Shire — breed guide
The tallest horse breed — the record holder stood over 21 hands.
At a glance
- Group
- draft
- Size
- Giant
- Weight
- 850–1100 kg (1874–2425 lb)
- Life span
- 25–30 years
- Coat
- Heavy feathering on the legs
Living with a Shire
- Low energy — happy with gentle daily exercise.
- Heavy grooming — frequent brushing and regular trims.
- Moderate shedding.
- Quick to learn.
- Very quiet.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Typically lives happily with a cat.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Sensitive to heat; keep summer walks short.
- Built for cold weather.
Temperament
Gentle · Steady · Docile
Health to watch
- Chronic progressive lymphoedema
- Laminitis
- Polysaccharide storage myopathy
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Shire good with kids?
Generally yes. Shires are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Shire good with cats?
Usually yes. Shires typically settle well with a resident cat — introduce them slowly and give the cat a high perch and a way out of the room.
How much exercise does a Shire need?
A gentle daily walk.
Can a Shire handle hot weather?
It is sensitive; avoid the midday heat.
Leash Life keeps a Shire's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.