Is the Hovawart Better than the Irish Wolfhound as a Pet? Answer…

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Hovawart Versus Irish Wolfhound: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Hovawart and for the Irish Wolfhound. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Hovawart or the Irish Wolfhound.

Hovawart versus Irish Wolfhound

Hovawart versus Irish Wolfhound: Overview

A very important difference between the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Hovawart is a large-sized dog while the Irish Wolfhound is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Hovawart belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Irish Wolfhound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Hovawart versus Irish Wolfhound: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Hovawart to the Irish Wolfhound based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound

Factor Hovawart Irish Wolfhound
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 6 to 8 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Height 23 to 29 inches 32 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 110 pounds 115 to 180 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 7.0 years
Price Range No Data $1500 – $2400
Average Price No Data $1930
Temperament Score 91.7 percent 90.1 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Hovawart in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Irish Wolfhound. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Hovawart is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Irish Wolfhound is 82 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Irish Wolfhound is a better pet than the Hovawart. So, you should get the Irish Wolfhound!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound

    Below is a list of where the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound are most different:

  • Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs. However, Irish Wolfhounds get along well with other dogs.
  • Hovawarts are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Irish Wolfhounds are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Hovawarts have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Irish Wolfhounds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Hovawarts are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Irish Wolfhounds have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound

    The Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound are most similar:

  • Both the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound are not easy to train.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Irish Wolfhound

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound.

    Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Irish Wolfhounds weigh 115 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Irish Wolfhounds are 32 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Hovawart versus Irish Wolfhound

    The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts is 12.0 years.

    The lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is between 6 to 8 years. The average lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is 7.0 years.

    Hovawarts live longer than Irish Wolfhounds.

    Temperament of the Hovawart Versus the Irish Wolfhound

    The Hovawart has a better temperament than the Irish Wolfhound.

    This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Irish Wolfhound is 90.1 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 91.7 percent, the Hovawart has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 90.1 percent, the Irish Wolfhound has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound by measuring the temperaments of 24 Hovawarts and 101 Irish Wolfhounds.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Irish Wolfhound

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Irish Wolfhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Irish Wolfhounds?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

    Irish Wolfhounds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Irish Wolfhound

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Irish Wolfhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Irish Wolfhound?

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

    Irish Wolfhounds are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Wolfhound?

    Hovawarts have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Irish Wolfhounds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Irish Wolfhounds?

    Hovawarts are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Irish Wolfhounds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Irish Wolfhounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Irish Wolfhound

    Hovawarts do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Irish Wolfhounds have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Hovawarts can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Irish Wolfhounds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Hovawart or the Irish Wolfhound?

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Irish Wolfhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Irish Wolfhounds?

    Hovawarts are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Irish Wolfhounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Hovawarts and Irish Wolfhounds?

    Hovawarts get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Irish Wolfhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Irish Wolfhound?

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Irish Wolfhounds are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Hovawart Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Wolfhound?

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Irish Wolfhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Hovawart or the Irish Wolfhound?

    Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Irish Wolfhounds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Hovawart

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Hovawart that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Hovawart:

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Irish Wolfhound vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Irish Wolfhound vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Wolfhound

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Wolfhound that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Irish Wolfhound:

  • Bracco Italiano (74 percent match with Irish Wolfhound). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Cavapoo (72 percent match with Irish Wolfhound). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Cavapoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Hovawart and how the Irish Wolfhound compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Hovawart and of the Irish Wolfhound to other breeds:

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Akita     Hovawart versus Irish Terrier     Hovawart versus Bichon Frise     Hovawart versus Akita     Hovawart versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Hovawart versus Belgian Malinois     Hovawart versus Bernedoodle     Hovawart versus Beaglier     Hovawart versus Portuguese Water Dog     Hovawart versus Bolognese     Hovawart versus Whippet     Hovawart versus Black Russian Terrier     Hovawart versus American Bulldog     Hovawart versus Shetland Sheepdog     Hovawart versus Bloodhound     Hovawart versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Hovawart versus Jack Russell Terrier     Hovawart versus Australian Terrier     Hovawart versus Finnish Spitz     Hovawart versus Cairn Terrier     Hovawart versus Finnish Spitz     Hovawart versus Whippet     Hovawart versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Hovawart versus Sloughi     

    Irish Wolfhound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Wolfhound versus Lowchen     Irish Wolfhound versus Bich Poo     Irish Wolfhound versus Shiba Inu     Irish Wolfhound versus American Water Spaniel     Irish Wolfhound versus Canaan Dog     Irish Wolfhound versus Silky Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Irish Wolfhound versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Irish Wolfhound versus Chihuahua     Irish Wolfhound versus Dogo Argentino     Irish Wolfhound versus Shiranian     Irish Wolfhound versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Irish Wolfhound versus Bracco Italiano     Irish Wolfhound versus Yorkshire Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Hovawart     Irish Wolfhound versus English Setter     Irish Wolfhound versus Berger Picard     Irish Wolfhound versus Pointer     Irish Wolfhound versus Spanish Mastiff     Irish Wolfhound versus Bullmastiff     Irish Wolfhound versus Maremma Sheepdog     Irish Wolfhound versus Shichon     Irish Wolfhound versus Pomapoo     Irish Wolfhound versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Irish Wolfhound versus Belgian Tervuren     

    Conclusion: Hovawart versus Irish Wolfhound. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Hovawart and the Irish Wolfhound better suits you and your family.