Breed comparison

Irish Wolfhound vs Pekingese

How the two breeds compare on the American Kennel Club's 1 to 5 trait ratings, and which one suits which home.

5Affection with family5
3Good with young children3
4Good with other dogs3
3Openness to strangers3
3Playfulness4
3Energy level3
3Trainability3
3Mental stimulation needs3
3Adaptability4
5Watchdog / protective4
1Barking1
3Shedding3
2Coat grooming3
2Drooling1

The biggest differences

These two breeds are close on every trait: no score differs by more than one point.

They score the same on affection with family, good with young children, openness to strangers, energy level, trainability, mental stimulation needs.

Which one should you choose?

Pick the Irish Wolfhound if you want a more protective watchdog, you have other dogs. Pick the Pekingese if you live in a smaller home or move often.

Ratings are general breed tendencies from the AKC. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if you can, before you decide. Not sure? Try the breed selector.

Source: American Kennel Club breed ratings (compiled February 2022). How we check.

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