Otterhound 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.
Otterhound
Hound Group
Ibizan Hound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Otterhound Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Otterhound stands out with its rough double coat and impressive webbed feet. Their large, athletic build features a broad head, substantial bone structure, and loose-hanging skin that creates distinctive facial expressions. Possessing keen swimming abilities and an exceptional nose, these hounds combine strength with agility, while their waterproof coat protects them in various weather conditions.
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: Otterhounds are less energetic than Ibizan Hounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Otterhounds require more grooming attention compared to Ibizan Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Otterhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Ibizan Hounds.
- Trainability: Otterhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Otterhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Ibizan Hounds adapt better to apartment living, while Otterhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Otterhound and Ibizan Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Otterhound | Ibizan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 11-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Otterhound | Ibizan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm | 23-27 inches 57-70 cm |
| Weight | 80-115 lbs 36-52 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 | Otterhound | Ibizan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Boisterous | Family-Oriented, Even-Tempered, Polite |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Otterhound | Ibizan Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Otterhound Temperament
The Otterhound is known for being even-tempered, amiable, boisterous, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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 Otterhound 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
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Ibizan Hound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Ibizan Hound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Ibizan Hound
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Ibizan Hound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Ibizan Hound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Otterhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Otterhounds 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, Otterhounds 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
Otterhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
Ibizan Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Retinal Issues
- Seizures
- Allergies
- Deafness
Pros & Cons
Otterhound
Pros
- Excellent swimming ability
- Friendly temperament
- Good with families
- Strong tracking abilities
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires lots of exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Rare and expensive
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 Otterhound and Ibizan Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.