Norfolk Terrier vs Ibizan Hound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Norfolk Terrier
Terrier Group
Ibizan Hound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Norfolk Terrier Overview
Norfolk Terriers are compact, sturdy dogs with a hard, wiry coat and expressive dark eyes. Their small, well-balanced frame carries a dignified bearing despite their diminutive size. Distinguished by their broad skull, short back, and well-sprung ribs, these terriers possess strong hunting instincts wrapped in an affectionate, spirited personality.
Ibizan Hound Overview
Elegant and athletic, the Ibizan Hound showcases a distinctive deer-like appearance with large erect ears and a sleek, streamlined body. Standing tall with a refined build, these sighthounds possess remarkable agility and speed. Their clean lines and graceful movement reflect their ancient heritage, while their polite and even-tempered nature makes them dignified companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norfolk Terriers are less energetic than Ibizan Hounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norfolk Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Ibizan Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norfolk Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Ibizan Hounds.
- Trainability: Ibizan Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Ibizan Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Norfolk Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Ibizan Hounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Norfolk Terrier and Ibizan Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Ibizan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-16 years | 11-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Ibizan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm | 23-27 inches 57-70 cm |
| Weight | 11-12 lbs 5-5 kg | 45-50 lbs 20-23 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Ibizan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Fearless, Alert, Fun-Loving | Family-Oriented, Even-Tempered, Polite |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norfolk Terrier | Ibizan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Norfolk Terrier Temperament
The Norfolk Terrier is known for being fearless, alert, fun-loving, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Ibizan Hound Temperament
The Ibizan Hound is characterized by being family-oriented, even-tempered, polite, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Norfolk Terrier and Ibizan Hound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Ibizan Hound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Ibizan Hound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Ibizan Hound
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Ibizan Hound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norfolk Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Ibizan Hound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Norfolk Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Norfolk Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Norfolk Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Ibizan Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Ibizan Hounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Ibizan Hounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Norfolk Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Mitral Valve Disease
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Problems
- Eye Issues
- Hip Problems
Ibizan Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Retinal Issues
- Seizures
- Allergies
- Deafness
Pros & Cons
Norfolk Terrier
Pros
- Good with families
- Compact size
- Adaptable
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- May bark frequently
- Prey drive
- Occasional health issues
Ibizan Hound
Pros
- Elegant and athletic
- Low grooming needs
- Good with other dogs
- Gentle with family
Cons
- High prey drive
- Independent nature
- Needs secure fencing
- Exercise intensive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norfolk Terrier and Ibizan Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.