• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog Comparison – Which dog is better Cu Faoil or Bobtail?

"Find similarities and differences between Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog" Compare Irish Wolfhound and Old English Sheepdog. Which is better: Irish Wolfhound or Old English Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Irish Wolfhound Old English Sheepdog
OriginsIreland flagIreland England flagEngland
Group Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank7370
Reviews11
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Irish Wolfhound and Old English Sheepdog. What other names are these breeds known by?
Cu Faoil Bobtail
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between an Irish Wolfhound and an Old English Sheepdog. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Giant Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between an Irish Wolfhound and an Old English Sheepdog. Which breed is heavier?
90-150 pounds (40-69 kg) Male: from 65 pounds (29 kg), Female: from 60 pounds (27 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
120 pounds (54.5 kg) Male: from 65 pounds (29 kg), Female: from 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Irish Wolfhound or Old English Sheepdog? Is an Irish Wolfhound taller than an Old English Sheepdog?
28-35 inches (71-90 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
31.5 inches (80.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (51 cm)

Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between an Irish Wolfhound and an Old English Sheepdog. Which breed costs more?
$1800-$2000 $1200-$1500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Irish Wolfhound or Old English Sheepdog?
Very frequent: The Irish Wolfhound is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Old English Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? 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.
Smart: The Old English Sheepdog dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare training requirements.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Old English Sheepdog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare alertness levels.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Old English Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare territorial behaviors.
Irish Wolfhound dogs can't provide protection for their territory.
See more.
Old English Sheepdog dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of an Irish Wolfhound and an Old English Sheepdog. How do their temperaments differ?
Dignified
Intelligent
Patient
Loyal
Tempered
Sweet
Generous
Thoughtful
Playful
Funny
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Sociable
Adaptable
Bubbly
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog?
Irish Wolfhound dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Sensitive: Old English Sheepdog 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 Old English Sheepdog?
High: Irish Wolfhound dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Old English Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog social needs comparison:
Irish Wolfhound dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Old English Sheepdog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog?
Irish Wolfhound dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Old English Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog? Which can be better for hunting?
Irish Wolfhound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
Old English Sheepdog dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.

Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Irish Wolfhound rarely barks.
See more.
Average: The Old English Sheepdog barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Irish Wolfhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
The Old English Sheepdog is a playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? 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 Old English Sheepdog indoors.

Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare adaptability levels.
Irish Wolfhound dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Old English Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Irish Wolfhound or Old English Sheepdog?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Old English Sheepdog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Irish Wolfhound has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Irish Wolfhound bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Old English Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare average lifespans.
6-10 years
The average lifespan of Irish Wolfhound: 8 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Old English Sheepdog: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? 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.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Old English Sheepdog 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 an Irish Wolfhound and an Old English Sheepdog. Which breed is healthier?
Very healthy dog breed.
The Old English Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog?
Rare
The Irish Wolfhound should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Old English Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog 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
Deafness
Entropion
Diabetes
Heat Intolerance

Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare activity levels.
Irish Wolfhound dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Old English Sheepdog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Irish Wolfhound or Old English Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Irish Wolfhound dogs have an average exercise need.
Old English Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Irish Wolfhound or Old English Sheepdog?
Irish Wolfhound dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Old English Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Irish Wolfhound has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Old English Sheepdog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare daily food needs.
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.

Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Irish Wolfhound and Old English Sheepdog? Compare breed colors.
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Silver
Wheaten
Gray
Blue
White
Grizzle
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Irish Wolfhound requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare drooling amounts.
The Irish Wolfhound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Old English Sheepdog is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Irish Wolfhound has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Old English Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between an Irish Wolfhound and an Old English Sheepdog? Compare fur types.
Wiry
Rough
Waterproof
Shaggy
Double
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare bathing frequencies.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Irish Wolfhound or Old English Sheepdog? Do Irish Wolfhound dogs shed more than Old English Sheepdog dogs?
Irish Wolfhound dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Old English Sheepdog dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare kid-friendliness.
Irish Wolfhound dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Old English Sheepdog 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.
Old English Sheepdog dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Irish Wolfhound or Old English Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
Irish Wolfhound dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Old English Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Irish Wolfhound or Old English Sheepdog?
Irish Wolfhound dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Old English Sheepdog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Irish Wolfhound or Old English Sheepdog? Can an Irish Wolfhound and an Old English Sheepdog be friends? Do Irish Wolfhound dogs get along with Old English Sheepdog dogs?
Irish Wolfhound dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Old English Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog?
Yes
Irish Wolfhound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Old English Sheepdog 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
Old English Sheepdog 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.
Old English Sheepdogs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used 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: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a 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: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

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

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: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a 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: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

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

Not really

Old English Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: an Irish Wolfhound or an Old English Sheepdog? 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 Old English Sheepdog. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Irish Wolfhound and Old English Sheepdog. Which has larger litters?
3-4 puppies 5-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Irish Wolfhound and Old English Sheepdog breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Irish Wolfhound and Old English Sheepdog. 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 Old English Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Irish Wolfhound and Old English Sheepdog. 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 1888 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Irish Wolfhound and Old English Sheepdog. 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 Old English Sheepdog. 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

Rate This Comparsion - Irish Wolfhound vs Old English Sheepdog

Reviews