Irish Wolfhound vs. Scottish Deerhound — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 15, 2023
The Irish Wolfhound is a large, shaggy greyhound breed from Ireland, while the Scottish Deerhound is a rough-coated breed from Scotland primarily for deer hunting.
Difference Between Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The Irish Wolfhound is a historic sighthound breed originating from Ireland, known for its immense size and strength, often used for wolf hunting in ancient times. The Scottish Deerhound, as its name suggests, originates from Scotland and was primarily bred for deer hunting due to its agility and speed.
In terms of appearance, the Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dog breeds, with a shaggy and rough coat. Its build is powerful and muscular. The Scottish Deerhound shares some similarities in the coat texture but is generally more slender and refined in its build, tailored for swift running.
Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Scottish Deerhound have gentle and friendly temperaments. However, the Irish Wolfhound is often described as having a more dignified and reserved nature, while the Scottish Deerhound is more amiable and sociable.
When it comes to care, the Irish Wolfhound requires regular exercise but adapts well to living indoors. The breed has a relatively short lifespan due to its size. The Scottish Deerhound also needs daily exercise and has a penchant for chasing, given its hunting lineage.
Historically, the Irish Wolfhound was so treasured in Ireland that at one point, its ownership was restricted to nobility. The Scottish Deerhound, on the other hand, was a favorite among Scottish chieftains, often depicted in art and literature as a symbol of status.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Ireland
Scotland
Primary Use
Wolf hunting
Deer hunting
Size & Build
One of the tallest breeds, muscular
Slender and refined for running
Coat Texture
Shaggy and rough
Rough
Temperament
Dignified, reserved
Amiable, sociable
Compare with Definitions
Irish Wolfhound
A tall, powerful sighthound breed originating from Ireland.
The majestic Irish Wolfhound stood tall among the other breeds at the dog show.
Scottish Deerhound
A breed that has been historically linked to Scottish nobility.
Owning a Scottish Deerhound was once a status symbol among Scottish chieftains.
Irish Wolfhound
A gentle giant known for its friendly and dignified demeanor.
Despite its size, the Irish Wolfhound is gentle with children and other pets.
Scottish Deerhound
A dog with a rough coat, resembling a rough-coated greyhound.
The Scottish Deerhound's coat gives it a distinctive and regal appearance.
Irish Wolfhound
A dog with a shaggy, rough coat and commanding presence.
The Irish Wolfhound's rough coat requires regular grooming to keep it in top condition.
Scottish Deerhound
A sighthound breed developed in Scotland primarily for deer hunting.
The Scottish Deerhound's agility made it perfect for chasing deer in the Highlands.
Irish Wolfhound
A breed known historically for hunting wolves and as a war dog.
Ancient tales often speak of the brave Irish Wolfhound in battles.
Scottish Deerhound
A dog characterized by its slender build and long legs, tailored for speed.
The Scottish Deerhound's physique is perfect for swift running in open terrains.
Irish Wolfhound
A breed that has had historical significance in Irish culture.
The Irish Wolfhound is often considered a symbol of Irish heritage and pride.
Scottish Deerhound
Known for its amiable and sociable temperament.
Scottish Deerhounds are often seen being friendly and approachable at dog parks.
Common Curiosities
What were their primary hunting targets historically?
The Irish Wolfhound was used for wolf hunting, while the Scottish Deerhound was bred for deer hunting.
Which breed is taller in size?
The Irish Wolfhound is generally taller than the Scottish Deerhound.
Do both breeds have a rough coat texture?
Yes, both the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound have rough coat textures.
Where do the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound originate from?
The Irish Wolfhound is from Ireland, and the Scottish Deerhound is from Scotland.
Are they easy to train?
Both breeds are intelligent but may require consistent training due to their independent natures.
Which breed is more sociable?
While both are friendly, the Scottish Deerhound is often described as more sociable.
Are both breeds considered sighthounds?
Yes, both the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound are types of sighthounds.
How long do these breeds typically live?
Due to their size, both breeds have relatively shorter lifespans, often around 7-9 years.
Are the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound good with children?
Yes, both breeds are generally good with children, given proper socialization.
Are they suitable for apartment living?
Both breeds can adapt to apartment living if given enough exercise but thrive best with space.
Do they require extensive grooming?
Both breeds require regular grooming due to their rough coats, but not as extensive as some other breeds.
How active are these breeds?
Both the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound require regular exercise but aren't hyperactive breeds.
How do their hunting instincts manifest in modern settings?
They may have a tendency to chase moving objects or animals due to their sighthound lineage.
Which breed is more popular in the U.S.?
The Irish Wolfhound is generally more recognized and popular than the Scottish Deerhound in the U.S.
Do they have any common health issues?
Both breeds can be prone to bloat, heart issues, and certain bone-related conditions due to their size.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
