A Detailed Comparison of the Irish Wolfhound and the Maltipoo.

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Irish Wolfhound Versus Maltipoo: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Wolfhound and the Maltipoo? 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 Maltipoo 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 Maltipoo.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Wolfhound and the Maltipoo 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 Maltipoo. 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 Maltipoo.

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 Maltipoo.

Irish Wolfhound versus Maltipoo

Irish Wolfhound versus Maltipoo: Overview

A very important difference between the Irish Wolfhound and the Maltipoo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Wolfhound is a giant-sized dog while the Maltipoo is a small-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 Maltipoo belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Irish Wolfhound versus Maltipoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Wolfhound to the Maltipoo 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 Maltipoo

Factor Irish Wolfhound Maltipoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
General Health 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 1/5
Weight 115 to 180 pounds 5 to 20 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Height 32 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Life Span 6 to 8 years 10 to 13 years
Average Lifespan 7.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1930 $2020
Price Range $1500 – $2400 $1500 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • No Data

    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 Maltipoo. 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 Maltipoo is 86 out of 125.

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

    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 Maltipoo 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 Maltipoo

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

  • Irish Wolfhounds do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Maltipoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Irish Wolfhounds are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Maltipoos are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Irish Wolfhounds are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Maltipoos are good for new dog owners.
  • Irish Wolfhounds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Maltipoos have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Maltipoo

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

  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Maltipoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Maltipoo have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Maltipoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Maltipoo cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Maltipoo have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Maltipoo do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Maltipoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Maltipoo are very playful.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Maltipoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Maltipoo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Maltipoo get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Irish Wolfhound and the Maltipoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Wolfhound versus Maltipoo

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

    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, Maltipoos weigh 5 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Maltipoos are 8 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Irish Wolfhound versus Maltipoo

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

    The lifespan of Maltipoos is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maltipoos is 11.5 years.

    Maltipoos live longer than Irish Wolfhounds.

    Price of Irish Wolfhound versus Price of Maltipoo

    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 Maltipoo puppy is $2020. The price of the Maltipoo typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of the Maltipoo can be as low as $200 and as high as $7850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 845 Maltipoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Maltipoo is more expensive than the Irish Wolfhound.

    Irish Wolfhound Maltipoo
    Average Price $1930 $2020
    Price Range $1500 to $2400 $1500 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Irish Wolfhound and Maltipoo. For different price points, the charts show how many Irish Wolfhound puppies or how many Maltipoo 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 Irish Wolfhounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Maltipoos

    A breakdown of the prices of Maltipoos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Irish Wolfhound puppy or the Maltipoo 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.

    Adopting the Irish Wolfhound versus Adopting the Maltipoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Irish Wolfhounds and many Maltipoos are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Irish Wolfhound named Tex that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Irish Wolfhounds like Tex on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Irish Wolfhounds, Maltipoos are also available for adoption. For example, Bear – The Darling Little Boy is a Male Maltipoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Maltipoos like Bear – The Darling Little Boy that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Irish Wolfhound and the Maltipoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Action Jackson is the name of another Irish Wolfhound (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Buddy is an adorable Male Maltipoo on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Irish Wolfhounds and Maltipoos are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Irish Wolfhounds and Maltipoos that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Wolfhound versus Maltipoo

    Irish Wolfhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Maltipoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Wolfhounds shed more than Maltipoos?

    Irish Wolfhounds shed moderately.

    Maltipoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Irish Wolfhound or the Maltipoo

    Irish Wolfhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maltipoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds are moderately easy to groom.

    Maltipoos are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Maltipoos 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.

    Do Irish Wolfhounds Bark and Howl? What about Maltipoos?

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

    Maltipoos are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Maltipoos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Wolfhound vs. Maltipoo

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

    Maltipoos have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maltipoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Maltipoos 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 Maltipoo?

    Irish Wolfhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Maltipoos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Wolfhounds good family dogs? What about Maltipoos?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Irish Wolfhounds and Maltipoos?

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

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

    Is the Irish Wolfhound Easier to Train than the Maltipoo?

    Irish Wolfhounds are fairly easy to train.

    Maltipoos are very easy to train.

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

    Irish Wolfhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Maltipoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Maltipoos 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:

  • Bracco Italiano (74 percent match with Irish Wolfhound). Here is our comparison of the Maltipoo vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Cavapoo (72 percent match with Irish Wolfhound). Here is our comparison of the Maltipoo vs Cavapoo.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltipoo

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Maltipoo 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 Maltipoo:

  • Chi-Poo (77 percent match with Maltipoo). Here is our comparison of the Irish Wolfhound vs Chi-Poo.
  • Yorkipoo (75 percent match with Maltipoo). Here is our comparison of the Irish Wolfhound vs Yorkipoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Wolfhound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Wolfhound versus American Bulldog     Irish Wolfhound versus Border Collie     Irish Wolfhound versus Portuguese Water Dog     Irish Wolfhound versus French Bulldog     Irish Wolfhound versus Biewer Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus French Spaniel     Irish Wolfhound versus Australian Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Miniature Pinscher     Irish Wolfhound versus Saluki     Irish Wolfhound versus Carolina Dog     Irish Wolfhound versus Puli     Irish Wolfhound versus Goldendoodle     Irish Wolfhound versus Boxerdoodle     Irish Wolfhound versus Affenpinscher     Irish Wolfhound versus Saint Berdoodle     Irish Wolfhound versus Pug     Irish Wolfhound versus Pug     Irish Wolfhound versus Briard     Irish Wolfhound versus Canaan Dog     Irish Wolfhound versus Irish Water Spaniel     Irish Wolfhound versus Norwegian Lundehund     Irish Wolfhound versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Irish Wolfhound versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Irish Wolfhound versus Azawakh     Irish Wolfhound versus Shiba Inu     

    Maltipoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maltipoo versus Belgian Sheepdog     Maltipoo versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Maltipoo versus Cairn Terrier     Maltipoo versus Spanish Mastiff     Maltipoo versus Border Collie     Maltipoo versus Sloughi     Maltipoo versus Chinese Crested     Maltipoo versus German Pinscher     Maltipoo versus German Pinscher     Maltipoo versus Labrador Retriever     Maltipoo versus Pug     Maltipoo versus Carolina Dog     Maltipoo versus Shiba Inu     Maltipoo versus Belgian Sheepdog     Maltipoo versus Schnoodle     Maltipoo versus Maremma Sheepdog     Maltipoo versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Maltipoo versus Morkie     Maltipoo versus Kooikerhondje     Maltipoo versus American Eskimo Dog     Maltipoo versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Maltipoo versus Havanese     Maltipoo versus Spinone Italiano     Maltipoo versus German Shepherd Dog     Maltipoo versus Kuvasz     

    Conclusion: Irish Wolfhound versus Maltipoo. 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 Maltipoo better suits you and your family.