When two giant sighthounds step onto the field, speed isn’t just a bonus; it’s a legacy. The Irish Wolfhound and the Scottish Deerhound, both known for their large size, noble appearance, and gentle personality, have long fascinated dog lovers. But when it comes to running, one of them clearly takes the lead.
The American Kennel Club states that the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound may look similar with their large size and wiry coats, but they have apparent differences. Their history, looks, and personalities set them apart.
In this blog, we’ll explore their origin, hunting skills, breed standard, coat types, and why the Deerhound might just outrun its Irish cousin. Whether you’re a breeder, a curious owner, or just love giant dogs, this post has plenty to wag about.
Irish Wolfhound vs. Scottish Deerhound: Which Runs Faster?
Just imagine a race between two giants, hairy nobles of the dog kingdom. On one side, we have the Irish Wolfhound, and next to it is the Scottish Deerhound. Well, both dogs look like they walked out of an old painting. But who will win the race? Let’s figure it out.
The Irish wolfhound was originally bred as a hunting dog for hunting wolves and other large game; therefore, its size and athletic build make it agile and a good runner. These tall and powerful dogs are built like Greyhounds, which contribute to speed and endurance. Their top speed is 40 mph, which is pretty awesome.
Now, coming towards the Scottish deerhound, it is also a hunting dog that was used to hunt red deer. It means this dog is also a good runner. They can run at a speed of 28 to 30 mph. So here, the Irish Wolfhound takes the lead.
History of the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound
Now, let’s rewind the clock, go way back to the origin of both breeds. Both dogs have been around for so long that their exact histories are difficult to pinpoint.
The Irish Wolfhound has roots in ancient Ireland, dating as far back as 391 AD. Irish Wolfhound Club of America mentions that an Irish Wolfhound named Aibe is credited with starting a war in the 12th century. The reason for the war was that the owner refused to give 4000 cows to the King of Ulster.
Now let’s hop over the Scottish Deerhound. Hillspet states that the exact origin of this breed has been lost. But the breed’s modern origin goes back as early as 1500.
Their Body Shape and Size
When it comes to size, these two breeds don’t do anything small. The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest breeds in the world. It is a muscular dog breed that comes with a strong build. This giant dog can weigh at least 120 pounds and can stand between 32-34 inches tall. Surprisingly, their life expectancy is short and even shorter than that of small dogs: around 7 years.
Scottish Deerhound is also a large, athletic dog that has long legs and a deep chest. It is built perfectly as a sighthound. Males can stand 32 inches tall and weigh up to 110 pounds. Due to their massive size, their average lifespan is short: 8 to 11 years, as mentioned by PetMD.
Space and Exercise Needs
If you are thinking of bringing one of these giants, make sure you have some space. Keep in mind, cozy corners are not enough for both of the breeds.
As the Irish Wolfhound is large, it does need sufficient space, both outdoors and indoors. When you take it outside your house, there must be enough space so that it can stretch out and run. Further, these dogs are relatively low-energy indoors, but still give them space. However, they have a moderate exercise need.
It is difficult to raise a Scottish Deerhound if you don’t give it enough space and a playmate. You can’t leave it alone in the house for many days. They are active dogs and need regular exercise. It is better to keep them in a fenced area.
Personality: How Each Breed Acts
It is recommended that you don’t get scared of these dogs by looking at their size. Both dogs can surprise you with their gentle personality.
Irish Wolfhound is not only an intelligent dog but also possesses a gentle and affectionate nature. Therefore, it has a strong desire for human companionship. When it is with family, it tends to be calm, dignified, and responsive. Well, it is sensitive, so you must train them with positive reinforcement training methods.
There is not much difference in the personality of the Scottish Deerhound and the Irish Wolfhound. Like the Irish Wolfhound, the Scottish Deerhound is also gentle, calm, and dignified. These pups are good with children and other animals. Truly, their patience and love make them ideal for families.
How They Get Along with Other Pets
If you already have pets at home and you are thinking of adding any one of these dogs, it is important to know whether they fit in well or not. Both dogs are large, and their reaction can be different from those of other breeds or animals.
As mentioned before, the Irish Wolfhound is a calm and peaceful dog, so it has the ability to accept other pets easily, especially if it grows up with them. Here, it is important to mention that it must be properly socialized at an early age. They have a strong prey drive that owners have to control, or they can chase smaller animals.
The Scottish Deerhound is also sweet-natured, and it can get along well with other pets. Again, proper socialization and training are crucial. Also, you need to supervise while introducing them to smaller pets. Their prey drive can be problematic; however, with proper introduction and guidance, your dog can learn to share space with other small pets.
Irish Wolfhound or Scottish Deerhound – Which Is Better for You?
This can be a difficult question to answer as both breeds bring their own charm, traits, and personalities to the table. To be honest, the better choice depends upon your lifestyle, space, and what you are looking for in a particular breed.
If you are looking for a calm, affectionate dog who loves lounging by your side, an Irish Wolfhound might be the best breed for you. Apart from that, this dog has moderate exercise needs, but it loves to play. So it is ideal for quiet homes with room to stretch.
On the other hand, if you need a dog that enjoys outdoor activities, particularly running and exercise, the Scottish Deerhound is always there for you. But they have high prey drive, so it’s not recommended to leave them off leash. If you have adopted this dog, just be ready for some space and patience.
Conclusion
Honestly, both the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound are majestic, gentle, and loyal companions. The Irish Wolfhound is perfect for those who enjoy quiet moments and a calm home life, while the Scottish Deerhound suits active owners who love outdoor adventures.
Therefore, it doesn’t matter which one you choose; you’re getting a big heart in an even bigger body. Just make sure your furniture is ready for it. Give your pet early training through positive reinforcement methods and you are good to go.
