The Irish Wolfhound is a breed of dog (a sighthound) bred to hunt. The name originates from its purpose (wolf hunting) rather than from its appearance. These dogs are accepted as the tallest breed of dog in the world, although the Great Dane and Mastiff are of equivalent weight, if not heavier. The arguments as to whether the "largest" dog should refer to the height or the weight of the breed have their basis in these points of contention.