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

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound" Compare German Shepherd and Irish Wolfhound. Which is better: German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Irish Wolfhound
OriginsGermany flagGermany Ireland flagIreland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank273
Reviews211
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for German Shepherd and Irish Wolfhound. What other names are these breeds known by?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Cu Faoil
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a German Shepherd and an Irish Wolfhound. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Size and Weight Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a German Shepherd and an Irish Wolfhound. Which breed costs more?
$800-$2000 $1800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Irish Wolfhound is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare training requirements.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare alertness levels.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare territorial behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Irish Wolfhound dogs can't provide protection for their territory.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Irish Wolfhound rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Irish Wolfhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare living space needs.
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.
It is not recommended to keep the Irish Wolfhound breed in the home.

German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare adaptability levels.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Irish Wolfhound dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound?
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.

German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare biting tendencies.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Irish Wolfhound has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare mouthing behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Irish Wolfhound dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Irish Wolfhound bite force: The Strongest.

German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare average lifespans.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
6-10 years
The average lifespan of Irish Wolfhound: 8 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
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.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a German Shepherd and an Irish Wolfhound. Which breed is healthier?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Very healthy dog breed.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Irish Wolfhound should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound health problems comparison:
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
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Osteosarcoma
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Fibrocartilaginous Embolic Myelopathy
Liver Shunt

German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Energy and Activity Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Irish Wolfhound has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare daily food needs.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals

German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for German Shepherd and Irish Wolfhound? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Wheaten
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Irish Wolfhound requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare drooling amounts.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Irish Wolfhound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Irish Wolfhound has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a German Shepherd and an Irish Wolfhound? Compare fur types.
Fuzzy Wiry
Rough
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare bathing frequencies.
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Irish Wolfhound dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Irish Wolfhound dogs shed moderately.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Good With Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare service capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare SAR abilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Irish Wolfhound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a German Shepherd or an Irish Wolfhound? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between German Shepherd and Irish Wolfhound. Which has stronger military background?

Yes

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

Not really

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

German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between German Shepherd and Irish Wolfhound. Which has larger litters?
6-10 puppies 3-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between German Shepherd and Irish Wolfhound breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between German Shepherd and Irish Wolfhound. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Irish Wolfhound Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Shepherd and Irish Wolfhound. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1897 as a Hound breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German Shepherd and Irish Wolfhound. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Rough-haired Sighthounds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between German Shepherd and Irish Wolfhound. Which is more widely recognized?
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
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

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