The Ibizan Hound has a long history. They can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, around 3400 BC. They were originally bred to hunt rabbits and other fast game around the Mediterranean coastline, including on the Ibizan island from which they got their name. Today, the Ibizan Hound is a rare dog breed, especially in the States. However, they are still popular in Spain (their country of origin) and other countries around the Mediterranean Sea.
1. Size
The Ibizan Hound is a large dog. The standard measures for the breed are:
- Male height: 23.5 to 27.5 inches (60 to 70 cm)
- Male weight: around 50 pounds (around 22 kg)
- Female height: 22.5 to 26 inches (57 to 66 cm)
- Female weight: around 40 pounds (around 18 kg)
The general appearance of the Ibizan Hound is that of a slender, athletic, well-balanced dog with typical sighthound features, such as long legs, a thin body, and an elongated skull. All of these features are perfect for pursuing a game.
2. Color
The Ibizan Hound comes in:
- Red
- White
- Red and white
- White and red
They can also have white markings, although that is not standard for the breed, but can be registered. You can see an example of a possible coat color in the picture below.
3. Social Traits
The Ibizan Hound shares a trait with other sighthounds – they are reserved when it comes to strangers. But, what they lack in openness towards strangers, they make up for in their affection toward those closest to the dog. Ibizan Hounds love to cuddle, especially if they have a successful day of running and playing.
These dogs also go great with other dogs and are suitable for families with children. Of course, as with any other dog breed, it is highly important to teach everyone how to behave, including children. But, because these dogs play “explosively” it is not recommended to leave them unsupervised with very young children. They are not aggressive, they could simply accidentally injure someone with their excited playing.
The Ibizan Hound can jump very well and very high, so having proper fencing is very important!
The Ibizan Hound needs lots of proper socialization from an early age to not perceive small animals as prey. And even then, they might consider a family cat a friend but will try to chase a neighbor’s cat. They have a strong prey drive, and we shouldn’t walk them off-leash in unsafe locations.
Good with children: yes
Good with other dogs: yes
Good with small animals: no
4. Activity Needs
These are active dogs, and an adult Ibizan Hound requires at least 2 hours of daily activities. They are not suitable for city living if they don’t have a place where they can truly stretch their legs and do what they were born to do – run.
The Ibizan Hound needs an active family and is better suited for living outside of the city
Don’t get fooled by the fact they are sighthounds into thinking they are very mellow, like a Greyhound, for example. The Ibizan Hound needs daily exercise and not just a walk two times a day. They need to chase and run, which can be challenging if you don’t have enough space. That’s why these dogs are more suitable for the country.
The Ibizan Hound loves to run and hike, they don’t get tired easily and will be thrilled if given an opportunity to dig and try to hunt something. Doing a meaningful walk (for a dog) is what it matters to keep them both physically and mentally stimulated.
Activity needs: at least 2 hours (suited for country)
5. Trainability
The Ibizan Hound is trainable. They do well in some dog sports, such as lure coursing or tracking. According to the owners, they are also easy to teach basic obedience. Of course, every dog is unique and you might come across an Ibizan Hound that is more mischievous than what people claim.
As with any dog breed, the key is to be patient and consistent. The Ibizan Hound loves to run and hunt, so giving them such a reward after successful training is a good choice. Also, keep it fun and use positive reinforcement. Dogs learn the quickest when they are happy, hence the positive reward system.
But, we can’t just let them do anything without ever using corrections. If they try to run away, you need to correct the behavior. Just remember to be calm when you give them reprimands, and not angry or yell.
Trainability: 4 out of 5
Struggle with: recall (when they see something they can chase)
6. Feeding
The amount of food depends a lot on your dog’s activity levels, health, and age. There are other factors too but these three are the most important. The general rule for an adult Ibizan Hound is that they need from 2.5 to 3 cups of kibble a day, divided into two meals. Some Ibizan Hounds will need more than 3 cups, especially if they are truly active every day.
Divide the amount into two meals; for example, if you feed them 3 cups, give 1.5 cups in the morning and the other 1.5 cups in the evening
The best option is to take your dog to a vet, let them examine your dog, and then give suggestions on the type and amount of food best for your dog. The key is to keep a dog healthy, not overweight or underweight.
An adult Ibizan Hound needs from 2.5 to 3 cups of kibble food a day divided into two meals
7. Grooming
The Ibizan Hound can have two coat types:
- Smooth
- Wiry
Either way, it is a short coat type that doesn’t require complicated grooming techniques to keep it healthy and good-looking. The Ibizan Hound sheds and will require a weekly brushing. You can use a bristle brush for both types and a hound glove as an additional brushing. They need regular nail trimming and an occasional bath – when they get dirty or roll in something smelly.
You can use a bristle brush or a hound glove to brush an Ibizan Hound
Other than that, there aren’t any special grooming requirements. They don’t need special cuts or regular baths. The only additional thing that is a must for any dog breed is to regularly check their ears and clean them of any dirt.
Shedding: Normal
Brushing: Once a week
8. Possible Problems
Generally speaking, the Ibizan Hound is a healthy dog breed. Responsible breeding programs keep it that way. However, as with any living being in the world, they can also have some health issues. The most common problems are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Thyroid gland problems
- Deafness
Breeders should screen their dogs and remove them from a breeding program if they come up positive. There is also BAER testing to determine if a dog is deaf.
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Summary
The Ibizan Hound is a beautiful, active, and affectionate dog. This is not a popular dog breed and it could be quite a problem finding a dog breeder in the States. However, if you are looking for a sleek-looking and active dog that will love to cuddle on the sofa with you after a hard day of running and digging, then an Ibizan Hound is for you. They go well with children and other dogs, which further makes them a great choice for active families or individuals. If you did fall in love with the breed, don’t forget that it’s not all laughter and fun times. They will need protection and lots of care to keep them happy and healthy.
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