vs
Click on the breeds above to change the breed you want to compare.
Compare Newfoundland and Irish Wolfhound 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
No
No
Good with kids
Yes
Yes
Good for first-time owners
No
No
Shedding
Noise level
Exercise needs
Physical & general
Life span
8–10 years
6–8 years
Weight
45–68 kg
40–69 kg
Height
66–71 cm
71–86 cm
Origin
Canada
Ireland
Grooming effort
Nutrition sensitivity
Health risk
Heat tolerance
Cold tolerance
The Newfoundland and the Irish Wolfhound are both large breeds with unique characteristics that make them appealing to different types of dog owners. The Newfoundland, originating from Canada, is known for its gentle nature and strong swimming abilities, making it a great family companion. In contrast, the Irish Wolfhound, hailing from Ireland, is one of the tallest dog breeds, known for its impressive stature and friendly demeanor. Both breeds are not ideal for apartment living and require ample space to thrive. While they share some similarities in energy levels and sociability, their differences in lifespan, grooming needs, and health risks may influence a potential owner's choice.
Newfoundland — Advantages
- Excellent with children
- High sociability
- Good protectiveness
- Strong climate tolerance to cold
- Moderate exercise needs
- High sociability
- Good protectiveness
- Strong climate tolerance to cold
- Moderate exercise needs
Disadvantages
- Shorter lifespan (8-10 years)
- Higher shedding level
- Moderate grooming difficulty
- Can struggle with being left alone
- Not suitable for first-time dog owners
- Higher shedding level
- Moderate grooming difficulty
- Can struggle with being left alone
- Not suitable for first-time dog owners
Irish Wolfhound — Advantages
- Good with children
- Moderate grooming difficulty
- Slightly taller stature
- Similar energy levels
- Good sociability
- Moderate grooming difficulty
- Slightly taller stature
- Similar energy levels
- Good sociability
Disadvantages
- Shorter lifespan (6-8 years)
- Higher health risk
- Moderate protectiveness
- Can struggle with being left alone
- Not suitable for first-time dog owners
- Higher health risk
- Moderate protectiveness
- Can struggle with being left alone
- Not suitable for first-time dog owners
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average lifespan of a Newfoundland?
The average lifespan of a Newfoundland is between 8 to 10 years.
Are Irish Wolfhounds good with kids?
Yes, Irish Wolfhounds are known to be good with kids.
Which breed sheds more, Newfoundland or Irish Wolfhound?
Newfoundlands have a higher shedding level compared to Irish Wolfhounds.
Can either breed live in an apartment?
Neither breed is considered apartment-friendly due to their size and exercise needs.
How do the grooming needs compare between the two breeds?
Newfoundlands have a moderate grooming difficulty, while Irish Wolfhounds have a slightly easier grooming process.
