Is the Ibizan Hound Better than the Irish Terrier as a Pet? Answer…

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Ibizan Hound Versus Irish Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Ibizan Hound and for the Irish Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Ibizan Hound or the Irish Terrier.

Ibizan Hound versus Irish Terrier

Ibizan Hound versus Irish Terrier: Overview

Both the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier are similar in size. The Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Ibizan Hound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

On the other hand, the Irish Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Ibizan Hound versus Irish Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Ibizan Hound to the Irish Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier

Factor Ibizan Hound Irish Terrier
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 16 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Weight 45 to 50 pounds 25 to 27 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 14.0 years
Price Range No Data $1000 – $1500
Average Price No Data $1280
Temperament Score 91.2 percent 80.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 160 118
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 53 53

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Ibizan Hound in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Irish Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Ibizan Hound is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Irish Terrier is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Ibizan Hound is a better pet than the Irish Terrier. So, you should get the Ibizan Hound!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Ibizan Hound versus Irish Terrier

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier are most different:

  • Ibizan Hounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Irish Terriers can tolerate cold weather.
  • Ibizan Hounds get along well with other dogs. However, Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Ibizan Hounds are very easy to groom. However, Irish Terriers require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Ibizan Hounds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Irish Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier

    The Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Ibizan Hound versus Irish Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier.

    Ibizan Hounds weigh 45 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Ibizan Hounds are 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Ibizan Hound versus Irish Terrier

    The lifespan of Ibizan Hounds is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Ibizan Hounds is 12.0 years.

    The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.

    Irish Terriers live longer than Ibizan Hounds.

    Temperament of the Irish Terrier Versus the Ibizan Hound

    The Ibizan Hound has a better temperament than the Irish Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Ibizan Hound is 91.2 percent while the temperament score for the Irish Terrier is 80.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 91.2 percent, the Ibizan Hound has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 80.0 percent, the Irish Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 34 Ibizan Hounds and 10 Irish Terriers.

    The Intelligence of the Ibizan Hound versus the Intelligence of the Irish Terrier

    Ibizan Hound Irish Terrier
    Intelligence Rank 53 out of 130 dog breeds 53 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:

  • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
  • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
  • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
  • Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Ibizan Hound has an obedience intelligence rank of 53 out of 130 dog breeds. The Ibizan Hound belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Ibizan Hounds tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Irish Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 53 out of 130 dog breeds. The Irish Terrier belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Irish Terriers tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier are of the same intelligence.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    The Popularity of Ibizan Hound versus Popularity of Irish Terrier

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Irish Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Ibizan Hound. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Irish Terrier is 118 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Ibizan Hound is 160 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Ibizan Hound

    Popularity of Ibizan Hound

    Popularity of Irish Terrier

    Popularity of Irish Terrier

    Year Ibizan Hound Popularity Rank Irish Terrier Popularity Rank
    2013 151 123
    2014 159 125
    2015 160 113
    2016 152 115
    2017 165 114
    2018 152 116
    2019 171 119
    2020 171 120

    Tolerates Being Alone: Ibizan Hound versus Irish Terrier

    Ibizan Hounds do not like to be left alone.

    Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Ibizan Hounds shed more than Irish Terriers?

    Ibizan Hounds shed moderately.

    Irish Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Ibizan Hound or the Irish Terrier

    Ibizan Hounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Ibizan Hound or the Irish Terrier?

    Ibizan Hounds are very easy to groom.

    Irish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Ibizan Hound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Terrier?

    Ibizan Hounds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Irish Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Ibizan Hounds Bark and Howl? What about Irish Terriers?

    Ibizan Hounds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Irish Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Ibizan Hounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Ibizan Hounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Ibizan Hound vs. Irish Terrier

    Ibizan Hounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Irish Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Ibizan Hounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Ibizan Hounds can tolerate hot weather.

    Irish Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Ibizan Hound or the Irish Terrier?

    Ibizan Hounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Ibizan Hounds good family dogs? What about Irish Terriers?

    Ibizan Hounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Irish Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Ibizan Hounds and Irish Terriers?

    Ibizan Hounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Irish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Ibizan Hound Easier to Train than the Irish Terrier?

    Ibizan Hounds are fairly easy to train.

    Irish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Ibizan Hound Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Terrier?

    Ibizan Hounds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Ibizan Hound or the Irish Terrier?

    Ibizan Hounds are OK for new dog owners.

    Irish Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Ibizan Hound

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Ibizan Hound that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Ibizan Hound:

  • Sloughi (79 percent match with Ibizan Hound). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Sloughi.
  • Whippet (86 percent match with Ibizan Hound). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Whippet.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Irish Terrier:

  • Hovawart (75 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Ibizan Hound vs Hovawart.
  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Ibizan Hound vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Ibizan Hound and how the Irish Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Ibizan Hound and of the Irish Terrier to other breeds:

    Ibizan Hound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Ibizan Hound versus Australian Terrier     Ibizan Hound versus Irish Wolfhound     Ibizan Hound versus Norwegian Buhund     Ibizan Hound versus Cesky Terrier     Ibizan Hound versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Ibizan Hound versus Greyhound     Ibizan Hound versus Great Pyrenees     Ibizan Hound versus Weimaraner     Ibizan Hound versus Akbash     Ibizan Hound versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Ibizan Hound versus Akita Chow     Ibizan Hound versus Xoloitzcuintli     Ibizan Hound versus Sloughi     Ibizan Hound versus English Setter     Ibizan Hound versus Shiba Inu     Ibizan Hound versus Shetland Sheepdog     Ibizan Hound versus Havanese     Ibizan Hound versus Irish Terrier     Ibizan Hound versus Barbet     Ibizan Hound versus Pyredoodle     Ibizan Hound versus Carolina Dog     Ibizan Hound versus Stabyhoun     Ibizan Hound versus Shiranian     Ibizan Hound versus Portuguese Pointer     Ibizan Hound versus Greyhound     

    Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Irish Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres     Irish Terrier versus Barbet     Irish Terrier versus Gordon Setter     Irish Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Irish Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     Irish Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Irish Terrier versus Harrier     Irish Terrier versus Keeshond     Irish Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     Irish Terrier versus Labradoodle     Irish Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Australian Kelpie     Irish Terrier versus Lhasapoo     Irish Terrier versus Vizsla     Irish Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Irish Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer     Irish Terrier versus Puli     Irish Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     Irish Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Irish Terrier versus Yorkipoo     Irish Terrier versus Mal Shi     Irish Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Irish Terrier versus Pointer     

    Conclusion: Ibizan Hound versus Irish Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Ibizan Hound and the Irish Terrier better suits you and your family.