Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Wolfhound Versus Lowchen: Introduction
- Irish Wolfhound versus Lowchen: Overview
- Irish Wolfhound versus Lowchen: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen
- The Similarities Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Wolfhound versus Lowchen
- Lifespan of Irish Wolfhound versus Lowchen
- Temperament of the Irish Wolfhound Versus the Lowchen
- Price of Irish Wolfhound versus Price of Lowchen
- The Popularity of Irish Wolfhound versus Popularity of Lowchen
- Health Problems of Irish Wolfhound versus Health Problems of Lowchen
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Wolfhound versus Lowchen
- Do Irish Wolfhounds shed more than Lowchens?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Wolfhound or the Lowchen
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Wolfhound or the Lowchen?
- Does the Irish Wolfhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lowchen?
- Do Irish Wolfhounds Bark and Howl? What about Lowchens?
- Can Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Wolfhound vs. Lowchen
- Can Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Wolfhound or the Lowchen?
- Are Irish Wolfhounds good family dogs? What about Lowchens?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Wolfhounds and Lowchens?
- Is the Irish Wolfhound Easier to Train than the Lowchen?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Wolfhound
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Wolfhound versus Lowchen. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Wolfhound Versus Lowchen: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen? 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 Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen 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 Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen 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 Irish Wolfhound and for the Lowchen. 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 Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Irish Wolfhound or the Lowchen.
Irish Wolfhound versus Lowchen: Overview
A very important difference between the Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Wolfhound is a giant-sized dog while the Lowchen is a tiny-sized dog.
Furthermore, 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.
On the other hand, the Lowchen belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Irish Wolfhound versus Lowchen: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Wolfhound to the Lowchen 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 Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen
| Factor | Irish Wolfhound | Lowchen |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 115 to 180 pounds | 9 to 18 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 32 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder | 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 6 to 8 years | 13 to 15 years |
| Average Lifespan | 7.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1930 | $2870 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2400 | $1642 – $4500 |
| Temperament Score | 90.1 percent | 75.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 73 | 163 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Wolfhound 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 Lowchen. 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 Irish Wolfhound is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Lowchen is 85 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lowchen is a better pet than the Irish Wolfhound. So, you should get the Lowchen!
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 Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen
Below is a list of where the Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen
The Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Wolfhound versus Lowchen
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen.
Irish Wolfhounds weigh 115 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Irish Wolfhounds are 32 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Irish Wolfhound versus Lowchen
The lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is between 6 to 8 years. The average lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is 7.0 years.
The lifespan of Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.
Lowchens live longer than Irish Wolfhounds.
Temperament of the Irish Wolfhound Versus the Lowchen
The Irish Wolfhound has a better temperament than the Lowchen.
This is because the temperament score for the Irish Wolfhound is 90.1 percent while the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 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 90.1 percent, the Irish Wolfhound has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 75.0 percent, the Lowchen has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen by measuring the temperaments of 101 Irish Wolfhounds and 12 Lowchens.
Price of Irish Wolfhound versus Price of Lowchen
The average price of the Irish Wolfhound puppy is $1930. The price of the Irish Wolfhound typically ranges from $1500 – $2400. However, the price of a Irish Wolfhound can be as low as $720 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 91 Irish Wolfhound puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Lowchen puppy is $2870. The price of the Lowchen typically ranges from $1642 – $4500. However, the price of the Lowchen can be as low as $300 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 7 Lowchen puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Lowchen is more expensive than the Irish Wolfhound.
| Irish Wolfhound | Lowchen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1930 | $2870 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2400 | $1642 to $4500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Irish Wolfhound and Lowchen. For different price points, the charts show how many Irish Wolfhound puppies or how many Lowchen puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Irish Wolfhounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Irish Wolfhound puppy or the Lowchen puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
The Popularity of Irish Wolfhound versus Popularity of Lowchen
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Irish Wolfhound is more popular with dog owners than the Lowchen. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Irish Wolfhound is 73 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Lowchen is 163 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Irish Wolfhound
Popularity of Lowchen
| Year | Irish Wolfhound Popularity Rank | Lowchen Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 73 | 154 |
| 2014 | 72 | 165 |
| 2015 | 69 | 161 |
| 2016 | 73 | 171 |
| 2017 | 73 | 169 |
| 2018 | 76 | 168 |
| 2019 | 76 | 158 |
| 2020 | 74 | 161 |
Health Problems of Irish Wolfhound versus Health Problems of Lowchen
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Irish Wolfhound is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lowchen.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Irish Wolfhound than for the Lowchen.
5 health tests are recommended for Irish Wolfhound while 3 tests are recommended for the Lowchen.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Irish Wolfhounds and in Lowchens.
Irish Wolfhound Health Problems
Irish Wolfhounds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Irish Wolfhound puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Irish Wolfhound puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Irish Wolfhound breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Irish Wolfhounds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Wolfhounds here.
Lowchen Health Problems
Lowchens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lowchen puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Lowchen puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lowchen breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Lowchens for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lowchens here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Irish Wolfhounds and Lowchens
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Irish Wolfhound Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.
This is because the Irish Wolfhound ranks 11 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 682 Irish Wolfhounds, 12 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Irish Wolfhounds, and how common these diseases are in Irish Wolfhounds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Lowchen Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Lowchen ranks 19 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 Lowchens, 9 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Lowchens, and how common these diseases are in Lowchens relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Irish Wolfhound and in Lowchen and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen:
| Disease | Irish Wolfhound Rank | Lowchen Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 11 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 12 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 34 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 50 out of 182 dog breeds | 42 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 164 out of 198 dog breeds | 163 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 19 out of 145 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Wolfhound versus Lowchen
Irish Wolfhounds do not like to be left alone.
Lowchens do not like to be left alone.
Do Irish Wolfhounds shed more than Lowchens?
Irish Wolfhounds shed moderately.
Lowchens shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Irish Wolfhound or the Lowchen
Irish Wolfhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Wolfhound or the Lowchen?
Irish Wolfhounds are moderately easy to groom.
Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Irish Wolfhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lowchen?
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.
Lowchens 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 Irish Wolfhounds Bark and Howl? What about Lowchens?
Irish Wolfhounds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Lowchens are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Wolfhounds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Wolfhound vs. Lowchen
Irish Wolfhounds have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Lowchens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Wolfhounds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Lowchens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Wolfhound or the Lowchen?
Irish Wolfhounds get along very well with other dogs.
Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.
Are Irish Wolfhounds good family dogs? What about Lowchens?
Irish Wolfhounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Lowchens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Irish Wolfhounds and Lowchens?
Irish Wolfhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Wolfhound Easier to Train than the Lowchen?
Irish Wolfhounds are fairly easy to train.
Lowchens are very easy to train.
Is the Irish Wolfhound Better for Apartment Owners than the Lowchen?
Irish Wolfhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Wolfhound or the Lowchen?
Irish Wolfhounds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Lowchens are very good for new dog owners.
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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lowchen 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 Lowchen:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Irish Wolfhound and how the Lowchen compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Wolfhound and of the Lowchen to other breeds:
Irish Wolfhound Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Wolfhound versus Belgian Sheepdog Irish Wolfhound versus Azawakh Irish Wolfhound versus Black Mouth Cur Irish Wolfhound versus Norwegian Buhund Irish Wolfhound versus Silky Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus Peek A Poo Irish Wolfhound versus Boston Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus Biewer Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Irish Wolfhound versus Puli Irish Wolfhound versus Italian Greyhound Irish Wolfhound versus Aussiedoodle Irish Wolfhound versus Barbet Irish Wolfhound versus Belgian Tervuren Irish Wolfhound versus Australian Cattle Dog Irish Wolfhound versus English Springer Spaniel Irish Wolfhound versus Bullmastiff Irish Wolfhound versus Gordon Setter Irish Wolfhound versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Irish Wolfhound versus Curly-Coated Retriever Irish Wolfhound versus Harrier Irish Wolfhound versus Alaskan Malamute Irish Wolfhound versus Greyhound
Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds
Lowchen versus Dutch Shepherd Lowchen versus Bouvier des Flandres Lowchen versus Whoodle Lowchen versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Lowchen versus Toy Fox Terrier Lowchen versus Great Pyrenees Lowchen versus Leonberger Lowchen versus French Bulldog Lowchen versus Boerboel Lowchen versus Braque du Bourbonnais Lowchen versus Berger Picard Lowchen versus Puggle Lowchen versus Mal Shi Lowchen versus Australian Cattle Dog Lowchen versus Boston Terrier Lowchen versus Tibetan Terrier Lowchen versus Bracco Italiano Lowchen versus Sheepadoodle Lowchen versus Canaan Dog Lowchen versus English Toy Spaniel Lowchen versus Akita Chow Lowchen versus Bordoodle Lowchen versus Boxer Lowchen versus Pyrenean Mastiff Lowchen versus Akita
Conclusion: Irish Wolfhound versus Lowchen. 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 Irish Wolfhound and the Lowchen better suits you and your family.