What is the Difference Between Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound?

The Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound are both large, sighthound breeds with some similarities, but they have distinct differences as well. Here are the main differences between the two breeds:

1. Size: Irish Wolfhounds are generally larger than Scottish Deerhounds. Males reach 31-32 inches in height and weigh between 100-125 pounds, while male Scottish Deerhounds are slightly smaller at 30-32 inches and weigh between 85-110 pounds.
2. Appearance: Both breeds have wiry coats, but the Irish Wolfhound has a long and slightly curved tail, while the Scottish Deerhound has a long, tapering tail that almost reaches the ground. Additionally, the Scottish Deerhound has slightly longer legs compared to the Irish Wolfhound, and the Irish Wolfhound has a slightly broader chest.
3. Ears: Irish Wolfhounds and Scottish Deerhounds both have rose-shaped ears, but they differ in size. Irish Wolfhounds have small to medium-sized ears, while Scottish Deerhounds have larger ears.
4. Eyes: The eyes of an Irish Wolfhound are small and dark, while a Scottish Deerhound has larger eyes that can vary in color.
5. Histories: The Irish Wolfhound is an ancient breed, with records dating back to 391 A.D., while the Scottish Deerhound is a more recent breed, with historians identifying it in the 16th and 17th centuries.
6. Hunting Purpose: Both breeds were bred for hunting, but they were bred to hunt different animals. The Irish Wolfhound was used to hunt wolves and large prey like the Irish elk, while the Scottish Deerhound was specifically bred to hunt wild red deer.
7. Lifespan: The Scottish Deerhound has a slightly longer lifespan compared to the Irish Wolfhound.

In summary, while the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound share some similarities, they have distinct differences in size, appearance, history, and hunting purpose.

Comparative Table: Irish Wolfhound vs Scottish Deerhound

Here is a table comparing the differences between the Irish Wolfhound and the Scottish Deerhound:

Both breeds are members of the Hound Group and share similarities in appearance and temperament. However, they have distinct differences in size, coat colors, ancestry, and purpose.