PuppyBase

Brittany vs Irish Wolfhound

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Brittany vs Irish Wolfhound

You might wonder why anyone would compare a compact bird dog from France to a gentle giant that once took down wolves. But both the Brittany and Irish Wolfhound pop up when people want a dog with heart, a dog that bonds deeply, and a dog that’s unmistakably alive in its own way. That’s where the similarities end. and the real decision begins. If you’re picturing weekend hikes, backyard fetch sessions, or a dog that’s ready to sprint through fields just because it can, the Brittany is your match. This dog is energy in motion, smart as a whip, and eager to please. It’s the kind of dog that learns a command in five minutes and then reminds you it’s time to practice. But that energy means it needs structure. Leave a Brittany alone too long and it’ll redecorate your garden out of sheer boredom. Then there’s the Irish Wolfhound. a towering, soft-hearted giant that moves like a breeze through a barn. Calm indoors, dignified in presence, it’s the dog that turns heads on walks and then flops beside your kid like a fallen sequoia. But size comes with trade-offs. You’re not just buying a dog; you’re investing in food, vet bills, and heartbreak. Eight years is a short time, and with conditions like bloat and bone cancer looming, you’ll need to be vigilant and ready to act fast. The real insight? It’s not about space or activity level alone. It’s about rhythm. The Brittany wants to do life with you. every part. The Wolfhound wants to be with you, quietly, like a shadow you didn’t know you needed. Pick the Brittany if you need a partner in motion. Pick the Wolfhound if you’re ready to love something magnificent, even if it doesn’t last.

Brittany
Irish Wolfhound
17.5–20.5 in
Height
30–32 in
30–40 lb
Weight
105–120 lb
12–14 yr
Lifespan
6–8 yr
$1.2–3.0k
Puppy price
$2.5–5.0k
#26
AKC popularity
#76

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Brittany Irish Wolfhound
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
Irish Wolfhound is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Irish
Watchdog / Protective
Irish Wolfhound is more protective (2-point difference)
Irish
Trainability
Brittany is easier to train (2-point difference)
Brittany
Energy Level
Brittany has more energy (2-point difference)
Brittany
Barking Level
Irish Wolfhound barks less (2-point difference)
Irish
The verdict

Choose the Brittany if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters
  • Runners and hikers
  • You value trainabilityBrittany scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Irish Wolfhound if…

  • Families with space
  • Gentle companion seekers
  • Owners with large homes
  • You value affectionate w/ familyIrish Wolfhound scores higher here.
Brittany Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Brittany home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Irish Wolfhound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Irish Wolfhound home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run