What Does an Ibizan Hound Look Like?
The Ibizan Hound is one of the taller breeds of dogs, with males reaching 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and females averaging about 22 to 26 inches tall. Both sexes typically weigh between 45 and 50 pounds.
Despite their graceful and slender appearance, these dogs have thick bones and are pretty hardy. Their long, tapered muzzle is another distinguishing feature, as are their large, almond-shaped eyes. Their big, pointy ears aren’t just for show – they help the dog pick up even the faintest sounds.
The breed comes in two varieties: smooth and wire. The smooth-coated variety has short fur that’s dense and soft to the touch, while the wire-coated variety has longer, coarse hair. Both types of coats typically come in red and white.
What Is an Ibizan Hound’s Temperament Like?
Ibizan Hounds are high-energy dogs that love to play and run. They’re also very curious and will follow their nose wherever it leads them. As if that wasn’t enough, they can jump very high, so if you have a yard, make sure the fence is at least 6 feet high. And never trust them off-leash in the park!
How Outgoing Are Ibizan Hounds?
This breed is friendly with everyone, including strangers, so they won’t make the best guard dogs. They don’t tend to bark when something is happening, but they have an acute sense of hearing, so you may see their ears twitch while they’re watching.
They get along very well with other dogs, so if you have another furry friend at home, they’ll likely become best buddies. Likewise, they can learn to live with cats if they’ve been socialized properly, but smaller animals are risky because of the Ibizan Hound’s high prey drive.
How Easily Trained Are They?
Ibizans are very intelligent and easy to train, but they can also be stubborn, so it’s important to start training early. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods such as treats or praise. Keep the training sessions short and fun, or they’ll lose interest and stop responding. House training usually goes well, but crate training is still recommended to keep the puppy from getting into mischief when they’re alone.
Can They Live in an Apartment?
Despite their high energy levels, Ibizan Hounds can do well in an apartment if they get enough exercise. They need at least one good walk or playtime session per day, but two is even better. If you don’t have the time to commit to that, this may not be the breed for you.
The Health and Lifespan of an Ibizan Hound
Ibizan Hounds are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Still, they may be prone to certain diseases that were found to occur in the breed’s lineages. These include:
- seizures,
- allergies,
- deafness or loss of hearing,
- retinal dysplasia,
- cataracts,
- axonal dystrophy.
To make sure you’re getting a puppy free of genetic disorders, buy from a responsible breeder who can show you health clearances for both of the puppy’s parents. For example, they should have clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals proving that their hips, elbows and thyroid are in good condition.
How to Groom and Care for an Ibizan Hound?
These hounds are a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. The smooth-coated variety only needs to be brushed weekly, while the wire-coated type may need daily brushing to prevent matting.
Both types of coats should be bathed only when necessary, as over-bathing can strip away the natural oils that protect their skin. They also need their nails trimmed monthly to prevent them from getting too long and causing discomfort.
To help keep your Ibizan Hound in tip-top shape, feed them a high-quality diet and take them outside for long walks at least once per day. If they’re still a puppy, don’t make them exercise too much – 5 minutes for each month of age is a good rule of thumb. At home, give them plenty of toys to keep them occupied, such as chew toys, interactive toys, and puzzle toys.
Breeders and Pricing of Ibizan Hound Puppies
Ibizan puppies may cost anywhere between $600 and $2000. If you’re serious about getting a dog from a reputable source, you’re likely to pay closer to the second price. However, you’ll save yourself the headache of expensive treatments down the line.
When looking for a reputable breeder, make sure they’re a member of the Ibizan Hound Club of the United States and that they can provide health clearances for both parents. Avoid breeders who aren’t willing to answer your questions or show you around their facility.
Adopting an Ibizan Hound
If you believe in adopting instead of shopping, check with your local animal shelters and rescue groups. They may have Ibizans waiting to be adopted into a loving home. However, it’s a rare breed, so you may need to search online and drive to another state for a pup. Be prepared to pay an adoption fee of around $200 to $500, too.
The History of the Ibizan Hound Breed
The Ibizan Hound is considered a primitive breed that may have been around for thousands of years. They were originally bred to hunt rabbits and small game on the Balearic island of Ibiza, which is located off the coast of Spain. They may have descended from the Pharaoh Hound, which were depicted in Egyptian art from 5,000 years ago.
On the other hand, DNA analysis suggests that this breed was formed recently from other hounds. It’s quite similar to Cirneco dell’Etna, the Portuguese Podengo, and the Podenco Canario, but larger than any of them.
Today, they’re still used as hunting dogs in Catalan-speaking areas of Spain, but they’ve also gained popularity as companion animals in the United States. They compete in lure coursing, agility, obedience, conformation, and tracking. They’re also known for their friendly dispositions and can make great family pets.
Is the Ibizan Hound the Right Dog Breed for You?
If you’re looking for an affectionate, high-energy dog that’s built for agility, the Ibizan may be the right breed for you. They’re relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming and can fare well in apartment living situations, so long as you meet their exercise needs.
It’s best to choose another breed if you have small animals at home, as Ibizan Hounds have a high prey drive and will chase anything that moves. They may also not be the best breed for first-time dog owners, as they can be strong-willed and stubborn at times.
Fun Facts about Ibizans
Is there anything else to know about these agile and friendly dogs? Here are a couple of interesting facts you may have never heard about.
- Journalist Norman Lewis wrote that in the folk culture of Ibiza, killing one of these dogs is considered to bring very bad luck. Instead, owners that don’t want them anymore are supposed to release the dog on the other side of the island for someone else to adopt.
- Female Ibizan Hounds are considered to be better at hunting than males, so hunters normally run these dogs in female packs to catch rabbits.
- While it was once a sign of wealth to own two of these dogs, their numbers have grown in the last 20 years, and it’s often seen that 5-15 Ibizans are chasing one rabbit.
- The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1978, and it has entered and won many dog sport competitions ever since.
Interested in Getting One of These Dogs?
If you’re thinking about getting an Ibizan Hound, be prepared to pay anywhere between $600 and $2000 for a puppy from a reputable source. You’ll also need to make sure you have plenty of space for them to run and play, as they’re high-energy dogs.
They’re not the best breed for first-time dog owners, but if you’re up for the challenge, they can make great family pets. Just be prepared to give them plenty of exercise and attention!
Do you have any questions or comments? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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