At a glance the quick version
The AKC standard gives averages only: about 50 lb (22.7 kg) for dogs and 45 lb (20.4 kg) for bitches. The FCI standard sets no weight.
Wikipedia gives 12-14 years; The Royal Kennel Club lists over 10 years.
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.132
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.321
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.43
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.21
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 1979.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Ibizan Hounds can jump remarkable heights from a standing start.2
- 2
On its home islands it is used to hunt rabbits without guns, working by day and at night in packs.1
- 3
The FCI standard recognises three coat types, smooth, rough and long, while the AKC standard recognises two.1
- 4
Its nose, eye rims, ears and paw pads are a light flesh or tan colour, and its eyes are amber.2
- 5
The AKC describes it as a world-class sprinter and leaper.5
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 04.02.2000.1
- AKC
- Hound Group; fully recognised in 1979 (per Wikipedia). Current standard approved 8 February 2022, effective 4 May 2022.3
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Hound group; not a vulnerable native breed.4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Ibizan Hound. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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.6
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.7
How often should I bathe an Ibizan Hound?
Furry Diary'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.8 Furry Diary 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.43 Furry Diary 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.8 Furry Diary 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.8 Furry Diary 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.321
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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Pharaoh Hound
Cirneco dell'Etna
Podenco Canario
Portuguese PodengoLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI standard no. 89, Podenco Ibicenco fci.beused for origin, recognition, height, coat, colours, use, history
- Ibizan Hound, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, AKC year, lifespan, history, fun facts
- AKC Official Standard of the Ibizan Hound images.akc.orgused for height, weight, coat, colours, temperament
- Ibizan Hound, The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, home
- Ibizan Hound, AKC akc.orgused for traits, activity
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.