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AKC: Ibizan Hound breed overview

Hound group · Spain (Balearic Islands)

Ibizan Hound

Also called Podenco Ibicenco, Ca Eivissenc, Beezer

A graceful island hunter that tracks rabbits by sight, sound and scent, and clears fences from a standstill.

The Ibizan Hound was developed on the Balearic Islands to hunt rabbits on rocky terrain, often in packs. It is lean, agile and famous for its huge upright ears and remarkable jumping ability. Clownish at home but serious in the field, it suits active owners with very secure outdoor space.

Original AI-generated breed illustration

Weight

19 to 25 kg

42 to 55 lb

Height

60 to 72 cm

at the shoulder

Life expectancy

11 to 14 yrs

Activity estimate

120 to 150 min

editorial daily planning range

Adult-size estimate

18 months

approximate model input

Life with a Ibizan Hound

Watch an Ibizan Hound hunt and you will see a dog that uses every sense. Ears twist to catch rustles in scrub, the nose follows a trail, and when a rabbit breaks cover the hound launches into a sprint with sudden leaps over rocks and bushes. On the islands of Ibiza and Mallorca, local hunters traditionally used these dogs in packs, often mostly females, to find and flush rabbits for the table.

The breed is often said to descend from hounds brought by Phoenician traders, and it bears a striking resemblance to dogs shown in ancient Egyptian art. However, genetic studies suggest that the modern Ibizan is not especially ancient, and that the resemblance may be due to similar function rather than direct descent. Either way, the breed has been shaped for centuries by hunting on rough island terrain.

At home, Ibizans are affectionate, gentle and playful, but they are also independent thinkers. Many are quiet indoors, lounging on soft furniture, and then transform outdoors into athletic hunters. Their curiosity and jumping skills mean they need secure spaces and supervision.

One quirk surprises new owners: height plus spring makes kitchen worktops an easy target. An Ibizan standing on its hind legs can reach the back of a counter, and some simply hop up. Many households end up clearing surfaces after every meal, and fans of the breed treat this as part of the charm.

A great match for

active households with secure fencing
owners who enjoy lure coursing or agility
warm climates
people seeking a quiet, gentle companion indoors

Think twice if

exceptional jumping and escape skills
strong prey drive
unreliable recall
sensitivity to cold

Personality and needs at a glance

Living together

Good with children

Good with other dogs

Open with strangers

Apartment friendly

Copes with alone time

Energy and character

Energy level

Playfulness

Easy to train

Barking

5 means very vocal

Care and climate

Grooming needs

Shedding

Drooling

Handles cold

Handles heat

How much an Ibizan Hound eats

Illustrative calculations for neutered adults at midpoint breed weights, with food at 370 kcal per 100 g and 100 g per cup. These are not measured breed requirements. Use actual weight, the food label and veterinary body-condition advice.

Dog	Weight	Calories	Dry food
Female, relaxed lifestyle	21 kg	960 kcal	260 g (2.5 cups)
Female, typical pet	21 kg	1100 kcal	295 g (3 cups)
Male, typical pet	23 kg	1180 kcal	320 g (3.3 cups)
Male, very active	23 kg	1470 kcal	395 g (4 cups)

Full Ibizan Hound feeding guide Calculate for my dog

Care guides for the Ibizan Hound

Feeding5 cups), split into two meals. Ibizans are naturally lean, and a healthy weight shows the last two or three ribs and the hip bones slightly.Read more Puppy growthPuppies grow quickly and reach adult height by about 12 months, but they fill out and mature until around 18 months. Adolescents can be gangly and very energetic, with bursts of zoomies and spectacular jumps.Read more ExerciseIbizan Hounds need around 60 to 90 minutes of activity a day, including chances to run freely in a securely fenced area. They love lure coursing, agility and long walks with varied scents.Read more GroomingSmooth coats need only a weekly brush with a rubber mitt to remove dead hair. Wire coats need a slightly firmer brush and occasional hand-stripping to keep the coat tidy.Read more TrainingIbizans learn quickly, but they were bred to hunt at a distance from people, making their own calls. Treat training as a conversation: three or four repetitions of a cue, a great reward, then a change of activity.Read more HealthIbizan Hounds are generally healthy. Conditions reported in the breed include deafness, seizures, allergies, eye problems and, rarely, axonal dystrophy.Read more

Things owners are often surprised by

1Often associated with ancient Egyptian hound art, though modern genetic studies suggest a more recent origin
2Can jump over 1.5 m (5 ft) from a standing start
3Hunts using sight, hearing and scent, unlike most sighthounds that rely mainly on sight
4Comes in two coat types, smooth and wire
5Has large, upright ears and a flesh-colored nose that matches its coat

Ibizan Hound questions

How high can an Ibizan Hound jump?

Many can jump over 1.5 m (5 ft) from a standstill, and some even higher with a run-up. This makes secure fencing essential. Owners often need fences at least 1.8 m (6 ft) tall. Their jumping ability was useful for hunting in rough terrain but can make them escape artists at home.

Are Ibizan Hounds good with cats?

Some can live with cats if raised with them, but their prey drive is strong. Many will chase cats or small animals outdoors, even if they are friendly indoors. Introductions should be slow and supervised, and small pets like rabbits or rodents are usually a poor match.

What is the difference between smooth and wire Ibizan Hounds?

The smooth has a short, close coat, while the wire has a slightly longer, harsher coat, often with a small beard. Both have the same temperament and care needs, though wire coats may need occasional hand-stripping. Both types can appear in the same litter.

Do Ibizan Hounds bark a lot?

They are generally quiet dogs indoors, but they may bark when excited or when hunting. Some owners describe a distinctive yelp or bark when they spot prey. Most are not nuisance barkers if their exercise and mental needs are met.

Are Ibizan Hounds good for first-time owners?

They can be, for active first-time owners who are prepared for their independence, jumping ability and prey drive. Secure fencing, consistent training and regular exercise are essential. Owners who want a very obedient dog may find the Ibizan frustrating at times.

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