wolfhound.
- • The Leonberger typically lives longer (7–10 years).
- • The Irish Wolfhound sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Irish Wolfhound | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
Group | Hound | Working |
Size | Giant | Giant |
Origin | Ireland | Germany |
Height (male) | 32–34" | 28–31.5" |
Height (female) | 30–32" | 25.5–29.5" |
Weight (male) | 120 lbs | 110–170 lbs |
Weight (female) | 105 lbs | 90–140 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 6–8 years | 7–10 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. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | wirehaired | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
Ad slot · compare-mid
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.
About the Leonberger
The Leonberger is a friendly, gentle, playful giant — bred to resemble a lion, with a famous black-masked golden mane. Originally from Germany, this giant working breed typically weighs 110–170 lbs and lives 7–10 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, gentle, playful.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Irish Wolfhound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Bone cancer
- • Heart disease
- • Bloat
- • Hip dysplasia
Leonberger health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bone cancer
- • Bloat
- • Polyneuropathy