Gentle, loyal and loving with its family, with a playful, clownish side. It is also clever and independent, and can be a little reserved or sensitive, so calm and patient handling suits it best.123
how to spot oneIbizan Hound coat and colours
smooth, wire or (FCI only) long
A lean, elegant sighthound-like build with big upright ears and a light-coloured nose. The coat comes smooth and short, or wiry at roughly 1-3 inches, often with a small beard; the FCI also allows a long-haired variety. Coats are left untrimmed.312
Coloursred (from light 'lion' to deep red)whitered and white in any combination13
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for an Ibizan Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
how busy a day looksIbizan Hound exercise needs
Very high. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day, ideally including safe space to sprint. A strong chase instinct means free running is best done in securely fenced areas.452
where they are happiestIbizan Hound at home
Suits a roomy home with a large, well-fenced garden; high fences matter because the breed can clear surprising heights from a standstill and is good at working out gates.42
who they like aroundIbizan Hound with people and other pets
Affectionate with its people and generally sociable with other dogs; in Spain it traditionally hunts in packs, mostly of females.23
the hands-on bitsIbizan Hound grooming and care
Easy: a weekly brush for either coat type. The coat is kept natural and untrimmed.41
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Ibizan Hound, and at what times?
Feed your Ibizan Hound at least two meals a day at consistent times. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For the right amount, check the food label and ask your vet.6
What should an Ibizan Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Offer a high-quality dog food suited to your dog's age and activity. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Your vet can help you choose the best diet.7
How often should I bathe an Ibizan Hound?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty. The coat is easy to care for and stays natural.8Pet Wiki plan
How often does an Ibizan Hound need brushing?
A weekly brushing is all your Ibizan Hound needs to keep its coat healthy. Both smooth and wire coats are low-maintenance.41Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim an Ibizan Hound's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding.8Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does an Ibizan Hound need?
Your Ibizan Hound needs over two hours of exercise daily, including safe space to sprint. A securely fenced area is important because of its strong chase instinct.452
How do I look after an Ibizan Hound's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth ideally daily, using dog toothpaste. Check the large upright ears weekly for dirt or redness and wipe the outer ear gently. Never insert anything into the ear canal.8Pet Wiki plan
How long does an Ibizan Hound live?
The Ibizan Hound typically lives 12 to 14 years, a good long life for a healthy dog.24
Is an Ibizan Hound good with children and other pets?
This breed is gentle and loving with its family, including children, and generally sociable with other dogs. Its strong chase instinct means caution around small pets, so early socialization helps.123
Can an Ibizan Hound be left alone?
The Ibizan Hound is sensitive and may not enjoy being left alone for long periods. It varies by individual, so ask a good breeder or vet for advice on your specific dog.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat an Ibizan Hound costs
Running costs for an Ibizan Hound, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Ibizan Hound legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Ibizan Hound in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Ibizan Hounds can jump remarkable heights from a standing start.2
2
On its home islands it is used to hunt rabbits without guns, working by day and at night in packs.3
3
The FCI standard recognises three coat types, smooth, rough and long, while the AKC standard recognises two.3
4
Its nose, eye rims, ears and paw pads are a light flesh or tan colour, and its eyes are amber.2
5
The AKC describes it as a world-class sprinter and leaper.5
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed name comes from the island of Ibiza, one of Spain's Balearic Islands, where it originated and was traditionally used for hunting rabbits.9
I wake with the sun warming my ears, stretching long and lean. My human laughs at my silly yawn. We go to the fenced field where I sprint in circles, my legs flying. I find a scent and follow it with my nose high, then pounce on a leaf. Later, I snuggle on the sofa, my head on a lap. When a visitor comes, I give a gentle wag, then retreat to my bed. Life is full of play and love, and I am a happy hound.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganIbizan Hound history
Hounds of this type have long been used on Ibiza and the other Balearic Islands to hunt rabbits by scent, hearing and sight, often at night and without guns. Traditional accounts link them to the Phoenicians and to the hounds of ancient Egypt, although DNA studies suggest the modern breed was formed more recently. The AKC fully recognised the breed in 1979.32
Pharaoh Hound
Cirneco dell'Etna
Podenco Canario
Portuguese Podengo