Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound is an elegant and ancient sighthound with a fascinating history rooted in the Balearic Islands of Spain, particularly Ibiza.
Used for centuries to hunt rabbit across rocky Mediterranean terrain, the breed's ancestry may trace back thousands of years to the dogs of ancient Egypt, though centuries of island isolation shaped the modern Ibizan Hound we know today.
25-34kg
Weight
Large
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Ibizan Hound
Standing 51–61 centimetres tall and weighing 25–34 kilograms, these dogs are striking in appearance with their lean, athletic build, distinctive large upright ears, and amber or caramel eyes. Their short coat comes in white, red, or combinations thereof. Temperamentally, Ibizan Hounds are sensitive, affectionate, and devoted to their families, though typically reserved with strangers. They possess the powerful chase instinct common to all sighthounds, making them unsuitable for off-lead exercise in unsecured areas. These dogs require considerable daily exercise, needing more than two hours per day to remain content and well-behaved. Their remarkable jumping ability means securely fenced gardens of considerable height are essential. With patient socialisation and positive training methods, the Ibizan Hound becomes a wonderful companion for experienced owners who understand and respect the breed's independent nature and considerable exercise requirements.
Ibizan Hound at a Glance
- Group
- Hound
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–34 kg
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Short
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- More than 2 hours per day
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Ibizan Hound Lifestyle
The Ibizan Hound suits a larger property where they have room to move and thrives with a large garden to explore and run in. A country setting suits them well.
Dog Food for Ibizan Hound
Top-rated foods for Large breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Ibizan Hound
Ibizan Hound Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Ibizan Hound weighing around 30 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£5.22 - £5.57
Per month
£157 - £167
Per year
£1906 - £2032
Ibizan Hound Characteristics
The Ibizan Hound requires a great deal of exercise and does best with an active owner and is easy to train. They are excellent with children of all ages, but can be left for short to moderate periods without issue. The coat is fairly easy to maintain with regular brushing and sheds at a fairly average rate. This is a very clever breed that benefits from puzzle toys and training to keep their mind busy.
Ibizan Hound Pros & Cons
Pros
- Athletic and full of energy, they shine in canine sports and outdoor adventures
- Warm, expressive temperament and genuinely kind with children when well socialised
- A quick weekly brush is all the coat care they typically need
- Settles well into an active family with plenty of space and exercise
Cons
- A powerful prey drive means secure fencing and solid recall training are non-negotiable
- Not the right fit for first-time owners given their exercise and training demands
- Sensitive to harsh handling, responding far better to calm and patient methods
- Can develop separation anxiety when left alone for long periods
