Is the Irish Wolfhound or the Scottish Deerhound better for families with children?

The Irish Wolfhound tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Irish Wolfhound or the Scottish Deerhound?

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

Which is easier to train, the Irish Wolfhound or the Scottish Deerhound?

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

Is Irish Wolfhound or Scottish Deerhound bigger?

Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound are a similar size (Giant).

Which barks more, Irish Wolfhound or Scottish Deerhound?

Both bark a similar amount (very low).

Which is better for apartment living, Irish Wolfhound or Scottish Deerhound?

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

Irish Wolfhound vs Scottish Deerhound: Which Is Calmer?

Irish Wolfhound vs Scottish Deerhound: full comparison

Trait	Irish Wolfhound	Scottish Deerhound
Size	Giant	Giant
Energy level	Low	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	High
Good with children	Very High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Very Low	Very Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Low	Low
Typical lifespan	7 years	9 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Irish Wolfhound is one of the true giant breeds that needs a spacious home — its size alone means more room, a bigger car and higher food costs. By comparison, the Scottish Deerhound is one of the true giant breeds that needs a spacious home — its size alone means more room, a bigger car and higher food costs. 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 a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. The Scottish Deerhound needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. 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 Irish Wolfhound wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Scottish Deerhound wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Irish Wolfhound trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, stays notably quiet indoors and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Scottish Deerhound trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, stays notably quiet indoors and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Irish Wolfhound is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Scottish Deerhound is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

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 and Scottish Deerhound are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Scottish Deerhound has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Irish Wolfhound if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Choose the Scottish Deerhound if you want a longer-lived breed or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Irish Wolfhound or the Scottish Deerhound better for families with children?: The Irish Wolfhound tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Irish Wolfhound or the Scottish Deerhound?: The Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Irish Wolfhound or the Scottish Deerhound?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Irish Wolfhound or Scottish Deerhound bigger?: Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound are a similar size (Giant).
Which barks more, Irish Wolfhound or Scottish Deerhound?: Both bark a similar amount (very low).
Which is better for apartment living, Irish Wolfhound or Scottish Deerhound?: For apartment or apartment living, Irish Wolfhound has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Irish Wolfhound vs Scottish Deerhound