If you’re staring up—way up—at a giant dog and grinning ear to ear, you’re clearly a true dog lover. But choosing between two of the largest and most majestic breeds out there? That’s no easy task. When it comes to the Irish Wolfhound and the English Mastiff, the decision can feel like picking between legends.
The Irish Wolfhound holds the title of the tallest dog breed, with males often reaching heights of 32 inches or more. Meanwhile, the English Mastiff brings sheer bulk and centuries of history as a loyal guardian and gentle giant.
While your heart might lean toward one, understanding the unique traits, temperaments, and needs of both breeds can help you make the right choice for your lifestyle—and your living room space.
Irish Wolfhound Vs. English Mastiff
Both breeds tell stories of courage and bravery that echo around us. Ireland gave birth to the Irish Wolfhound through necessity. They were bred to become hunters that are capable of taking down the wolves that were a threat to their livelihood and food. Their athletic build and lean structure were impeccable for Irish rough terrains.
English Mastiffs came from a completely different world where they served as the guardians of estates and protectors of families throughout Great Britain. Their massive and muscular body were helpful in intimidating intruders and potential threats. If any wolve packs came around to chase them, they showed their amazing display of skills in defeating them.
The American Kennel Club states Irish Wolfhounds are classic purebred sighthounds, originally bred for their speed and keen eyesight. While both the Irish Wolfhound and the English Mastiff are giant breeds, their roles in modern families and their personalities couldn’t be more different.
These big dogs do require committed owners, but the type of commitment they demand varies. Picture this: your Irish Wolfhound might be darting off after every squirrel in the neighborhood, driven by its deep-rooted prey instincts, while your English Mastiff is content lounging in the garage, calmly surveying its kingdom.
Despite their imposing presence, both breeds typically weigh between 160–190 pounds. You’d think that kind of weight comes with towering height, but surprisingly, Mastiffs are relatively compact in stature, standing only 28–31 inches tall. The Irish Wolfhound, on the other hand, often edges them out in height, making them the true skyscrapers of the dog world.
Temperament and Personality Trait
Irish Wolfhounds breed carries themselves with grace and confidence. When you walk with them, you’ll surely feel like a celebrity. They rarely start fights with other pets and are never engaged in drama. Their gentle nature surprises humans who expect aggression from such hunting dogs. They will greet strangers politely, but you should not expect overenthusiasm since they are careful while meeting new people.
Purina states that English Mastiffs approach life from an entirely different angle. They view themselves as your guard dogs. They are very suspicious of meeting strangers, but when they are socializing, you’ll find them very welcoming. These pups form incredibly strong bonds with their families. You might observe that they’ll choose one person to focus on, but love everybody else in the family too.
Both breeds are very friendly with small children, but for different reasons. The Irish have a supernatural ability around kids, where they show impeccable gentleness. People say that these dogs understand that kids are very fragile creatures.
The English Mastiffs feel protective around kids. They devote their time to protecting the children from any potential dangers. However, their size means that you should supervise them when they are playing with your kids in order to prevent any accidents.
Energy Level and Playfulness
Your morning routines will be vastly different depending on the dog you have. The Irish Wolfhounds are always ready for adventure and need enough exercise to keep them active and going. It helps them maintain their mental and physical health.
You should be able to take them on long walks that allow them to stretch their legs properly. Try to give them opportunities where they can run in safe places without having to create problems with any local wildlife.
The Mastiffs have a unique approach to exercise and their family activities. These animals enjoy moderate exercise as they tire very quickly due to their bulk and size. A couple of short walks plus some indoor fun activities would suffice to keep them healthy and challenged.
You should not mistake their calm nature and low energy for laziness, as they keep their energy stored for important events
Mental stimulation plays an important role for both breeds. Wolfhounds enjoy puzzle toys that challenge their problem-solving skills and games that tap into their hunting instincts. Whereas the English Mastiff prefers spending time and bonding with its family members. For example, they love to do simple exercises or play low-effort games with their families.
Adaptability and Independent Nature
If you live in an apartment, you might face difficulty in keeping both breeds in such a compact space. The Irish Wolfhounds need space to move freely and exercise according to their needs. Cramped living situations will make their lives frustrating for you and the dogs. PetMD mentions that their independence means that they can easily engage themselves when they are bored, even if you are not available to entertain them.
English Mastiffs struggle with apartment living due to their bulk and tendency to overheat very quickly. They adapt better to moderate temperatures and need space to move freely around the house, doing their own thing. Their low exercise requirement might seem apartment-friendly, but their protective instincts can create problems with neighbors and often lead to bark noise complaints.
These breeds’ remarkable adaptability to their family once they are adjusted, Irish Wolfhounds adjust their activity levels to match their family’s habits, though they will always appreciate outdoor time. English mastiffs love to surround you all the time and follow their family from room to room.
Health Issues and Lifespan Expectations
Your heart might break a little when you learn about the shorter lifespans of these giant dogs. Like other giant dog breeds, the Mastiff generally has a shorter lifespan, ranging from just 6-8 years. Irish Wolfhounds are also similar. They live around 6-8 years, but you might enjoy them for a couple of more years if they are kept with good care and love.
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a serious risk for Irish Wolfhounds since it affects their heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. Regular cardiac screenings with qualified vets can help catch the problems early, but these condition still remains a serious risk to their mortality.
English Mastiffs battle their own health problems like hip dysplasia, elbow problems, and various heart diseases. Their massive structure puts a lot of stress on their joints entire life, which makes healthy nutrition very important.
Grooming Requirements and Allergy Potential
Weekly brushing sessions become bonding opportunities with your Irish Wolfhound as their rough coat requires regular attention to prevent matting. Their weather-resistant double coat protects them during outdoor adventures, but needs to be dried after wet walks to prevent skin problems. Ensure professional grooming every few months to keep them looking their best.
English Mastiffs surprise you with their relatively simple grooming needs, although they have an impressive size. Hill’s pet mentions that short, dense coat sheds year-round but responds well to regular brushing if you use the right tools. Pay special attention to their facial wrinkles, which trap dirt and moisture that can lead to infections if you ignore the cleaning.
Conclusion
Choosing between an Irish Wolfhound and an English Mastiff comes down to understanding your lifestyle and what you want from your canine friend. Irish Wolfhounds suit active families who enjoy outdoor adventures and can provide the exercise these athletic dogs love.
English Mastiffs match households seeking people who prefer quieter activities and shorter exercise sessions. Both breeds demand significant commitments in terms of space, veterinary care, and daily attention. However, they reward you if you are an owners with unmatched loyalty and affection.
