Pet Wiki

Ibizan Hound

Also called Podenco Ibicenco, Ca Eivissenc, Ibizan Warren Hound

Gentle, loyal and loving with its family, with a playful, clownish side.

SizeLarge
Weight20.4 to 22.7 kg (45 to 50 lb)males 22.7 kg, females 20.4 kg12
Height57 to 72 cm (22 to 28 in)males 60 to 72 cm, females 57 to 67 cm31
Lifespan12 to 14 years24
CoatSmooth, wire or (FCI only) long
OriginSpain, the Balearic Islands, above all Ibiza.32
GroupFCI group 5
Recognised breedShort profile
spectacular jumper
even-tempered and affectionate
playful clown at home
215

Personality what they are like

Gentle, loyal and loving with its family, with a playful, clownish side. It is also clever and independent, and can be a little reserved or sensitive, so calm and patient handling suits it best.123

Coat and looks how to spot one

smooth, wire or (FCI only) long

A lean, elegant sighthound-like build with big upright ears and a light-coloured nose. The coat comes smooth and short, or wiry at roughly 1-3 inches, often with a small beard; the FCI also allows a long-haired variety. Coats are left untrimmed.312

Coloursred (from light 'lion' to deep red)whitered and white in any combination13

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Ibizan Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day, ideally including safe space to sprint. A strong chase instinct means free running is best done in securely fenced areas.452

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy: a weekly brush for either coat type. The coat is kept natural and untrimmed.41

Home where they are happiest

Suits a roomy home with a large, well-fenced garden; high fences matter because the breed can clear surprising heights from a standstill and is good at working out gates.42

Company who they like around

Affectionate with its people and generally sociable with other dogs; in Spain it traditionally hunts in packs, mostly of females.23

The story where it all began

Hounds of this type have long been used on Ibiza and the other Balearic Islands to hunt rabbits by scent, hearing and sight, often at night and without guns. Traditional accounts link them to the Phoenicians and to the hounds of ancient Egypt, although DNA studies suggest the modern breed was formed more recently. The AKC fully recognised the breed in 1979.32

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Ibizan Hounds can jump remarkable heights from a standing start.2

  2. 2

    On its home islands it is used to hunt rabbits without guns, working by day and at night in packs.3

  3. 3

    The FCI standard recognises three coat types, smooth, rough and long, while the AKC standard recognises two.3

  4. 4

    Its nose, eye rims, ears and paw pads are a light flesh or tan colour, and its eyes are amber.2

  5. 5

    The AKC describes it as a world-class sprinter and leaper.5

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name comes from the island of Ibiza, one of Spain's Balearic Islands, where it originated and was traditionally used for hunting rabbits.6

Name ideas for your new friend

SolLunaCocoRayoDunaPipoBrisaNubeTitoChispaSombraRosa

A day in the life told by an Ibizan Hound

I wake with the sun warming my ears, stretching long and lean. My human laughs at my silly yawn. We go to the fenced field where I sprint in circles, my legs flying. I find a scent and follow it with my nose high, then pounce on a leaf. Later, I snuggle on the sofa, my head on a lap. When a visitor comes, I give a gentle wag, then retreat to my bed. Life is full of play and love, and I am a happy hound.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 89 (as Podenco Ibicenco), Group 5 Spitz and primitive types, Section 7 primitive type hunting dogs; standard dated 04.02.2000.3
AKC
Hound Group; fully recognised in 1979 (per Wikipedia). Current standard approved 8 February 2022, effective 4 May 2022.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Hound group; not a vulnerable native breed.4

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Ibizan Hound, and at what times?

Feed your Ibizan Hound at least two meals a day at consistent times. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For the right amount, check the food label and ask your vet.7

What should an Ibizan Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Offer a high-quality dog food suited to your dog's age and activity. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Your vet can help you choose the best diet.8

How often should I bathe an Ibizan Hound?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty. The coat is easy to care for and stays natural.9 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Ibizan Hound need brushing?

A weekly brushing is all your Ibizan Hound needs to keep its coat healthy. Both smooth and wire coats are low-maintenance.41 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Ibizan Hound's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Ibizan Hound need?

Your Ibizan Hound needs over two hours of exercise daily, including safe space to sprint. A securely fenced area is important because of its strong chase instinct.452

How do I look after an Ibizan Hound's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth ideally daily, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears can trap moisture. Never insert anything into the ear canal.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Ibizan Hound live?

The Ibizan Hound typically lives 12 to 14 years, a good long life for a healthy dog.24

Is an Ibizan Hound good with children and other pets?

This breed is gentle and loving with its family, including children, and generally sociable with other dogs. Its strong chase instinct means caution around small pets, so early socialization helps.123

Can an Ibizan Hound be left alone?

The Ibizan Hound is sensitive and may not enjoy being left alone for long periods. It varies by individual, so ask a good breeder or vet for advice on your specific dog.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. AKC Official Standard of the Ibizan Hound images.akc.orgused for height, weight, coat, colours, temperament
  2. Ibizan Hound, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, AKC year, lifespan, history, fun facts
  3. FCI standard no. 89, Podenco Ibicenco fci.beused for origin, recognition, height, coat, colours, use, history
  4. Ibizan Hound, The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, home
  5. Ibizan Hound, AKC akc.orgused for traits, activity
  6. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.