Irish Wolfhound vs Schipperke
Hound · Giant vs Non-Sporting · Small
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
SchipperkeSmall
A confident, alert, curious Belgian barge dog — small black 'little captain' with foxy face and ruff.
Weight: 10–16 lbsLifespan: 12–14 years
Quick take
- • Irish Wolfhound is the larger breed at 120 lbs (males) vs 10–16 lbs for the Schipperke.
- • The Schipperke typically lives longer (12–14 years).
- • The Schipperke has higher daily energy needs.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Irish Wolfhound | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
Group | Hound | Non-Sporting |
Size | Giant | Small |
Origin | Ireland | Belgium |
Height (male) | 32–34" | 11–13" |
Height (female) | 30–32" | 10–12" |
Weight (male) | 120 lbs | 10–16 lbs |
Weight (female) | 105 lbs | 10–16 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 6–8 years | 12–14 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
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) | Moderate (3/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Low (2/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Very Low (1/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | wirehaired | medium |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
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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 Schipperke
The Schipperke is a confident, alert, curious Belgian barge dog — small black 'little captain' with foxy face and ruff. Originally from Belgium, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 10–16 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as confident, alert, curious.
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Irish Wolfhound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Bone cancer
- • Heart disease
- • Bloat
- • Hip dysplasia
Schipperke health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • MPS IIIB
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hypothyroidism