Wolfhound... Beautiful dog

A Mastiff would not take down an Irish Wolfhound. They are far more athletic, flexible, stronger, and MUCH faster. They're more like a cougar when it comes to a fight. 95% of Wolfhounds are the kind you'll see in this video and make great pets, but I've seen others that were trained to guard and they're most certainly at the top when it comes to dogs.

The only problem with Irish wolfhounds is their lifespan is too short. You grow very attached only to have them pass at 8 years old, my best friend had one who died at 7 . A shame he was the largest,most gentle, albeit a little clumsy at times dog I have ever been around, even more gentle then goldens or labs

The Irish Wolfhound is a magnificient breed. I would rate the breed as the most powerful of dogs in physical strength and endurance. But the breed is lacking courage and fighting instincts and is too lazy. The IW is a poor guard dog and non-aggressive and not even fit in fighting wild animals in guarding properties despite its enormous strength. A donkey is better worth keeping than keeping an IW. Useless breed.