The Ibizan Hound is a tall, slender dog with large, erect ears and a distinctive deer-like appearance.

Males

45-55 pounds

Two types - smooth and wirehaired. Both are short and require minimal grooming.

Red, white, or any combination of red and white.

Large, erect, and very mobile.

Amber or caramel-colored, with an intelligent expression.

Long, low-set, and carried in a sickle shape.

Ibizan Hounds are known for their gentle, even-tempered, and playful nature, although they can be somewhat reserved with strangers.

Forms strong bonds with family and is known to be good with children.

Possesses a degree of independence, typical of sighthounds.

Highly intelligent but can be stubborn, requiring patient training.

Makes a good watchdog due to their alertness and keen senses.

High prey drive, requiring secure fencing and leash walks.

Responds best to positive reinforcement methods.

Ibizan Hounds are best suited for active individuals or families who can provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and who appreciate their independent yet affectionate nature.

Quiet indoors, making them suitable for apartment living if exercise needs are met.

Can be reserved with strangers.

The ideal owner for an Ibizan Hound is someone who is active, patient, and experienced with sighthounds or independent breeds, and who can provide a secure and stimulating environment.

Ibizan Hounds are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming, but require a balanced diet and a secure living environment.

Minimal grooming needed. Smooth coats require occasional brushing, while wirehaired coats may need slightly more attention to prevent matting.

Bathe only when necessary.

Regular nail trimming is essential to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.

Check and clean their large ears regularly to prevent infections.

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.

Two meals a day are generally recommended to avoid bloat.

Adaptable to various living situations, provided their exercise needs are met, but a securely fenced yard is highly recommended.

Ibizan Hounds require consistent, positive training and a significant amount of exercise to satisfy their athletic nature.

Ibizan Hounds are intelligent but can be independent thinkers, making training a challenge. Early socialization and obedience training are crucial. Positive reinforcement methods, using treats and praise, work best. Consistency and patience are key, as they can be easily distracted by scents and movement.

This breed needs a substantial amount of exercise daily. Long walks, runs, and opportunities to sprint in a safely enclosed area are essential. They excel in canine sports like lure coursing, agility, and tracking. Mental stimulation is equally important, so puzzle toys and interactive games are recommended.

Due to their high prey drive, consistent recall training is vital from a young age.

Ibizan Hounds are known for their jumping ability; fences should be at least 6 feet high.

Always walk them on a leash in unsecured areas to prevent chasing.

Early exposure to various people, dogs, and environments will help them become well-adjusted adults.

Avoid harsh training methods; they respond best to positive, reward-based training.

Ibizan Hounds are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

A rare, inherited neurological disorder.

Some Ibizan Hounds may experience seizures.

A condition where the immune system attacks red blood cells.

Congenital deafness can occur in the breed.

Less common than in some breeds, but can occur. It is a malformation of the hip joint.

The Ibizan Hound's history stretches back thousands of years, with roots likely tracing to ancient Egyptian sighthounds. They were brought to the Balearic Islands (including Ibiza, from which they take their name) by Phoenician traders. On these islands, they were selectively bred for rabbit hunting in the rugged terrain. Their relative isolation helped preserve the breed's purity. The Ibizan Hound was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1979. Notable events include their continued success in lure coursing and their growing popularity as companion animals.

Yes, they are generally good with children, especially when raised with them. However, supervision is always recommended with any dog and young children.

No, they are not known to be excessive barkers. They are generally quiet indoors.

They need a significant amount of exercise daily, including long walks, runs, and opportunities to sprint in a secure area.

They can be challenging to train due to their independent nature. Consistent, positive reinforcement training is essential.

Yes, they can adapt to apartment living if their exercise needs are met. However, access to a securely fenced yard is ideal.

No, they are relatively low-shedding dogs. Regular brushing will help minimize shedding.

The average lifespan is 12-14 years.

They can be good with other dogs, especially if socialized from a young age. However, their high prey drive may make them unsuitable for homes with small pets like cats or rabbits.

They are known for their impressive jumping ability and can easily clear fences of 6 feet or more.

Consider contacting Ibizan Hound rescue organizations or reputable breeders. Rescue organizations often have adult dogs in need of homes, while reputable breeders can provide information on puppies and the breed's health and temperament.