What’s the Difference Between Scottish Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound

Are you beginning to love dogs and wish to adopt a large one but find it hard to spot the difference between a Scottish Deerhound and an Irish Wolfhound? Well, this phase is expected because they share lots of similarities.

However, these dog breeds also have several differences. So, this post will guide you through discussing Scottish Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound.

Despite their similarities, Scottish Deerhounds and Irish Wolfhounds differ in weight, lifespan, energy level, and even price. Also, they’re from different countries, so they share different origins. 

Moving forward, we’ll discuss each dog breed separately before highlighting their differences. By the end of this post, we’re sure you will have decided which dog breed to buy.

Keep reading!

Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound is an ancient breed that originated in the United Kingdom. It’s famous for its intelligence, loyalty, and ability to work with people. This dog breed has been around since the 16th century.

The Scottish Deerhound was initially bred as a hunting dog. But, over time, they’ve become popular pets. They are very loyal and affectionate, making great family companions, and their sizes range from 30-50 pounds.

Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound, on the other hand, is an ancient breed that originates from Ireland. This dog breed was used as a guard dog or hunting dog; in fact, they were used by royalty. Today, the Irish Wolfhound is still used as a working dog.

You can use the Irish Wolfhound for many things, such as herding, guarding, and tracking. They are brilliant and trainable and are also protective of their owners. Although they weigh up to 100 pounds, most weigh between 50-60 pounds.

Appearance: Difference Between Scottish Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound

The Scottish Deerhound and the Irish Wolfhound both originate from Great Britain. They are often confused because of their similar appearance.

However, there are some differences between the two breeds. Let us take a closer look at how they differ.

• Size: Both breeds are medium-sized dogs weighing around 30 pounds. However, while the Scottish Deerhound is slightly smaller than the Irish Wolfhound, it still measures larger than most breeds.
• Coat: The coat of the Scottish Deerhound is long and silky, whereas the Irish Wolfhound has shorter hair.
• Color: While both breeds have grey coats, the coloration varies. The Scottish Deerhound has a darker shade of gray, and the Irish Wolfhound has lighter shades.

Weight and Height

We can spot another difference between the Scottish deerhound and Irish Wolfhound in their weights and heights.

The Irish wolfhound is taller than the Deerhound, with a minimum height of 34 inches, making it one of the tallest and largest dog breeds in the world.

In comparison, deerhounds should stand at 30-32 inches. Regarding their weights, the average weight of a mature Scottish Deerhound is about 110 pounds, while the Irish Wolfhound weighs about 140 pounds. 

Health

Health Issues of the Scottish Deerhound

Here are some essential things to know about the health of the Scottish Deerhound breed, including how to prevent and treat certain health conditions.

1. Gastrointestinal Torsion: This illness occurs when part of the stomach twists around itself, causing severe abdominal pain. If left untreated, this condition could lead to death. Owners should take note of symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and weight loss. You should seek veterinary care immediately if these signs occur.
2. Hypothyroidism: In addition to gastrointestinal torsion, this disease can cause lethargy, excessive shedding, muscle weakness, depression, and joint pain. A thyroid test can determine whether or not the dog suffers from the condition. Treatment involves supplementing the diet with iodine and monitoring the animal closely.
3. Neck Pain: If you notice your pet rubbing its head against objects frequently, this could indicate neck pain. Neck pain can affect the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to paralysis and death. Your vet can perform tests to diagnose the problem and recommend treatment options.

Health Issues of the Irish Wolfhound

1. Cancer: The Irish Wolfhound has been linked to several cancers, including lymphoma, leukemias, mast cell tumors, and osteosarcomas. These malignancies are prevalent among large breeds like the Irish Wolfhound. Other cancers affecting the Irish Wolfhound include melanocytic nevi, hemangiopericytomas, myxomatous degeneration, and fibrosarcomas.
2. Heart Problems: Heart problems are another big issue for the Irish Wolfhound. One such problem is mitral valve prolapse. Mitral valve prolapse occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly. As a result, blood flows backward into the left ventricle.

If untreated, this could lead to congestive heart failure. Another type of heart disorder that affects the Irish Wolfhound is cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy is a heart muscle weakening that causes it to enlarge. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood throughout the body.

Bloat/Torsion: Bloat is a life-threatening condition that occurs when gas builds up in the stomach, causing it to expand. When this happens, it puts pressure on the diaphragm and esophagus.

Meanwhile, torsion is a twisting of the intestine that causes it to twist around itself. Both conditions require immediate veterinary attention.

Longevity: Difference Between Scottish Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound

While both dog breeds live long lives, the Scottish Deerhound tends to outlive the Irish Wolfhound. In fact, some experts say that the average life expectancy of the Scottish Deerhound exceeds 15 years, while the average life expectancy of an Irish Wolfhound is about 10 years.

Energy Level

The energy levels of the two dog breeds are similar. Both require moderate exercise and training. However, the Scottish Deerhound requires more exercise and training than the Irish Wolfhound.

Price

The price of the Scottish Deerhound varies depending on the breeder, age, and health condition. On the other hand, the Irish wolfhound’s price depends on the quality of the breeding stock.