Hound group

Ibizan Hound

A leaping, big-eared island hound — graceful, clownish and extremely athletic.

Ibizan Hounds are elegant, deer-like hunting dogs from the Balearic Islands, famous for their large upright ears and astonishing jumping ability. They are affectionate and playful but need space, exercise and tall fences.

Height
22.5–27.5 in57–70 cm
Weight
45–50 lb20–23 kg
Life expectancy
11–14 years
Size
Large
Group
Hound
Origin
Balearic Islands, Spain

Coat: Smooth (short) or wire-haired coat. Colours: Red, White, Red and white.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement4.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability3.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.0 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive5.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking3.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level2.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden1.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability2.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Ibizans are friendly, even-tempered and often clownish with their families. They are usually polite with strangers and good with children and other dogs.

They hunt by sight, scent and sound and can jump remarkably high from a standstill. Recall is unreliable, and fences need to be at least six feet.

Living with a Ibizan Hound

Exercise

Needs 90 minutes or more of exercise daily, including safe off-lead running.

Grooming

Minimal: weekly brushing for smooth coats; wire coats need occasional stripping.

Training

Intelligent but independent; keep training fun, varied and reward-based. Practise recall on a long line — never rely on it near wildlife.

Kids & other pets

Good with children and usually sociable with other dogs. Unsafe with cats, rabbits and other small pets unless raised with them.

Time alone

Tolerates moderate alone time but may escape or chew if bored.

Home fit

Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.

Is a Ibizan Hound right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Ibizan Hound matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Ibizan Hound typically lives 11–14 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Allergies

    Skin and food allergies occur in the breed.

  • Anaesthesia sensitivity

    Lean hounds may react differently to anaesthesia; choose an experienced vet.

  • Deafness

    Congenital deafness occurs; BAER testing identifies affected puppies.

  • Seizures

    Epilepsy occasionally occurs in the breed.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • BAER hearing test
  • Thyroid evaluation

Sources: OFA health testing guidance: Ibizan Hound; Ibizan Hound Club of the United States. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Hounds resembling the Ibizan appear in ancient Mediterranean art, and the breed has hunted rabbits on Ibiza and neighbouring islands for centuries, often working in packs.

The first Ibizan Hounds came to America in the 1950s, when Colonel and Mrs. Consuelo Seoane imported a pair from Spain. The AKC recognised the breed in 1979.

Did you know?

  • Ibizan Hounds can jump over five feet from a standstill.
  • The breed resembles hounds painted in ancient Egyptian tombs.
  • Ibizans hunt by sight, scent and hearing.

Library guides for Ibizan Hound owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Ibizan Hounds good family dogs?
Yes, for active families with secure, tall fencing.
Do Ibizan Hounds shed?
Lightly. Their coat is easy to care for.
Can Ibizans be off lead?
Only in secure areas; their prey drive is very strong.