Irish Wolfhound vs Whippet
Hound · Giant vs Hound · Medium
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
WhippetMedium
An affectionate, playful, calm small sighthound — looks like a mini Greyhound, sprints like one too.
Weight: 25–40 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Quick take
- • Irish Wolfhound is the larger breed at 120 lbs (males) vs 25–40 lbs for the Whippet.
- • The Whippet typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Whippet has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Whippet sheds less.
- • The Irish Wolfhound is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Irish Wolfhound | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
Group | Hound | Hound |
Size | Giant | Medium |
Origin | Ireland | England |
Height (male) | 32–34" | 19–22" |
Height (female) | 30–32" | 18–21" |
Weight (male) | 120 lbs | 25–40 lbs |
Weight (female) | 105 lbs | 25–40 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 6–8 years | 12–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Low (2/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
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) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | wirehaired | short |
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 Whippet
The Whippet is an affectionate, playful, calm small sighthound — looks like a mini Greyhound, sprints like one too. Originally from England, this medium hound breed typically weighs 25–40 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as affectionate, playful, calm.
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Irish Wolfhound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Bone cancer
- • Heart disease
- • Bloat
- • Hip dysplasia
Whippet health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Heart disease
- • Eye conditions
- • Anesthesia sensitivity