Is the Irish Wolfhound or the Mastiff better for families with children?

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

Which sheds more, the Irish Wolfhound or the Mastiff?

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

Which is easier to train, the Irish Wolfhound or the Mastiff?

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

Is Irish Wolfhound or Mastiff bigger?

Irish Wolfhound and Mastiff are a similar size (Giant).

Which barks more, Irish Wolfhound or Mastiff?

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

Which is better for apartment living, Irish Wolfhound or Mastiff?

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

Irish Wolfhound vs Mastiff: Which Guards Better?

Irish Wolfhound vs Mastiff: full comparison

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

Key differences at a glance

The Mastiff has noticeably higher protectiveness than the Irish Wolfhound.

Size and living space

The Irish Wolfhound is a giant breed that requires real space: bigger rooms, a bigger car and a bigger food budget. By comparison, the Mastiff is a giant breed that requires real space: bigger rooms, a bigger car and a bigger food budget. 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 Irish Wolfhound needs light but regular activity to stay content. The Mastiff needs light but regular activity to stay content. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Irish Wolfhound wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Mastiff asks for a light brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Irish Wolfhound trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, almost never barks and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Mastiff trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Irish Wolfhound is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Mastiff is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home.

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, Irish Wolfhound has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Irish Wolfhound 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, Irish Wolfhound and Mastiff are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Irish Wolfhound if you want a more outgoing, sociable dog or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Mastiff if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Irish Wolfhound vs Mastiff