The Great Dane is a large breed of dog that was created in Germany. They are known for their size, intelligence, and gentleness. The Great Dane has a muscular body with a square muzzle and a broad skull with a black nose. They have long legs with bowed front paws which give them an air of elegance and grace when they walk around their owner’s home or garden.

The Irish Wolfhound is another large breed of dog that was created in Ireland. They are known for their strength and speed. The Irish Wolfhound has an impressive, long body with a slim, muscular structure. They are one of the tallest of all dog breeds with a height exceeding 30 inches.

Although the two breeds are somewhat similar in their size and temperament, there are some key differences between them.

In this article, we have covered Great Dane vs Irish Wolfhound with the top 10 differences, which will help you to compare the two dogs and choose the right breed for you.

Great Dane VS Irish Wolfhound- Top 10 Differences  

1. They originated from different places

Great Dane	Irish Wolfhound
Great Danes originated from Germany where they were used to hunt ferocious, wild boars.	Irish Wolfhounds originated from Ireland where they were used to hunt Irish Elks as well as wolves.

2. Mastiffs vs Hounds

Great Dane	Irish Wolfhound
Great Danes descend from mastiff-like dogs with strong jaws and powerful legs that could crush the bones of their prey.	Irish Wolfhounds descend from a family of hounds who have more delicate features than a Great Dane.

3. Great Danes are larger than Irish Wolfhounds

Great Dane	Irish Wolfhound
Great Danes are heavier than Irish Wolfhounds with their weight ranging from 100-200 pounds!	Irish Wolfhounds are a bit smaller in weight than Great Danes with their weight ranging from 100-180 pounds.

4. Irish Wolfhounds are taller than Great Danes

Great Dane	Irish Wolfhound
When it comes to height, Great Danes are smaller than Irish Wolfhounds. They stand at a height of 28-30 inches.	Irish Wolfhounds stands at an impressive height of 32-34 inches.

5. Both the breeds have different build and head structure

Great Dane	Irish Wolfhound
Great Danes have a broad head with an impressive build that makes them look like they can take on any opponent.	Irish Wolfhounds have a longer and more compact body with an equally longer head and nose. The long nose of the breed makes them more likely to track prey in thick brush or snow.

6. Great Danes are more vocal than Irish Wolfhounds

Great Dane	Irish Wolfhound
Great Danes tend to be more vocal than Irish Wolfhounds and they immediately bark and howl when they see an outsider or notice any suspicious event.	Irish Wolfhounds, on the other hand, are more laid-back and patient. They do not bark often and would rather just pay attention to what is happening around them in silence.

7. They differ when it comes to the owner experience

Great Dane	Irish Wolfhound
Great Danes are not suitable for first-time owners who do not have any prior experience in raising a strong and sturdy dog.	Novice owners can handle Irish Wolfhounds, provided that they know every need of the breed.

8. Great Danes live longer than Irish Wolfhounds

Great Dane	Irish Wolfhound
Great Danes have a relatively longer lifespan (7-10 years) than Irish Wolfhounds. They	Irish Wolfhounds have a very short lifespan. These hounds can only live up to 6-8 years.

9. Both the breeds have different coat color variations

Great Dane	Irish Wolfhound
According to the AKC standards, there are 7 official Great Dane colors which are black, blue, merle, harlequin, fawn, brindle, and mantle with different patterns and markings.	Irish Wolfhounds come in red, white, grey, black, brindle, blue, sable, and black and tan coat colors.

10. Great Danes have a softer coat texture

Great Dane	Irish Wolfhound
Great Danes have a short and thick coat which is softer and smoother than Irish Wolfhounds.	Irish Wolfhounds have a wiry coat with a very rough texture. This makes frequent grooming an essential part of the breed’s care.

5 Similarities Between the Great Dane and the Irish Wolfhound

Regardless of the differences between the two breeds, Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds do share some similarities which are discussed below:

1. They are both hunting dogs that were used to hunt and kill big games.
2. Both of these breeds are smart dogs who can grasp commands and instructions pretty quickly.
3. They make excellent family dogs as they both are loving, affectionate, and loyal towards their family.
4. Both breeds are gentle giants who can get along with children, dogs, and other animals.
5. They have high energy levels due to which they both require at least 1-hour of vigorous exercise.

Conclusion

For most individuals, deciding between a Great Dane and an Irish Wolfhound is a difficult task! In the end, their upkeep and temperaments are remarkably similar. Their look is what distinguishes them the most. If you fancy Great Dane’s regal look and strong determination, then the breed might be your ideal choice. But if you want a dog with a wiry coat that is more patient, then you’ll want to choose the Irish Wolfhound.

Thank you for reading the article.

To explore more about the two breeds, here are some articles on the Great Dane and the Irish Wolfhound.

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