vs

Click on the breeds above to change the breed you want to compare.

Compare Irish Wolfhound and Yorkshire Terrier side by side: temperament, energy, trainability, apartment fit, shedding, lifespan, weight and free adoption listings.

Breed traits

Character & behavior

Energy level

Playfulness

Intelligence

Trainability

Protectiveness

Sociability

Can stay alone

Lifestyle fit

Apartment-friendly

Yes

Good with kids

Yes

Good for first-time owners

Yes

Shedding

Noise level

Exercise needs

Physical & general

Life span

6–8 years

12–15 years

Weight

40–69 kg

2.7–3.6 kg

Height

71–86 cm

20–25 cm

Origin

Ireland

England

Grooming effort

Nutrition sensitivity

Health risk

Heat tolerance

Cold tolerance

The Irish Wolfhound and Yorkshire Terrier are two distinct dog breeds that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. The Irish Wolfhound, known for its impressive size and gentle demeanor, hails from Ireland and is suitable for those who appreciate larger breeds. With a lifespan of 6 to 8 years, they require a considerable amount of exercise and have a moderate energy level. In contrast, the Yorkshire Terrier, a small breed from England, is ideal for apartment living and has a longer lifespan of 12 to 15 years. With a higher energy level and playfulness, Yorkies are well-suited for active families and first-time owners. While both breeds are sociable and good with children, their size, living requirements, and care needs differ significantly.

Irish Wolfhound — Advantages

- Gentle giant with a calm temperament
- Good with kids, making them family-friendly
- Can be protective, offering a sense of security
- Tolerates cold climates well
- Moderate shedding, easier to manage than some breeds

Disadvantages

- Shorter lifespan (6-8 years)
- Requires significant exercise needs
- Not apartment-friendly due to size
- Can be challenging for first-time owners
- Moderate grooming difficulty

Yorkshire Terrier — Advantages

- Suitable for apartment living
- Longer lifespan (12-15 years)
- Great for first-time dog owners
- High energy and playfulness keeps families engaged
- Minimal shedding, making them easier to maintain

Disadvantages

- Higher noise level, which may not suit all owners
- Requires more grooming effort due to coat
- Can be less tolerant of cold climates
- May have higher nutrition sensitivity
- Smaller size may not be ideal for those wanting a larger dog