Comparison: Great Dane and Irish Wolfhound

Great Dane and Irish Wolfhound are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Great Dane
Photo: Lilly M at Polish Wikipedia, CC BY 2.5, source
Irish Wolfhound
Photo: Camillo 60, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Great DaneIrish Wolfhound
FCI group2. Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs10. Sighthounds
Country of originGermanyIreland
CategoryGiantGiant
Height at withers72–86 cm71–86 cm
Weight45–90 kg40–55 kg
Life span7–10 years6–8 years
Recognition features
  • One of the tallest breeds, over 80 cm at the withers
  • Smooth coat: fawn, brindle, black, blue or harlequin
  • Elegant rectangular head
  • Rough, wiry coat, most often grey
  • Over 79 cm tall
  • Long head and strong tail
CoatShort smooth glossy coat; fawn, brindle, black, blue, harlequin.Rough, harsh coat.
PurposeA giant German dog first used to hunt wild boar, later a guard and companion of nobility.An ancient Irish hunting dog used for wolves and deer; one of the tallest dog breeds.

Breed page: Great Dane · Breed page: Irish Wolfhound

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.