The Scottish Deerhound and the Irish Wolfhound are often mistaken for each other, and its easy to see why. By the 19th Century there were few Irish Wolfhounds left in Ireland. 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, they both have their own distinct features. Please note that giant dog breeds like both of these will mature more slowly than smaller dogs. They have separate histories, and they are from different countries, but their journeys are equally shrouded with myths and legends. It is best to be calm and consistent with both of these breeds, though they both enjoy a variety of homes and family situations. Both the Scottish Deerhound and the Irish Wolfhound are similarly independent creatures, who are more interested in searching for their next rabbit than listening and learning from their master. The general appearance section of the standard describes the breed as very muscular. The same cannot be said of the Scottish Deerhound. For the Scottish Deerhound, osteosarcoma, portosystemic shunts, gastric issues, and heart issues are a problem as well. Veterinary Quarterly. 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! 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. Although now primarily a family companion, the Irish Wolfhound will still instinctively give chase to fleeing prey. Molecular and Developmental Evolution. How do you know what breed is right for your family? Scottish Deerhound may have more litter size than Irish Wolfhound. Sheerer KN et al. Heres What to Do, My Dog Ate a Chicken Bone! In this article, we take a deeper dive into each breed and look at what makes them so unique. Their ancestry can actually be traced to the region as far back as the third century. Not only are the Scottish Deerhound and the Irish Wolfhound similar in appearance, but they are also very similar in their temperament. Additionally, the Scottish deerhound is a newer breed compared to the ancient Irish wolfhound, though both breeds are relatively old. However, despite their coat difference, they are quite equal in their grooming demands. 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. Males are at least 32 inches tall, but most are closer to 36 inches tall, and female are at least 30 inches tall, but often closer to 34 inches tall. So, theyll have a puppy mentality for a longer time than you would expect. Even though he has a double coat, the Irish Wolfhound does not completely shed his undercoat seasonally, like many other double-coated dog breeds. This means that the Scottish deerhound is still extremely tall- but the Irish wolfhound still measures higher! Nicole is the proud mom of Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway, and Baby, a Burmese cat. Irish Wolfhound may weigh 13 kg / 29 pounds more than American Staghound. Irish Wolfhounds are generally a healthy breed but are prone to issues common in large breeds. They consume a lot more than average dogs, meaning the monthly cost of food is . Finally, an additional differing mark between the two breeds is their ears, The breed standard of the IW describes the ears as small and Greyhound-like in carriage. The Deerhound, whose breed standard on-the-whole is more lengthy and descriptive, says that the ears are set on high, folded backthough raised above the head in excitement without losing the fold, and even in some cases semi-erect.. The first Deerhound was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1886. Irish Wolfhounds are said to get along better with other dogs, but Scottish Deerhounds are more sensitive to being alone. For example, the Irish wolfhound only lives an average of 6 to 10 years, while the Scottish deerhound lives an average of 8 to 11 years total. These dogs need to eat around 3-4 cups of high-quality kibble a day to help maintain their muscle mass and fast metabolism. 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. Although, white is generally not acceptable for the breed standard except on the chest and toes. However, the Irish Wolfhound is slightly larger than the Scottish Deerhound. In addition, both breeds experience issues that sighthounds face, such as excessive bleeding. Like many sighthounds, Deerhounds are highly sensitive to anesthesia, so be sure to alert your vet if they are not already aware of it. The breeds crisp, somewhat wiry coat, however, is exceptionally easy-care, requiring only brushing and occasional bathing. Irish Wolfhounds are not particularly fond of alone time, either. How about the fastest dogs, the largest dogs and those that are -- quite frankly -- just the kindest dogs on the planet? With a degree in Education and a love for writing, Nicole aims to share her and others' expert knowledge with pet lovers worldwide with Hepper. In their homeland of Scotland, they were reserved only for noblemen, and no one beneath the rank of earl could own one. Such a coat imparts a weather- (and dirt-) resistant quality, an . Irish Wolfhound Scottish Deerhound Mix Size and Weight Irish Wolfhound Height: 30 - 32 inches at the shoulder Weight: 120 . A six-month-old Irish Wolfhound puppy will weigh around 60 to 80 pounds if it's a boy. Both Scottish Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound has almost same life span. So many of these dogs in kennels dumped in uk. Lets go over all of these differences in more detail now. 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. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. And, with being a puppy comes having a puppy mentality and physical attributes, which means you should not forcefully exercise or train a Deerhound or Wolfhound puppy. Neither dog is good for guarding despite their imposing sizes. They are known as Deerhounds because they impressively hunted 400-pound wild Red Deer with large piercing antlers. Which is better: Borzoi or Scottish Deerhound or Irish Wolfhound? Well dig deeper into the physical and temperamental difference between Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound dogs in the upcoming sections. The AKC recognized them in 1897. And in 1886, Scottish Deerhounds were accepted into the AKC. Instead, the Deerhound standard describes the body as generally similar to the Greyhound, with larger bone structure and size. What sort of comparison do you call this? Thanks for stopping by to share, William! 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. The breed was revived, however, in the 19th century, and brought to the United States in 1838. As mentioned above, the Scottish Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound both resemble the Greyhound, but with even more muscling and long, wiry fur. Positive reinforcement training is ideal with these dogs, and giving them praise and rewards after they do a good job will go a long way toward getting them to obey commands. While they love to be indoors with their owners, they are not suitable for apartments and youll need a decent sized yard for them to play in. Lets take a closer look at the figures now. They love regular runs and off-leash exercise and need a large yard to play and exercise in; these dogs are not suitable for apartment living. (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.). Just make sure you have a suitable home for such a large breed. Therefore, a Deerhound or Wolfhound is still very much a puppy when other breeds are considered to be in adulthood! Later, in the 15th century, Irish farmers needed a dog that could help them scare off the wolves that came onto their lands. But apparently, the Irish Wolfhound did such a good job that much of their prey became extinct. So, they bred these dogs, which originally hunted Irish elk (at the time, not extinct), to help them out. MY wife and I have recently 'got back into' Wolfhounds in our retirement. But have some slight differences. All rights reserved. They were popular with royalty and noblemen, and it was this ownership restriction that brought them close to extinction on many occasions. You may find that Scottish Deerhounds require a bit more exercise than Irish Wolfhounds. Wolfhounds and Deerhounds have a wiry and somewhat harsh to the touch coat. Two large and powerful sighthounds who were bred to lock eyes on their prey and go for the chase! Found in darker shades and has floppy ears, an elongated muzzle, and kind eyes. When I'm not writing personally or professionally, you can find me camping along the Oregon coast with my high school sweetheart and Chihuahua mix, or in my home kitchen, perfecting recipes in a gleaming cast iron skillet. But they do have differences. 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. But what traits do these dogs share, and what things separate them from one another, despite all of their physical similarities? This includes hip and elbow dysplasia and musculoskeletal disease or gastrointestinal problems. Just make sure your tiny tots arent so tiny that a hound could accidentally knock them over! In the 15th century, the Irish needed a solution for wolves that were overrunning their lands. They were known to take down a wolf with ease, and it was then that they were officially named the Irish Wolfhound. Scottish Deerhound requires Low maintenance. 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. Stay on top of dog food recalls here >, Have a question? Back in the day, they were used by clan chieftains for hunting red deer or Highland stag; So, they were definitely Deerhounds by the 16th and 17th centuries. They eat a lot more than the average pooch, and as a result, monthly food bills are a lot more expensive. or product manual for professional advice. As long as they are both socialized from a young age, then they will both live well with other dogs. Choose Another Breed to Compare. They are also supremely loyal and affectionate but not overly clingy or attention-seeking, and they are fast and agile but obedient and controlled. Stay on top of cat food recalls here >, Have a dog? I have loved both a Scottish Deerhound (Cayla) and an Irish Wolfhound (Arthur). While he possesses a quiet and dignified personality in the home, the Scottish Deerhound may try to chase any furry animals that run past him. 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! 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Happy Puppy Site 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, The Happy Puppy Site is 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. 2007. The IW is, in fact, the tallest of the AKC breeds, standing at a minimum 32 inches for males and 30 inches for females. Because of this, the Irish Wolfhound almost went extinct as well. 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. Baths are only warranted if either breed is dirty or smelly. For example, the Irish wolfhound frequently weighs 130-160 pounds, while the Scottish deerhound weighs 75-110 pounds total. Scottish Deerhounds are large dogs, and with that size comes a few different potential health issues. 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. These dogs were also widely used in war because their height meant that they could easily pull down soldiers from chariots and horseback. Two of the largest dog breeds in the world and both sighthounds with wiry coats its no wonder that people often confused the Irish Wolfhound (IW) and the Scottish Deerhound (Deerhound). And this may contribute the Irish Wolfhounds average lifespan of about 59 years. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. The AKC offers expert advice on how to leash-train your puppy. Each breed is energetic when in action and serene when at rest, but the Scottish Deerhound may need longer periods of activity to remain relaxed when in the home. So, he collected specimens, which were then used to try to rehabilitate the breed. Join today by entering your email below. Have you settled on adopting a large dog, but can't decide between the Scottish Deerhound or the Irish Wolfhound? While they do not blow their coat in shedding season, you should still expect to find wiry hairs on your sofa and clothes. 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. Irish Wolfhounds were traditionally used for hunting their large size was taken advantage of for taking down game like elk and wild boar, and they were brave and loyal guard dogs too. On the other hand, Deerhounds are more aloof and sensitive. Also the Deerhound is the reason why Irish Wolfhounds are still around today as well as why the look similar. He has a large, muscular greyhound-like shape, and he is the tallest of dogs, but not the heaviest. Side-by-side, the Scottish deerhound has slightly longer legs compared to the Irish wolfhound, and the Irish wolfhound has a slightly broader chest compared to the Scottish deerhound. In both cases, the smaller specimens are typically females. Deerhound and Wolfhound puppies may continue growing for two or three years before they are fully mature. Size: Weight Range: Male: 85-110 lbs. And lead to their lower lifespan. Overall, if your home is large enough, active enough, and social enough for a Scottish Deerhound or Irish Wolfhound, then youll be blessed with a kind and relaxed companion, regardless of which breed you choose. diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute Around 1841, a man named H.D. There are a number of differences in the ancestry and breeding of the Scottish deerhound versus the Irish wolfhounds upbringing. Which do you prefer? The rapid growth rates of these breeds required to reach their large size may be responsible for these issues. 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. The Irish Wolfhound comes in colors, like. Note: Don't let the many issues above scare you. Interestingly, sighthounds have unique physiological traits that arent within the reference levels of the general population of dogs. Scottish Deerhound Height 26-32 Inches Weight 75-110 Pounds Temperament Gentle, Dignified, Polite Energy Average Health Average Lidespan 8-11 Years Price $1,000 and Up Irish Wolfhound Height 28-34 Inches Weight 90-140 Pounds Temperament Courageous, Dignified, Calm Energy Low Health Average Lifespan 6-9 Years Price $1,500 and Up Breed History Love Your Dog is a trademark of Cover Story Media, Inc. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn More. Irish Wolfhounds are extremely intelligent, and despite their history of hunting and their intimidating stature, they are gentle pooches too. Additionally, Scottish Deerhounds are rather sensitive souls who may become destructive if kept alone. These dogs are also coursing dogs and sighthounds. And this also had the reverse effect of reducing the Irish Wolfhound population. This is a much longer timeframe than that for much smaller dog breeds, which typically mature within one year. Journal of Small Animal Practice. Richardson wrote about the breed for an Irish journal. The hair on the body and neck is harsh and wiry, while the coat on the head, breast and belly is much softer. They are each members of the hound group. With great size comes a great risk for multiple health problems, and this is no different in Deerhounds and Wolfhounds. During this time, the Scottish Deerhound specifically hunted wild red deer. The Scottish Deerhound and the Irish Wolfhound are so similar in their appearance, that according to lovers of the breed, quite often even the professionals sometimes confuse the two breeds. Sometimes Deerhounds can also have black ears and muzzles. Still to this day, the Scottish Deerhound is a rare breed and is only really enjoyed by patriotic Scotts or sighthound lovers. But socialization and training can help with this immensely. Neither breed is suitable for life alone or cooped up, especially the sensitive Deerhound. They both are covered in long and wiry fur, though the Irish wolfhound comes in more colors compared to the Scottish deerhound. What's that saying? Deerhounds and Wolfhounds alike love people and can be very smart. Each day, AZ Animals sends out lists just like this to our thousands of email subscribers. Throughout this guide, weve touched upon the similarities and differences between the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound. First had a cat friend he used to walk with to the beach. Thanks for the depth of the information contained in your article. Learn more. The Wolfhound is also much heavier in weight, weighing an almighty 120 pounds, compared to the much lighter Deerhound who weighs anywhere between 85 and 110 pounds, which is not light by any stretch! This guy is an old breed, who is believed to have been in Scotland long before the Scottish even arrived in the 9th Century. Fleming JM et al. 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. As it is recommended that neither of these guys should be let off the lead in a public area, it is important that they walk well on the lead as they are very strong pups. Ophthalmologist Evaluation This evaluation screens for a list of eye issues, such as Cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Here are a few physical traits to look out for to help differentiate the two: The Irish Wolfhound is taller than the Scottish Deerhound. 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. Both are fully grown by age three. It seems, however, they were in Ireland even before then. While both breeds take well to training, their size can make them somewhat difficult to handle. What you are looking for on the Heart Certificate are ticks in BOTH the . Thank you. 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. Only Irish nobles and royalty were permitted to own Wolfhounds, and they were often given as gifts by royalty. And, with the Scottish Deerhounds particular affinity for people, he is a wonderful candidate for therapy dog training. Although both the IW and the Deerhound have wiry, hairy tails, the Irish Wolfhound has a long and slightly curved tail.
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