We invite you to compare the Scottish Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound!
These sighthounds were specifically bred to focus on their target and pursue it with their impressive size and strength.
Both the Scottish Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound were bred for hunting and share a close resemblance.
However, there exist certain variations among them.
For example, one breed is larger than the other, one breed was meant to hunt deer while the other was meant to hunt wolves, and one breed does best with a friend.
This guide will explain the aforementioned differences and additional distinctions between the Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound.
Scottish Deerhound vs. Irish Wolfhound – what’s the difference?
What are the similarities and differences between deerhounds and wolfhounds?
The Scottish Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound share the same purpose of sight hunting, but were bred for different islands and prey, as indicated by their breed names.
Both of them belong to the hound category.
Both breeds have a large size and resemble a Greyhound with a furry coat (further details below).
If the Scottish deerhound and Irish wolfhound are almost identical, then it might not matter which one you choose or even if you opt for neither, as both could be appropriate for your living situation.
Yes, the distinction depends on the size of the dog you desire and your capability to handle its energy level.
In the upcoming sections, we’ll delve further into the variations in physical characteristics and temperament between Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound dogs.
Deerhound vs. Wolfhound appearance
As previously stated, the Scottish Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound share similarities with the Greyhound in terms of appearance, yet they possess greater muscularity and lengthy, dense hair.
Both dogs are very big, with the Irish Wolfhound sometimes being bigger than the Scottish dog.
The reason for the difference in size between these breeds could be due to their specific prey they were trained to hunt – Scottish Deerhounds were trained to hunt 400-pound red deer while Irish Wolfhounds were trained to hunt ferocious wolves.
Irish Wolfhound vs. Deerhound temperament
Due to their comparable historical backgrounds (both breeds have origins that are long and challenging to ascertain) and intended purposes, Irish Wolfhounds and Scottish Deerhounds exhibit quite similar personalities.
When they are not actively hunting or engaging in physical activity, both types of animals have a calm nature and enjoy snuggling up on the sofa with their preferred human or animal companion.
The Scottish Deerhound has made it onto our list of Calm Dog Breeds and the Irish Wolfhound has earned a spot on our list of Lazy Dog Breeds due to their serene nature.
Despite their love for “snuggle sessions,” it is crucial to keep their activity levels consistent throughout their lives to address specific health issues that are common in their breed (more about this in a later section).
Exercise
There are significant differences that should not be overlooked with regards to the exercise needs and socialization requirements of Deerhounds and Wolfhounds.
In general, Scottish Deerhounds need a higher level of daily activity compared to Irish Wolfhounds.
We said that they are calm and lazy breeds, respectively, but in order to stay so calm and lazy, each breed requires time every day to stretch their legs outdoors, preferably in pursuit of a target (e.g., toy)…it’s what they were bred to do and love!
Moreover, Scottish Deerhounds are quite emotional creatures that are capable of causing damage if left in isolation. Similarly, Irish Wolfhounds do not enjoy solitude.
Unless you have a dog walker available to spend time with your pet, owning a Scottish Deerhound or Irish Wolfhound is not advisable if you are absent for several hours each day.
At Home
If you are unable to stay at home throughout the day, it might be necessary to get another dog to keep a Deerhound company as this breed becomes extremely fond of companions and desires human interaction.
In addition, due to the tendency of sighthounds to pursue small pets and animals, it is advisable to keep both types of breeds exclusively in households with just dogs as companions.
Despite their imposing size, Deerhounds and Wolfhounds are great additions to any family, even those with kids.
Ensure that your young children are not too small that a dog could accidentally cause them to fall.
Scottish Deerhound vs. Irish Wolfhound size
If your home cannot accommodate towering and heavy breeds, it is not a good idea to own either Scottish Deerhounds or Irish Wolfhounds, which are both impressively large dogs.
Deerhounds can grow to a height of 28-32 inches at the shoulder and have a weight of 75-110 pounds, whereas Wolfhounds are generally taller than 30 inches at the shoulder and have an astounding weight of 105-120 pounds!
There have been Wolfhounds that are male and exceptionally large, weighing over 180 pounds!
Females are usually the smaller specimens in both instances.
Scottish Deerhound vs. Irish Wolfhound coat
The coat of Wolfhounds and Deerhounds is wiry and boasts a texture that can be considered somewhat harsh.
The coat of the Scottish Deerhound is solely wiry outer, whereas the Irish Wolfhound boasts a double-coat entailing a soft undercoat safeguarded by the wiry outer layer.
Coats of Wolfhounds may display colors such as blue-gray, gray, brindle or gray-brindle, and can have white markings or not.
Deerhound fur can come in a wider range of hues, such as black, blue, cream, gray, brindle, red, silver, wheaten, and white.
It is also possible for them to exhibit markings in white, gray, or black.
Scottish Deerhound vs. Irish Wolfhound grooming and shedding
Maintaining either coat of the Wolfhound or Deerhound is quite effortless, despite the fact that the Wolfhound has a double-coat and the Deerhound does not.
Weekly brushings are sufficient to prevent the accumulation of debris and dead hair in both coats. Baths are necessary only if either breed is unclean or emitting an unpleasant odor.
The Scottish Deerhound experiences seasonal shedding, whereas the Irish Wolfhound sheds throughout the year without excessive shedding.
Despite having a double coat, the Irish Wolfhound doesn’t shed its undercoat entirely during the seasonal shedding periods, unlike several other double-coated dog breeds.
As both breeds are athletic, it is important to regularly trim their nails to avoid them becoming too long and causing discomfort.
Scottish Deerhound vs. Irish Wolfhound intelligence and training
Training can be a difficult task for Wolfhounds and Deerhounds because of their size and breeding.
It is difficult to divert the attention of sighthounds from prey, as they often chase after them suddenly. It will be a challenging task to get them to pay more attention to you and less to the rabbit that has captured their interest.
As a result, enrolling a Wolfhound or Deerhound in dog training classes may be required to ensure they remain attentive to their handler.
Although initially difficult to grab their attention, both types of dogs possess intelligence and can be utilized in athletic competitions. The Scottish Deerhound, in particular, has a strong fondness for humans and would excel in therapy dog training.
BONUS: Dog training 101 — How to set realistic goals and where to get started
Basically, there are two tiers of training for dogs. If your focus is on teaching your dog commands such as sit, stay and lie down, or improving their general manners, then a dog trainer is the professional you should consult. However, if your dog exhibits behavioral issues such as fearfulness, aggressiveness or anxiety, seeking guidance from a dog behavioral consultant such as Pack Leader Help’s Brianna Dick would be more appropriate.
“The way that I approach dog training is behavioral psychology based,” says Dick, who is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. “We’re not looking at just the physical behaviors of dogs. We’re looking at their emotions and the relationship they have with their humans.”
Begin with behavior training if you require both skill and behavior training, focusing on the more intricate of the two. While a dog trainer can teach your dog how to sit, they will not be as skilled as a dog behavior consultant in assisting your dog with separation anxiety.
Be realistic.
According to Fratt, not all humans will enjoy attending raves, and similarly, not all dogs will enjoy visiting a dog park.
The Dog Door Behavior Center is owned by Kim Brophey, who is an expert in applied ethology and serves as a mediator for family dogs. In addition, she authored “Meet Your Dog: The Game Changing Guide To Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior” and utilizes the L.E.G.S framework (which stands for learning, environment, genetics, and self) to elucidate dog behavior. To illustrate, if your guests are being barked at by your dog…
Brophey suggests that the breed of dog might have been specifically chosen over centuries to guard against any intruders at your doorstep. As the natural inclination of a German shepherd to protect its territory cannot be eliminated through training, it may be necessary to alter your anticipations.
Decide how you’d like to train your dog.
There are different options available for training methods, including group classes, one-on-one training, board and train, day training, and self-led training, which are the most common. While group classes are less personalized and cheaper, board and train facilities can be expensive and pose risks, according to Fratt.
“If the trainer spends all this time training the dog in this really specific context and then basically just hands you the leash, takes your check and walks away, there’s a very good chance you’re not actually going to be able to implement those new strategies and skills … successfully in your home.”
Depending on your budget and training objectives, your decision will vary. If your dog is exhibiting hostile behavior towards another dog in your household, it may not benefit from training sessions conducted outside of your home.
Keep in mind that you will need to participate in the training of your dog, but it doesn’t need to consume a significant portion of your day. According to Fratt, she dedicates approximately five minutes per day to training. Much of the assignments provided by trainers can be enjoyable and integrated into your daily routine.
Our experts recommend the online resources that are either free of cost or available at a nominal price if you are looking for a budget-friendly option for dog training.
- Kikopup on Youtube and Instagram
- Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
- K9 of Mine
On her website, Dick has put together a collection of complimentary resources, and Fratt hosts a set of lessons titled Training Tuesday that are free of charge.
Understand the methodologies.
The field of dog training is entirely unregulated, allowing individuals with a website, Instagram page, or storefront to proclaim themselves as dog trainers. Due to the lack of regulation, there is no definitive guidebook on the techniques to employ while training a dog, resulting in discord among trainers. Two general categories, however, tend to classify many trainers.
Fratt is an example of a positive reinforcement trainer. This technique involves rewarding your dog, such as with a treat, when they display good behavior, promoting repetition. It can also involve providing an enjoyable experience that counters a fear-inducing situation for your dog.
Another example of trainers who strike a balance is Brianna Dick. These trainers also use positive reinforcement techniques, but are not averse to including corrective measures, such as e-collars, in their training as well.
According to Dick, E-collar training employs a collar that is put on your dog and can be controlled using a remote. It delivers a stimulus to the dog’s neck, such as a shock, sound, or a citronella spray, to correct their behavior. The use of E-collars, particularly those that give shocks, is a subject of controversy in the dog training community.
According to Dick, it’s important to watch out for trainers who rely on e-collars for every dog as it’s a generic solution that’s unlikely to produce satisfactory outcomes. Instead, what you need is a trainer who takes the time to understand your personality, relationship, and living habits with your dog.
Find a good trainer.
To find reliable positive reinforcement or balanced trainers within your locality, you may find it helpful to refer to lists provided by professional associations. Several such associations exist, such as:
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
- The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- Karen Pryor Academy (KPA)
- Pet Professional Guild
- The Academy for Dog Trainers
- Pat Miller Certified Trainers
Subsequently, conduct interviews by contacting previous customers and determining which trainer provides you with a sense of ease. Ensure that they are capable of clarifying their techniques for conducting training.
