Irish wolfhounds and Scottish deerhounds - not quite peas in a pod
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (382656)
Rockingham, Australia
March 4, 2023 6:16am CST
There has been talk here recently about Irish wolfhounds and Scottish deerhounds so I thought I’d do a bit of research and try to find out what the differences are.
Firstly, they have many similarities. Both are sighthounds so they hunt by sight, not by smell. Both are large, strong dogs but the wolfhound is generally a little larger. The wolfhound is expected to be 81–86 cms (32–34 inches) and should weigh around 120 pound while the deerhound can be slightly less tall and lighter. Both have harsh, rough and wiry coats.
The wolfhound is more massively built than the deerhound and should give the appearance of being able to bring down and kill a wolf. The tail of the deerhound should almost reach the ground. The old wolfhounds of Ireland were believed to be extinct and the Scottish deerhound played a part in recreating the Irish breed. The latter is the regimental mascot of the Irish Guards.
Weight and height measurements have been taken from the American Kennel Club standards.
The photo shows two Scottish deerhounds that we came across in the far north-west of Scotland.
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13 responses
@rebelann (117281)
• El Paso, Texas
4 Mar 23
I remember actually meeting a wolfhound back in 1985 when I worked for an veterinarian whose client was a breeder, she told me they were chiefly lazy and laid around for the most part. I figure if her hounds had seen a wolf they would have reacted differently. I only worked there for a short while.
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@allknowing (153529)
• India
5 Mar 23
I know about the connection with wolves but why deerhound?
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@allknowing (153529)
• India
5 Mar 23
@JudyEv But the wolfhound never chases wolves. Right?
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@JudyEv (382656)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Mar 23
@allknowing They used to but I think wolves are extinct in Ireland now too.
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@LindaOHio (222896)
• United States
4 Mar 23
I met an Irish Wolfhound in a pet store years ago. He/she was such a large and sweet dog.
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@JudyEv (382656)
• Rockingham, Australia
6 Mar 23
@LindaOHio They are great company. I can imagine you'd miss them very much.
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@LindaOHio (222896)
• United States
5 Mar 23
@JudyEv I would love to have a couple of dogs again..I miss them so much.
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@Beestring (15372)
• Hong Kong
4 Mar 23
I guess both are aggressive animals. Are they?
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@RebeccasFarm (91297)
• United States
4 Mar 23
Now this is lovely to know Judy. THey are certainly lovely dogs.
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@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
5 Mar 23
@JudyEv, Beautiful dogs! I was wondering about the differences when you mentioned them the other day. Thanks for clarifying.
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