Is the Great Dane or the Irish Wolfhound better for families with children?

Both the Great Dane and the Irish Wolfhound are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Great Dane or the Irish Wolfhound?

The Great Dane and Irish Wolfhound shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Great Dane or the Irish Wolfhound?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Great Dane or Irish Wolfhound bigger?

Great Dane and Irish Wolfhound are a similar size (Giant).

Which barks more, Great Dane or Irish Wolfhound?

Great Dane tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Irish Wolfhound is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Great Dane or Irish Wolfhound?

For apartment or apartment living, Irish Wolfhound has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Great Dane vs Irish Wolfhound: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Great Dane vs Irish Wolfhound: full comparison

Trait	Great Dane	Irish Wolfhound
Size	Giant	Giant
Energy level	Medium	Low
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very Low	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Low	Very Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Low
Typical lifespan	8 years	7 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Irish Wolfhound has noticeably higher grooming than the Great Dane.

Size and living space

The Great Dane is a genuinely giant dog that demands a large home, and everything about keeping it costs more. By comparison, the Irish Wolfhound is a genuinely giant dog that demands a large home, and everything about keeping it costs more. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Great Dane thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. The Irish Wolfhound needs light but regular activity to stay content. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Great Dane is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Irish Wolfhound needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Great Dane picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, speaks up only now and then and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Irish Wolfhound picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, almost never barks and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Great Dane is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly, whereas Irish Wolfhound is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Irish Wolfhound has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Great Dane and Irish Wolfhound are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Great Dane has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Irish Wolfhound has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Great Dane and Irish Wolfhound are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Great Dane if you prefer lower grooming upkeep, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

Choose the Irish Wolfhound if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion or you prefer a quieter dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Great Dane or the Irish Wolfhound better for families with children?: Both the Great Dane and the Irish Wolfhound are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Great Dane or the Irish Wolfhound?: The Great Dane and Irish Wolfhound shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Great Dane or the Irish Wolfhound?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Great Dane or Irish Wolfhound bigger?: Great Dane and Irish Wolfhound are a similar size (Giant).
Which barks more, Great Dane or Irish Wolfhound?: Great Dane tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Irish Wolfhound is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Great Dane or Irish Wolfhound?: For apartment or apartment living, Irish Wolfhound has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Great Dane vs Irish Wolfhound