Irish Wolfhound vs Border Terrier
Compare Irish Wolfhound and Border Terrier side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Irish Wolfhound
Border Terrier
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
71 – 90 cm
28 – 40 cm
Weight
40 – 69 kg
5 – 7 kg
Life expectancy
6 – 8 years
12 – 14 years
Child friendly
5/5
3/5
Energy level
3/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
4/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
3/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
2/5
Shedding
3/5
3/5
Barking level
1/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
3/5
Characteristics
Irish Wolfhound
Great with kids
Quiet
Giant
Border Terrier
Super smart
Low grooming
Easy to train
Tiny
Summary
About Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are giant, tall hounds with a strong yet graceful build and a rough, weather‑resistant coat. Calm, gentle and sensitive, they are low‑key indoors but need steady exercise and space. They have notable health risks and a relatively short lifespan, so careful breeding and care are vital.
About Border Terrier
Small, sturdy terrier originally bred on the England–Scotland border to hunt foxes. Affectionate, bonded to family, yet independent with strong prey drive. Needs 1–2 hours of daily exercise, secure fencing, and kind training. Wiry, weather-resistant coat needs brushing and occasional hand stripping.
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