Ibizan Hound vs Pharaoh Hound: 6 Key Differences

Ibizan hounds and pharaoh hounds are both sighthounds. However, they have some different traits that are worth pointing out. Some of these are very minor, like a difference in coat color. However, others are more significant, like temperament differences.

We’ll explore all of these differences below so that you can choose the first option for your pooch.

1. Ibizan Hound vs Pharaoh Hound: Origin

These dogs have a similar history as sighthounds. However, they have slightly different origins that affect their temperament and needs.

The Ibizan hound is believed to have very ancient origins. Its roots trace back to the island of Ibiza, as their name suggests. They have been around the Mediterranean for thousands of years, so we don’t know exactly how they came to be. However, they’ve been utilized as sighthounds for hundreds of years, which has greatly affected their temperament.

The Pharaoh hound is from the island of Malta, instead. Despite their name, they aren’t actually from Egypt and likely have no historical link to ancient Egypt. Similarly to the Ibizan hound, they were developed on an island, but we don’t know much about their historical development.

2. Ibizan Hound vs Pharaoh Hound: Appearance

These canines do have a similar body style. They were both made to go fast, after all. In fact, their lithe, athletic build is probably why they are often confused with each other. They look pretty similar. However, there are a few differences you may want to keep in mind.

Ibizan hounds have a slightly arched back and a very deep chest. Pharaoh hounds are a bit more balanced, while Ibizan hounds will probably turn more heads. Ibizan hounds also have extremely large, upright ears, contributing to their distinctive look.

Pharaoh hounds also have large, bat-like ears, but they aren’t quite as large as an Ibizan hound. They also have a short, glossy coat and almost exclusively come in a tan and white coloration. Typically, they’re white on the chest, toes, and tip of the tail. Elsewhere, they are tan to chestnut.

Ibizan hounds can have short and smooth coats, too. However, they can also be rough and wiry. There is a pretty big variance you need to keep in mind. Their coat color also varies widely.

3. Ibizan Hound vs Pharaoh Hound: Temperament

Ibizan hounds are pretty intelligent dogs when it comes to their problem-solving abilities. They also tend to be better at training than other sighthounds, with higher obedience levels than other canines.

However, they can also have a bit of an independent attitude. They may not take part in training if they just don’t want to. They may also not pay attention to commands in real life due to their potential stubbornness. They’re independent thinkers, and they don’t naturally rely on looking towards their humans for guidance.

They aren’t like other dogs, where they may haul you around on a leash. However, they might plant their feet and refuse to walk

Some Ibizan hounds are also timid. Some lines are more skittish than others. When not socialized enough, they can be even more skittish. Therefore, it’s very important to socialize them properly, as we’ll discuss below.

Pharaoh hounds tend to be very playful, more so than most sighthounds. They’re also more observant and cautious than other sighthounds. They’re pretty alert dogs, and they can occasionally make good watchdogs. That also means that they tend to be louder and bark more than the Ibizan hound.

When not properly socialized, pharaoh hounds tend to be very skittish. Their fearfulness can translate to aggression if they are cornered. Socialization is very important, more so than it may be for the Ibizan hound. They tend to be naturally standoffish.

Pharaoh hounds are also one of the most emotionally sensitive sighthounds. They don’t like stress, noise, or schedule changes. They can be exceptionally anxious dogs, so they do best in a balanced, stable home.

4. Ibizan Hound vs Pharaoh Hound: Care

Both of these dogs need exercise. However, Ibizan hounds typically need less exercise than Pharaoh hounds. They tend to be couch potatoes some of the time, but they also need a large area where they can gallop around. Lure coursing is a great way for them to get the exercise they need.

Ibizan hounds can jump very high, though. They need a high fence to keep them in. Their keen eye will cause them to run off indiscriminately after anything that moves, which can make them very prone to getting lost. They can clear a six-foot fence with very little effort – something to remember when deciding if you can handle this dog.

Pharaoh hounds need a similarly fenced-in yard. However, they don’t jump as high or as readily, so they tend to get along just fine with a shorter fence. Still, taller is almost always better.

These dogs tend to be exceptionally active, but they may not need quite as much exercise as the Ibizan hound.

5. Ibizan Hound vs Pharaoh Hound: Socialization and Training

Pharaoh hounds tend to be reserved in nature, so they need plenty of socialization. These dogs need extensive exposure to pets, people, and places. Otherwise, they can be incredibly shy, which can lead to fear and anxiety. Natural caution can easily turn into extreme anxiety for these canines.

Stress and anxiety can be hard to deal with. It can be stressful when your dog is always anxious (and even with socialization, these dogs tend to be more anxious than others). Any sort of tension can make these dogs extremely stressed, leading to severe digestive upsets and neural problems.

Similarly, Ibizan hounds also need socialization. You absolutely need to introduce them to a wide range of people and animals. However, they’re less uptight than Pharaoh hounds and tend to be less emotional.

Both dogs benefit from tons of training. However, both of these dogs can be pretty independent, which can make training extremely challenging. Ibizan hounds do tend to be more independent thinkers, though. Therefore, they’re often harder to train than Pharaoh hounds.

Keep this in mind when you’re selecting a canine. If you don’t have much experience training a dog, you may want to consider the Pharaoh hound, first and foremost.

6. Ibizan Hound vs Pharaoh Hound: Health

Both of these canines are pretty healthy. However, they can still get sick, just like any other dog. When they do get sick, they tend to get sick with different things.

Pharaoh hounds are prone to infections, for instance. Therefore, it’s important that they are vaccinated properly to prevent as many infections as possible. Hereditary eye conditions can also be somewhat common in this breed, especially abnormal eyelash placement (causing eyeball irritation).

Thyroid disease and epilepsy are both pretty common in Pharaoh hounds as well. Colitis, which is a digestive issue, also occurs with some regularity.

Due to their lower body fat content, these dogs are extremely sensitive to anesthetics. You’ll need to work with an experienced vet if they require surgery.

Ibizan hounds are also prone to eye issues. However, hereditary cataracts that lead to blindness are the most common issue. Epilepsy is another serious concern for this breed, and it seems to be at least partially genetic. Chronic allergies can occur more often than in other breeds.

Working with a quality breeder is the best way to prevent health problems with either breed. Often, breeders can perform genetic testing and may offer health tests on puppies before any money is exchanged.

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