Female: 28-30 in. Choosing between a Scottish Deerhound vs Irish Wolfhound is tough they share a common ancestry, similar looks, and equally laidback temperaments. Privacy Policy. The Scottish Deerhound is also known as the Royal Dog of Scotland, which would suggest that this guy is a big deal! While they do not blow their coat in shedding season, you should still expect to find wiry hairs on your sofa and clothes. Irish Wolfhounds are extremely intelligent, and despite their history of hunting and their intimidating stature, they are gentle pooches too. When it comes to the Deerhound and Wolfhounds exercise requirements and need for kinship, there are some distinctions which should not be taken lightly. They are both extremely dignified, calm, and eager to please. Very dignified and adapts well to a variety of situations, though may need more exercise than the average wolfhound. ), whereas the Scottish Deerhound will snooze much less. Deerhounds and Wolfhounds alike love people and can be very smart. Finally, the Scottish deerhound lives a slightly longer life compared to the Irish wolfhound. The Irish Wolfhound Club of America list dedicated rescue centers state by state if you wish to adopt an Irish Wolfhound. These sighthounds, as the term implies, were bred to hunt by sight. How to find a puppy and raise a happy, healthy dog, November 22, 2018 By Happy Puppy Team 2 Comments. The IW is, in fact, the tallest of the AKC breeds, standing at a minimum 32 inches for males and 30 inches for females. Thanks for stopping by to share, William! Have a look at some of the different breed comparisons weve got below. Depending on gender, the Irish wolfhound ranges in height from 30 to 36 inches tall, while the Scottish deerhound only measures 30 to 32 inches tall. In fact, it is the tallest of all breeds accepted by the American Kennel Club reaching upwards of 30 inches at the withers and 105 lbs. However, the Irish Wolfhound is slightly larger than the Scottish Deerhound. This is where things get a little bit tricky! The AKC offers expert advice on how to leash-train your puppy. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Pitbull: What are the Differences? Get Pippa's free dog training tips delivered to your inbox, Filed Under: Breed Vs Breed - Compare Your Favorite Breeds Of Dog, Breeds, Your email address will not be published. (They are so serene that we have the Scottish Deerhound included in our Calm Dog Breeds list and the Irish Wolfhound included in our Lazy Dog Breeds list.). They are also supremely loyal and affectionate but not overly clingy or attention-seeking, and they are fast and agile but obedient and controlled. It is however, larger in size and bone. You may find that Scottish Deerhounds require a bit more exercise than Irish Wolfhounds. Nicole even worked as a dog sitter during her travels through South America and cared for stray pups something she, Deerhound vs Wolfhound: Visual Differences. For that reason we are trying to breed what seems to be a 'typical' Wolfhound, but there seems to be a lot of confusion around the place about which is Wolfhound and which is Deerhound. However, they are not aggressive. Ask an Expert - Charging & Barking During Walks, Ask an Expert - Obsessive teddy bear humping. Be aware that large breeds are prone to joint problems, so they should only be exercised for about 20-40 minutes a day in their first year to avoid joint damage. On the other hand, Deerhounds are more aloof and sensitive. We will go over their sizes and physical differences as well as their ancestors and behaviors, in case youre interested in adopting either of these two fantastic breeds. Both breeds are prone to giant-breed health problems. The Scottish breed may stand as high as 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh 110 pounds or more, but the Irish breed stands nearly 3 feet tall at the shoulder and weighs up to 180 pounds. That being said, they are fairly slow to mature, so training can take some time. Their size makes these mostly gentle giants crave the open space of the good old outdoors. Deerhounds may have more energy and need more activity, though. They will need around 4-6 cups of high-quality kibble per day, ideally divided into two meals. While Wolfhounds are happiest indoors with their owners, they are certainly not suited for apartment living and need a large yard to run around in. Arthur loved a Cairn Terrier, and would hunker down on his elbows in order to play. Nicole is the proud mom of Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway, and Baby, a Burmese cat. has ranked the Scottish Deerhounds popularity, are suitable for families with any dog allergies, Lazy & Low Energy Dog Breeds That Need Minimal Exercise, Great Dane Mixes: 20 Very Large And Popular Crossbreeds, Mastiff Mixes: 20 Different Gentle Giant Crossbreeds Youll Love, Irish Setter Mixes: 10 Different Cross Breeds Youll Love. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Their bones and joints will strengthen at around the age of 10 months, so it is particularly important during this period that they are not over-exercised. Each day, AZ Animals sends out lists just like this to our thousands of email subscribers. Whereas the Scottish Wolfhound is described as more Greyhound-like. Trying to get one to focus more on you and less on the rabbit that hes eyeing will be hard, indeed! In addition, they are gentle and loyal and look dignified. Hes also commonly compared to other giant breeds as a family companion dog or guardian breed. The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database, Dramamine For Dogs: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Answered by Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, BVM BVS (Vet), Lymphadenopathy in Cats: Signs, Causes & Care, Dog Breaks or Tears a Nail? For example, the Irish wolfhound originated as long ago as 700 BC in Ireland, while the Scottish deerhound originated in Scotland sometime before the 16th century. Lifespan and disease predispositions in the Irish Wolfhound: A review. Therefore, it may be necessary to enroll a Wolfhound or Deerhound in doggie training classes so as to keep their focus on their handler. Scottish Deerhound may have more litter size than Irish Wolfhound. 2013. The Irish Wolfhound National Breed Club suggest that, in addition to the Cardiac evaluation described above, he should be tested for the following: Elbow and Hip Dysplasia This is an abnormal formation of the elbow and hip joints that can cause painful arthritis in later life. As mentioned above, the Scottish Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound both resemble the Greyhound, but with even more muscling and long, wiry fur. Is Wine Safe for Dogs? So, they bred these dogs, which originally hunted Irish elk (at the time, not extinct), to help them out. Both breeds are very similar. However, they both have their own distinct features. Deerhounds may reach 28-32 inches at the shoulder and weigh 75-110 pounds, while Wolfhounds are commonly taller than 30 inches at the shoulder and weigh a whopping 105-120 pounds! So, as you can see, Scottish Deerhounds figured prominently in saving the Irish Wolfhound from extinction. The Irish Elk died out nearly 8,000 years ago, and the Irish didn't generally build castles. So, if you're looking for a big dog, the Scottish Deerhound is it. I have loved both a Scottish Deerhound (Cayla) and an Irish Wolfhound (Arthur). for professional safety or care advice. Something else to consider is the fact that neither of these guys is hypoallergenic, and as such, neither of these breeds are suitable for families with any dog allergies. Find similarities and differences between Borzoi vs Scottish Deerhound vs Irish Wolfhound. They have a fairly strong prey drive, so youll need to keep an eye on them around your cat, but they are relatively easy to train, and early socialization should help too. The Irish Wolfhound is taller than the Scottish Deerhound. for a female. Overbite has also been observed in both breeds. An Irish Wolfhound must be of great size and commanding appearance. How do you know what breed is right for your family? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Dogsnet is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk Dogsnet is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The Scottish Deerhound and the Irish Wolfhound are extremely similar pups with only a few differences that set them apart, but it is these differences that might mean that one breed is more suited to your lifestyle over the other. Known centuries ago as the Scotch Greyhound, Rough Greyhound and Highland Deerhound, the Scottish Deerhound became a clearly identified breed in the 16th and 17th centuries. However, Scottish Deerhounds may have some unique medical differences in certain areas, such as cholesterol and calcium levels. Two large and powerful sighthounds who were bred to lock eyes on their prey and go for the chase! . Dog Tail Language: What Your Dogs Tail Can Tell You. These dogs, therefore, (who originally hunted the now-extinct Irish elk) began to specialize in hunting wolves. Because of this, the Irish Wolfhound almost went extinct as well. Resembling a larger, coated Greyhound, the Scottish Deerhound is a keen and alert sight hound. They also have the same gentle but courageous personality to match their noble exterior. Stay on top of dog food recalls here >, Have a question? Cayla was my lovely lady, my soul-mate for sure. They are both large dogs with short to medium-length wiry coats and similar coloring. Does anyone know what kind of dogs these are. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, How to Tell the Difference Between the Scottish Deerhound & Irish Wolfhound, Mythical Histories:Scottish Deerhound vs. Irish Wolfhound, Physical Appearance:Scottish Deerhound vs. Irish Wolfhound, Personalities:Scottish Deerhound vs. Irish Wolfhound. The Scottish Deerhound is more energetic and anecdotally, easier to train. The general appearance section of the standard describes the breed as very muscular. The same cannot be said of the Scottish Deerhound. Having the ability to take down a 400-pound deer means that he could shred a sofa in minutes, so dont be fooled by their calm and gentle ways. Deerhounds typically live slightly longer, with a lifespan of 8-11 years. Irish Wolfhounds are not particularly fond of alone time, either. It seems, however, they were in Ireland even before then. Additionally, the Scottish deerhound is a newer breed compared to the ancient Irish wolfhound, though both breeds are relatively old. You can stave off some issues, like hip or elbow dysplasia, by keeping a Deerhound or Wolfhound active throughout their entire life. Wolfhounds and Deerhounds have a wiry and somewhat harsh to the touch coat. Both Scottish Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound has almost same life span. One of the oldest breeds, the Deerhound possesses a preeminent hunting ability, and is often seen at lure coursing events. We said that they are calm and lazy breeds, respectively, but in order to stay so calm and lazy, each breed requires time every day to stretch their legs outdoors, preferably in pursuit of a target (e.g., toy)its what they were bred to do and love! Let us know if the comments below. Barking - The Tibetan Mastiff has an average tendency to bark. Your email address will not be published. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Interestingly, sighthounds have unique physiological traits that arent within the reference levels of the general population of dogs. In 2019, the AKC has ranked the Scottish Deerhounds popularity as being in 158th place out of 193 dog breeds in America. It wasnt until the late 19th Century that breed fanciers stepped in and saved the breed, and it was also around this time that the first Deerhound sailed to America. Once you have exercised these guys, and they settle down at home, they are both the biggest canine snuggle bugs around, and neither of them would hesitate in laying on your sofa, and all over your lap. For example, one breed is larger than the other, one breed was meant to hunt deer while the other was meant to hunt wolves, and one breed does best with a friend. At the end of the day, there are a variety of ways to tell the difference between the Irish Wolfhound and the Scottish Deerhound. If it's a girl, the average puppy will weigh between 50 to 70. Irish Wolfhound vs. Great Dane vs. Scottish Deerhound; Points of Difference: Irish Wolfhound: Scottish Deerhound: Great Dane: Height; Weight: 34-38 inches; 101-154 pounds: 30-32 inches; 85-100 pounds: 30-43 inches; 119-198 pounds: Long established in Ireland, the Irish greyhound was brought to ancient Rome and had become commonplace by 391 AD. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Given the fact that both the Irish wolfhound and the Scottish deerhound are hunting dogs, they have extremely powerful noses as well as hunting instincts. The Scottish Deerhound (left) and Irish Wolfhound (right) are often mistaken for one another. These two breeds are similar in both personality and appearance, and not only are they often mistaken for each other but were also long considered as the same breed by many breeders. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. They used to hunt wolves, so they would need their large size to be able to survive when hunting. Therefore, it is important from an early age to leash train them to ensure that your daily walks are pleasantly calm and enjoyable for both you and your canine companion. The breed was revived, however, in the 19th century, and brought to the United States in 1838. Since both breeds are runners, youll need to stay on top of nail trims to prevent the nails from getting overgrown and sore. While these dogs love a good session of vigorous exercise, dont be surprised when these gentle giants attempt to clamber onto your lap for a cuddle! American Staffordshire Terrier vs American Pitbull Terrier, Mortality in North American dogs from 1984-2004: An investigation into age-, size-, and breed-related causes of death, Haematological and biochemical values in North American Scottish deerhounds, Lifespan and disease predispositions in the Irish Wolfhound: A review, Clinical pathology of Greyhounds and other sighthounds, Breed Vs Breed - Compare Your Favorite Breeds Of Dog, What To Do When Your Puppy Pees In The House, How Do You Potty Train A 4 Month Old Puppy, What To Do When Your Puppy Hates Leash Walking, How To Stop My Cockapoo Puppy From Biting. See more ideas about lurcher, deerhound, scottish deerhound. Given the fact that these differences are extremely subtle, it can be extremely difficult to tell if youre looking at an Irish Wolfhound or Scottish deerhound. In their homeland of Scotland, they were reserved only for noblemen, and no one beneath the rank of earl could own one. Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest dog breed. When standing on its hind legs, the Irish Wolfhound can reach up to seven feet tall. In comparison, Deerhound males should be 30-32 inches and females at 28 inches and up. They are not heavy shedders, so they will only require brushing once or twice a week to keep their long wiry hair healthy and tangle-free. The play style reflects back to the Deerhounds hunting heritage. Bile Acid Test This will help to determine whether the liver is functioning as it should. The Deerhound has longer legs, and his ears are smaller and are set further back on his skull compared to the Wolfhound, whose ears are larger and covered in more fur. The Irish Wolfhound is considered more muscular. Join today by entering your email below. The Scottish Deerhounds coat takes four recognized colors, whereas the Irish Wolfhounds coat takes 13 recognized colors, including brindle. This also means that the Irish wolfhound weighs more than the average Scottish deerhound. What questions should you ask a breeder? . Overall, the Scottish Deerhound enjoys a healthy lifespan, considering his large size, of 8 to 11 years whereas the Irish Wolfhound enjoys a shorter lifespan of 6 to 8 years. Being crated all day certainly wont be good for these dogs either mentally or physically. So no matter how much they will try to persuade you otherwise, he will need his daily exercise! Know your dogs! Although smaller than the Irish wolfhound, the Scottish deerhound is still a very large and, especially, tall dog. DogTime. But both breeds need plenty of time with their human companions. By Both Scottish Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound are having almost same weight. Thanks again for the informative and obviously well researched article. Deerhound coats are acceptable in many more colors, including shades of black, blue, brindle, cream, gray, brindle, red, silver, wheaten, and white. The Wolfhound was dying out in the 19th century so Deerhounds were introduced to try and save the breed, which though it worked would arguably make the Wolfhounds no longer Wolfhounds but hey-ho dog breeding is a complicated and at . They are comfortable in the company of children, but it is advised that due to their massive size, neither of these breeds should be left alone with children to avoid any accidents. These strict policies caused the Deerhounds demise. These dogs are also coursing dogs and sighthounds. However, in the 1820s, Archibald and Duncan McNeil worked hard to restore the breed. Note: Don't let the many issues above scare you. For this reason, he needs more mental stimulation throughout the day to stop him from becoming bored and restless. Please note that giant dog breeds like both of these will mature more slowly than smaller dogs. Another noticeable point of difference between the two breeds is the tail. This means they may bleed excessively and be prone to hypothyroidism, for example. 2007. The Scottish Deerhound (left) and Irish Wolfhound (right) are often mistaken for one another. Both breeds are great when it comes to being a little lower maintenance in the grooming category, making them easier to groom overall. In 1885, the first breed club was formed for Irish Wolfhounds. All conditions of which are prevalent in giant dog breeds. Average males are around 32 inches, while females are closer to 30 inches. These dogs are most prone to diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma, gastric dilation, volvulus, and osteochondrosis. They eat a lot more than the average pooch, and as a result, monthly food bills are a lot more expensive. They are each members of the hound group. Additionally, Scottish Deerhounds are rather sensitive souls who may become destructive if kept alone. A giant sighthound who used to hunt deer in the Scottish Highlands, Scottish deerhounds these days are still rare. Which made it impossible for those outside clans to continue breeding them. With great size comes a great risk for multiple health problems, and this is no different in Deerhounds and Wolfhounds. How much exercise should your dog require? With their similar intended uses and extensive histories (both breeds have long and difficult to trace origins), Irish Wolfhounds and Scottish Deerhounds thus have pretty similar temperaments. Some especially large male Wolfhounds have reached upwards of 180 pounds! Similar to the Scottish Deerhound, it was in the late 19th Century that fanciers took control of the situation and saved the breed, and recovered their numbers. The Scottish Deerhound does not have a double coat whereas the Irish Wolfhound does. This means that the Scottish deerhound is still extremely tall- but the Irish wolfhound still measures higher! and our Both have deep chests, wiry hair, and similar colorings. In both cases, the smaller specimens are typically females. He was the best breed to use for the pursuit and killing of deer, and at the time, could be owned by no one of rank lower than an earl. The American Kennel Club(AKC) first registered a Scottish Deerhound in 1886. The average Scottish Deerhound height is between 30 and 32 inches, and has a lifespan is between 8 and 11 years. The breed has gradually increased in popularity and numbers but is still fairly rare to this day. So, theyll have a puppy mentality for a longer time than you would expect. They can seem more pointed and can appear erect or semi-erect. Although both the IW and the Deerhound have wiry, hairy tails, the Irish Wolfhound has a long and slightly curved tail. Thank you for the comments Christine, appreciate you sharing your experience with the breed. The Scottish Deerhound only has the wiry outer coat, while the Irish Wolfhound has a double-coat, with a soft undercoat protected by the wiry outer coat. Heres What To Do, Answered by Dr. Olivia Speight, BVSc MRCVS (Vet), Rabies in Dogs: Causes, Signs & Care Guide. But socialization and training can help with this immensely. Welcome to our comparison of the Scottish Deerhound vs. Irish Wolfhound! Thank you for the information on these 2 majestic breeds. Nevertheless, there are several features that make the IW and the Deerhound distinct breeds. Neither breed is suitable for life alone or cooped up, especially the sensitive Deerhound. As their breed names suggest, the Scottish Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound both were bred to do roughly the same thing (hunt by sight), but for different prey and on different islands. However, I note that these were originally crossed with Great Danes and other breeds to re-establish the vanishing original Wolfhound breed, so all is well. ), Dog Quiz - 38,035 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz. In the Irish Wolfhound breed standard, the term muscular is used to describe the breeds neck, forequarters, leg, and hindquarters. Thank you. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Throughout this guide, weve touched upon the similarities and differences between the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound. Both the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound have been around for so long that its difficult to pinpoint their exact histories. The Scottish people themselves arrived there in the 9th century. Since they were bred as hunting dogs, both Deerhounds and Wolfhounds need to be able to run freely in safe, secure areas. They were so good at their job that they hunted the wolf, and many other large predators into extinction, and as such, they were no longer required. Their size makes them the apex predators in their environment so they are very dangerous when spotted in the wilderness. 5 Ways to Connect Wireless Headphones to TV. When they arent in pursuit of prey or otherwise running about, both breeds are actually very docile creatures who love curling up on the couch with their favorite human or furred friend. Both breeds are shrouded in old tales, that range from just being fantastic dogs to being somewhat mythical creatures, and possibly even werewolves! Cookie Notice The IW is, in fact, the tallest of the AKC breeds, standing at a minimum 32 inches for males and 30 inches for females. On the other hand, you cant force either breed to exercise, especially when young. We recommend dividing this into 2 meals a day and supplementing it with extra protein from lean meats and organ meats. They look almost identical, with the Irish Wolfhound being the largest pup, and they have the exact same wiry coat; it is extremely difficult to tell these guys apart! The first Deerhound was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1886. Irish Wolfhound may live 4 years less than American Staghound. Its hair is harsh and crisp, about 3 to 4 inches long on the body, ideally close-lying. Learn more. Sensitive to human emotions, so a calm and consistent owner is a must. Zaldivar-Lopex S et al. If you can prepare for their sight-based hunting traits and you can handle their immense size, then you are onto a rewarding and winning relationship. Nicole has a strong love for all animals and has experience caring for all types of dogs, from Yorkies to Great Danes. And the best part? This is a much longer timeframe than that for much smaller dog breeds, which typically mature within one year. Molecular and Developmental Evolution. You likely cant tell the difference between an Irish Wolfhound and a Scottish deerhound just by looking at them, especially if they are side by side. Despite their impressive size and muscular body, they are very fast and agile, making them such great hunters. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do However, despite their coat difference, they are quite equal in their grooming demands. Galis F et al. How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be? Early socialization is important for these guys, and whilst their high prey drive will never be trained out of them, you can teach them to be comfortable and calm with other dogs of all shapes and sizes, and whilst you can try your best with cats, it is unlikely that they will ever be calm and collected around felines! The IW is also more muscular than the Deerhound. These include anesthesia sensitivity, hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, and gastric torsion. How about the fastest dogs, the largest dogs and those that are -- quite frankly -- just the kindest dogs on the planet? for a male, and 77 to 95 lbs. Size: Weight Range: Male: 85-110 lbs. Huge and lanky frame covered in long, wiry hair. Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1886 Ranging in size from 75 to 110 pounds Deer hunter.