Irish Wolfhound vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Which dog breed is right for you?

Irish Wolfhound

Size
105–180 lbs, 30–35 in
Lifespan
6–8 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Dignified Calm Courageous

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Size
50–70 lbs, 20–24 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Loyal Eager-to-please Outgoing Trainable

About the Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound — the tallest of all dog breeds — was originally bred in ancient Ireland to hunt wolves and Irish elk, with references to the breed appearing in Roman records as early as 391 AD. Standing a minimum of 30–32 inches tall (many reach 34–35 inches) and weighing 105–180 pounds, these gentle giants have a rough, wiry coat in gray, brindle, red, black, white, and fawn. Despite nearly going extinct in the 19th century, dedicated breeders — most notably Captain George Augustus Graham — revived the breed using Great Dane, Scottish Deerhound, and Borzoi crosses.

Temperament & Personality

Irish Wolfhounds are remarkably gentle and easygoing despite their formidable size — they carry themselves with a quiet dignity that belies their ancient warrior heritage. They are affectionate and loyal with their families, typically good with children, and generally accepting of other dogs and even cats when raised together. Despite their history as fierce hunters, modern Irish Wolfhounds are too gentle and friendly to serve as effective guard dogs.

Pros

  • Gentle, calm temperament — one of the most easygoing of all giant breeds
  • Good with children and other pets — patient and tolerant despite their massive size
  • Relatively quiet dogs that rarely bark without cause
  • Wiry coat sheds minimally and requires only occasional brushing and hand-stripping

Cons

  • Heartbreakingly short lifespan — average of just 6–8 years, with many lost to heart disease
  • Extremely high risk of dilated cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma, and bloat
  • Very expensive to own — giant-breed food, medications, and veterinary care add up quickly
  • Requires a home with ample space — not suited to apartment living due to sheer physical size

Open your heart and home to a magnificent Irish Wolfhound — find available dogs on Puplister.

About the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed in the late 19th century by Dutch breeder Eduard Karel Korthals, who meticulously crossed French and German griffons, setters, spaniels, and pointers to create what he considered the "supreme gundog." These medium-sized sporting dogs stand 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, with a robust build that balances power with agility. Their distinctive coat features a harsh, wiry outer layer over a dense, water-resistant undercoat — typically in steel gray with brown markings, though roan, brown, and white and brown patterns also occur.

Temperament & Personality

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are eager, devoted, and remarkably trainable — often called the "supreme gundog" not just for their versatile field skills but for their cooperative, people-focused temperament. They are gentle and patient with children, friendly with other dogs, and form strong bonds with every family member rather than fixating on a single person. Their enthusiasm for both work and play, combined with a gentle disposition, makes them outstanding all-around family companions for active households.

Pros

  • Versatile sporting dog — points, retrieves, and works in water and thick cover equally well
  • Low-shedding wiry coat suitable for allergy-conscious owners
  • Devoted and affectionate family dog with a gentle, trainable nature
  • Adaptable and eager to please — excels in multiple canine sports and disciplines

Cons

  • High exercise requirements — needs vigorous daily activity and mental stimulation
  • Coat requires regular hand-stripping or professional grooming to maintain texture
  • Can become anxious, clingy, or destructive without adequate exercise and companionship
  • Prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and ear infections

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a rare treasure among sporting breeds — see if one is available on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Irish Wolfhound and a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
The Irish Wolfhound is 105–180 lbs, 30–35 in sized while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is 50–70 lbs, 20–24 in sized. They differ in size (105–180 lbs, 30–35 in vs 50–70 lbs, 20–24 in), lifespan (6–8 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Irish Wolfhound or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
Irish Wolfhound is generally good with kids. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Irish Wolfhound or Wirehaired Pointing Griffon?
The Irish Wolfhound has a lifespan of 6–8 years while the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

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