fellfolioHunting hound from the Balearic Islands
Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound comes from the Balearic Islands. Its large upright ears, long legs and springy movement are instantly recognisable. This athletic rabbit hunter needs safe space to run, shared activities and people who enjoy working patiently with an independent dog.
At a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height at shoulder
- 60 to 72 cm
- Lifespan
- over 10 years
- Activity
- High
- Grooming
- Weekly
- Training
- Patience & clear guidance
- Owner experience
- Experience recommended
Alert, agile and closely attached to familiar people
An Ibizan may suddenly become very attentive on a walk: ears pricked, nose testing a trail, eyes searching the bushes. The breed was used to hunt rabbits in the Balearic Islands. It works with scent and hearing as well as sight, which helps explain why an animal hidden in undergrowth can interest it just as much as a rabbit crossing an open field.
Ibizans often form close relationships with their own people. Their independence is especially noticeable outdoors, when a scent trail competes with what you want them to do. Training should give the dog a reason to join in. A favourite treat, a game together or the chance to return to sniffing after a successful exercise can all make practice rewarding.
Everyday life
Daily plans should include exploratory walks and exercise in a securely fenced area. There the dog has room for its long stride and quick changes of direction. Fencing needs to contain a strong jumper. It should be high enough to prevent jumping and have no gaps large enough for the dog to slip through, with gates that close reliably. Furniture should be kept away from the fence because it may help the dog jump over it.
Recall means teaching your dog to return when you use an agreed cue. You should begin a few steps apart in a quiet place, then increase the distance and introduce distractions gradually. In places where you cannot see what is ahead, the Ibizan should remain on a suitably managed lead. A long training line allows more room to explore while you practise coming back.
At home, a comfortable bed in a quiet spot gives the dog somewhere to sleep undisturbed. Simple scent games fit well between walks. You might hide a few pieces of its food in accessible places for it to find. These should come from the planned daily allowance so that the game does not quietly add another meal.
Staying home alone
Dogs learn to stay home alone in small steps. The RSPCA advises no more than four hours at a time. Puppies and dogs that become unsettled when left alone need shorter absences and gradual practice. Arrange someone to care for your dog when you will be away longer.
Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗
Day-to-day care
The international standard describes smooth, rough and long coats in the Ibizan Hound. Regular brushing removes loose hair and gives you a chance to check the skin and feet. After walks through thick vegetation, you should look between the toes for small objects and check the skin for injuries. Dog shampoo is suitable when a bath is needed.
Tooth care should become familiar early. A small dog toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs are suitable tools. At first, you can gently introduce touch around the muzzle and reward calm cooperation. Brushing can be built up gradually from there. Pain or strong resistance should be discussed with the vet, who can check for a problem in the mouth.
Size and build
The international breed standard names Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera as the breed’s home. Its Spanish name, Podenco Ibicenco, refers to Ibiza. Its build and working style developed around hunting on these islands. The standard gives adult males a height of 66 to 72 centimetres and females 60 to 67 centimetres.
A puppy should meet new people, household sounds, car journeys and gentle grooming in small, pleasant steps. For an adult rescue dog, it is useful to ask about previous experience of leads, fences and other animals. Settling in can then build on what that dog already knows. Rest and short, successful training sessions should be part of the day at either age.
From puppy to senior: caring for your dog through every life stage ↗
Health
Before buying a puppy, you should ask to see its parents’ health results. The US breed club’s CHIC programme includes checks of hips, eyes, hearing, thyroid and heart. CHIC is a register of published screening results. A CHIC number means that the required results are available, and some may show abnormalities. Going through the individual findings with a vet helps you understand them.
BAER is an abbreviation used for a hearing test. It measures the hearing system’s response to sounds and can establish whether a dog hears in both ears. Throughout life, vaccinations, parasite prevention, weight and teeth also belong in routine veterinary care. Changes in eating, movement or behaviour should be discussed with the vet.
Could this breed fit your life?
Could work well if …
- An Ibizan suits people who enjoy an independent hunting dog and can combine safe exercise with daily training.
- If there is a cat at home, you should ask about the individual dog’s previous experiences. Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets should be protected by reliable physical separation.
- Adults should supervise time with children. The dog’s sleeping area should remain a place for rest, while leads and garden gates need responsible handling.
What to consider
- Strong hunting interest and jumping ability should be considered when planning walks and securing the garden.
- A dog that responds readily to its name at home can become intensely distracted by wildlife outside. Off-lead exercise should take place in suitable, securely fenced areas.
Similar needs, different dogs.
Selected by shared size, activity, grooming and training characteristics.
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Italian pointing dog with a distinctive head and ground covering trot
Bracco Italiano
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Athletic Italian guardian with considerable strength and a need for shared activities
Cane Corso
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Sources and photograph credit
- Teaching your dog to be left alone
Used in this profile for: Staying home alone
- Health and the Ibizan Hound
Used in this profile for: Health
- Finding the Right Ibizan
Used in this profile for: Temperament, Everyday life, Day-to-day care, Could this breed fit your life?
- Podenco Ibicenco breed standard
Used in this profile for: Size / Weight, Temperament, Everyday life, Day-to-day care, Size and build, Could this breed fit your life?
- Podenco Ibicenco
Used in this profile for: Temperament, Everyday life, Day-to-day care, Size and build, Lifespan, Could this breed fit your life?
- Healthcare for your dog
Used in this profile for: Day-to-day care, Health
- Dental disease in dogs
Used in this profile for: Day-to-day care
- Eye problems in dogs
Used in this profile for: Health
- How to give your pet a health check at home
Used in this profile for: Day-to-day care
- Caring for your puppy
Used in this profile for: Size and build
- Train your dog to come when called
Used in this profile for: Everyday life, Size and build, Could this breed fit your life?
Photo credits
Side view · Young Ibizan Hound posing in profile.jpg · Joselodos · CC0
In action · Podenco Ibicenco femelle en pleine course.jpg · Lydie Heritier · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Edited
Puppy · 12 Week Ibizan Hound Puppy (6962509784).jpg · Andrea Arden from New York, USA · CC BY 2.0 · Edited
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Coat and features · Podenco d'Ibiza.jpg · Tux-Man · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Edited
