Irish WolfhoundVSSaint Bernard

The Irish Wolfhound is known for being gentle, dignified, courageous, while the Saint Bernard is typically described as gentle, friendly, patient. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 3/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

The Irish Wolfhound is a giant breed standing 76–86 cm (30–34 in) tall and weighing 48–70 kg (106–154 lbs). In comparison, the Saint Bernard is a giant breed at 65–90 cm (26–35 in) and 54–82 kg (119–181 lbs).

The Saint Bernard is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.

The Irish Wolfhound has a wiry coat available in gray, brindle, red, black, white, fawn, while the Saint Bernard sports a medium coat in red and white, brindle and white. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Irish Wolfhound has moderate energy (3/5) with moderate exercise needs (3/5). The Saint Bernard has low energy (2/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

The Irish Wolfhound requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Saint Bernard is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

The Saint Bernard sheds more than the Irish Wolfhound — 4/5 versus 3/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the Saint Bernard.

Both breeds have similar grooming demands at 3/5. Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming visits will keep either breed looking their best.

Annual grooming costs average around $150 for the Irish Wolfhound and $200 for the Saint Bernard. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Irish Wolfhound has a lifespan of 6–8 years, while the Saint Bernard lives 8–10 years. The Saint Bernard generally has a longer lifespan.

Both breeds score 1/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Irish Wolfhound include dilated cardiomyopathy, bone cancer, bloat, liver shunt. The Saint Bernard is prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, osteosarcoma, dilated cardiomyopathy. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $800 for the Irish Wolfhound and $700 for the Saint Bernard. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Both breeds are equally trainable at 3/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.

The Irish Wolfhound ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

In terms of raw intelligence, the Irish Wolfhound outranks the Saint Bernard with a score of 4/5 compared to 3/5. The Irish Wolfhound tends to learn new commands in fewer repetitions and shows stronger problem-solving ability in novel situations. However, higher intelligence doesn't always mean an easier dog to own — smarter breeds often demand more mental stimulation to avoid boredom-driven destructive behavior.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Irish Wolfhound leans toward adaptive intelligence — reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving unfamiliar problems. The Saint Bernard, on the other hand, shows strong working intelligence — thriving when given a job to do and learning structured tasks quickly.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

The initial purchase price for a Irish Wolfhound ranges from $1,500–$3,000, while a Saint Bernard typically costs $1,000–$3,000. The Irish Wolfhound has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $2,150 for the Irish Wolfhound and $2,100 for the Saint Bernard. The Irish Wolfhound is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to veterinary bills.

Monthly food costs run about $100 for the Irish Wolfhound and $100 for the Saint Bernard. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.