The Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound comes from the island of Ibiza, Spain. The Ibizan is believed to be one of the most ancient breeds of dog. The breed was primarily used for hunting rabbits because of its exceptional ability and athleticism to hunt on the rough terrain of Ibiza. Ibizan Hounds are a 3-way hunter and hunt via sight, hearing and scent. Caution is advised with smaller pets such as rabbits, cats, rodents etc. as they have an innate instinct to hunt especially when that smaller pet is moving fast.  With that said, many ibizan hounds share the home easily with other smaller pets.  

 

What is an ibizan Hound?

The Ibizan Hound is an even-tempered, energetic, incredibly athletic and agile sight hound.  They are a gracious, kind, gentle and loving family pet. Ibizans need to have an active life.  They require a great deal of exercise and should get at least one good run each day. The Ibizan should definitely be kept in a fenced-in yard. They can easily jump a 6 feet from a standstill, so many breeders recommend a fence that is at least 6 feet high.  Off-leash activities are not recommended unless the dog has a very good re-call but with that remember that the Ibizan has a strong instinct to chase and in these circumstances have "selective" hearing meaning they may not hear you until the chase is over.  If you are to take your ibizan off-leash make sure it is in an area that is safe and far away from traffic.

What's it like to live with an ibizan Hound?

Living with an Ibizan Hound means having a loving companion. They get along well with children and other dogs but can be reserved with strangers. While intelligent, they can also be independent and stubborn. However, it's important to keep them mentally stimulated to prevent boredom and potential mischief like counter-surfing for food. Ibizans are playful, silly, clownish, and sometimes mischievous but are also sweet and sensitive. A sense of humour is a must have to live with an ibizan.

What can I do with my ibizan Hound?

With an Ibizan Hound, you can engage in various activities such as lure-coursing, sprinters, rally, obedience, barn hunt, etc. Their versatility allows them to excel in many areas. Additionally, they make great family pets due to their loving and gentle nature. They enjoy learning but prefer short fun training sessions with lots of food motivation.