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Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Cu Faoil or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd" Compare Irish Wolfhound and German Shepherd. Which is better: Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd
OriginsIreland flagIreland Germany flagGermany
Group Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank732
Reviews119
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Cu Faoil Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd? Is the Irish Wolfhound bigger than the German Shepherd breed? Is an Irish Wolfhound smaller than a German Shepherd?
Giant Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd? Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd weight comparison:
90-150 pounds (40-69 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
120 pounds (54.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd? Is an Irish Wolfhound taller than a German Shepherd?
28-35 inches (71-90 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
31.5 inches (80.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Irish Wolfhound and German Shepherd?
$1800-$2000 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Irish Wolfhound is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd smarter? Which is best? Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd intelligence:
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd trainability comparison. What's the difference between Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd?
Irish Wolfhound dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd?
Irish Wolfhound dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Irish Wolfhound dogs can't provide protection for their territory.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd? Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Dignified
Intelligent
Patient
Loyal
Tempered
Sweet
Generous
Thoughtful
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd?
Irish Wolfhound dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd?
High: Irish Wolfhound dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Irish Wolfhound dogs need for social interaction is average.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd?
Irish Wolfhound dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Irish Wolfhound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:
Average: Irish Wolfhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd?
Low to Average: The Irish Wolfhound rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd?
It is not recommended to keep the Irish Wolfhound breed in the home.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Irish Wolfhound dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Irish Wolfhound bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is an Irish Wolfhound more dangerous than a German Shepherd?

Low 🔽

The Irish Wolfhound has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
Irish Wolfhound dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd?
Very healthy dog breed.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Osteosarcoma
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Fibrocartilaginous Embolic Myelopathy
Liver Shunt
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd?
Rare
The Irish Wolfhound should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Irish Wolfhound and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Irish Wolfhound and German Shepherd?
6-10 years
The average lifespan of Irish Wolfhound: 8 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Irish Wolfhound can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd? Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd energy level comparison:
Irish Wolfhound dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Irish Wolfhound dogs have an average exercise need.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd?
Irish Wolfhound dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd? Does the Irish Wolfhound breed eat more than the German Shepherd breed?
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Irish Wolfhound has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd coat comparison:
Wiry
Rough
Fuzzy
Colors
What are the original Irish Wolfhound and German Shepherd color? Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd color comparison:
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Wheaten
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd? Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:
Average: The Irish Wolfhound requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd? Do Irish Wolfhound dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
Irish Wolfhound dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd?

Medium

The Irish Wolfhound has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd?
The Irish Wolfhound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Irish Wolfhound dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Irish Wolfhound dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd?
Irish Wolfhound dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd?
Irish Wolfhound dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd? Can an Irish Wolfhound and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Irish Wolfhound dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
Irish Wolfhound dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Irish Wolfhound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Irish Wolfhound is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Irish Wolfhounds are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Irish Wolfhound or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd?

Not really

Irish Wolfhound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Irish Wolfhound and German Shepherd have? Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd litter size comparison:
3-4 puppies 6-10 puppies

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1897 as a Hound breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Rough-haired Sighthounds section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Irish Wolfhound Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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