Great Dane
An elegant giant with a gentle nature, the Great Dane is a calm, affectionate companion, but its size demands suitable space and budget.
Great Dane vs Irish Wolfhound
Side by side
| Trait | Great Dane | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Pinschers, molossers and mountain dogs | Sighthounds |
| Size | Giant | Giant |
| Weight | 50–90 kg | 40–55 kg |
| Height at withers | 72–90 cm | 71–90 cm |
| Life expectancy | 7–10 years | 6–10 years |
| Energy | ||
| With children | ||
| With other dogs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Heat tolerance | ||
| Apartment | Not recommended | Not recommended |
Key differences
- Heavier: Great Dane (about 70 kg vs 47.5 kg on average)
- Copes better with heat: Great Dane (3/5 vs 1/5)
Gaps counted as key differences: more than 20% in average weight, more than 10% in average height, at least 2 years in average life expectancy, or at least 2 points on a rating.
Which one is right for you?
A quick guide based on the ratings above. Every dog is an individual: spend time with the breed and talk to breeders, rescue organisations or a veterinarian before deciding.
- Apartment living
- Both are similarBased on apartment suitability and energy.
- Family with children
- Both are similarBased on behaviour with children.
- First-time owner
- Both are similarBased on trainability, energy and grooming needs.
- Hot climate
- Great Dane is the better fitBased on heat tolerance.
- Active owner
- Both are similarBased on energy level.
Meet the two breeds
Irish Wolfhound
One of the tallest dogs in the world, the Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant: calm, patient and very sociable.