Aethra

Irish Wolfhounds are giant, sweet dogs who are very affectionate toward their owners. They thrive on human companionship and use their big size to eat human food off the counter. Unfortunately, their lifespan is very short. Full-grown, they typically weigh 105-120 pounds and stand 30-32 inches tall.

Irish Wolfhounds are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. If they are raised around cats and other small dogs, Irish Wolfhounds can get along with them, but they shouldn’t play together outside. Irish Wolfhounds get along well with children, but they are so big that they aren’t always the best fit for toddlers. They're relatively quiet and don't bark much.

Irish Wolfhounds enjoy the chase and are excellent competitors in the doggie sport of lure coursing. They like long walks where they can explore their surroundings, but they especially appreciate an opportunity to run around in a safe, enclosed area. Irish Wolfhounds can be happy with varying amounts of exercise, but it’s important to make sure you give them enough to keep their weight in check. Overall, their exercise needs are high.

Irish Wolfhounds have a shaggy, rough coat that should be brushed twice a week to remove tangles and any dead hair. They shed moderately throughout the year and are pretty easy to groom for being so huge. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Irish Wolfhounds are best suited for a house with a good-sized yard. Irish Wolfhounds prefer a home with a safely fenced-in yard where they can run and play, but they need to live inside with their humans. They are moderately trainable with consistent effort.

Shikoku are medium-sized dogs from Japan. They are independent hunters and have exceptional problem-solving skills. But perhaps the most unique thing about this hardworking breed is their love and devotion for their family. Shikoku have endless amounts of energy and kisses! Full-grown, they typically weigh 35-55 pounds and stand 17-22 inches tall.

Shikokus are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. Shikoku are hardworking hunters with a weatherproof coat, but they prefer to live indoors with their family. However, these lively medium-sized dogs will make great use of a large backyard. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Shikoku have energy and lots of it! Be sure to carve out around two hours each day for exercising these dogs. Going on daily runs with their owner and then racing around their backyard until their heart’s content will do the trick. Overall, their exercise needs are moderate.

Shikoku are striking dogs of the spitz variety. Their beautiful double-coat sheds seasonally. Brushing every few days will take care of dead hairs and make the shedding season much more manageable. Grooming-wise, this breed is moderate.

Shikokus are best suited for a rural property or home with a large yard. Shikoku are hardworking hunters with a weatherproof coat, but they prefer to live indoors with their family. However, these lively medium-sized dogs will make great use of a large backyard. They are moderately trainable with consistent effort.