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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
Reviews121
User Ratings

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

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Giant Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between an Irish Wolfhound and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
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 Range
Compare puppy prices between an Irish Wolfhound and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$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

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
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

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of an Irish Wolfhound and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
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.
See more.
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.
See more.
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.
See more.
German Shepherd 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 Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd?
Irish Wolfhound dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
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.
See more.
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

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Irish Wolfhound rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Irish Wolfhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare living space needs.
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

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
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 Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Irish Wolfhound has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

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

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Irish Wolfhound bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
6-10 years
The average lifespan of Irish Wolfhound: 8 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.
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.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between an Irish Wolfhound and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
Very healthy dog breed.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
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).
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

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels.
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

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
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.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
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.

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The Irish Wolfhound has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

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

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
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.
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 Capability
Which makes a better service dog: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare service capabilities.

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 Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

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.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: an Irish Wolfhound or a German Shepherd? 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 Irish Wolfhound and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?

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

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

Irish Wolfhound vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Irish Wolfhound and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
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 Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Irish Wolfhound and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
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.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Irish Wolfhound and German Shepherd. 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
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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