Ibizan Hound
Male: 22-23 kg; Female: 19-20 kg
Male: 66-72 cm; Female: 60-67 cm
12-14 years
Spain (Balearic Islands, specifically Ibiza)
About the Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound, or 'Podenco Ibicenco', is a lithe and elegant sighthound that has remained remarkably unchanged for centuries. Originating from the Balearic Islands of Spain, these dogs were prized for their ability to hunt rabbits across rocky landscapes using a unique combination of sight, scent, and keen hearing. They are famous for their massive, upright ears and their ability to leap incredible heights from a standstill. In the home, they are quiet, clean, and affectionate companions with a peculiar sense of humour, often engaging in 'clown-like' antics to entertain their owners. While they are sensitive and gentle, their independent streak and high prey drive require a dedicated owner who understands the nuances of sighthound temperament. They are medium-to-large dogs but carry very little body fat, giving them a refined, sculptural appearance.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the ring, the Ibizan Hound exhibits a 'hovering' trot with a light, ground-covering reach and drive that suggests effortless suspension. Their most striking attribute is the large, mobile, rhomboid ears that signal intense alertness. The breed standard calls for a lithe, 'deer-like' elegance, characterized by a slightly arched loin and a long, slender neck. They possess a unique rose-coloured pigment on the nose and eye rims that must harmonise with the coat.
In Australia
1973, when the first pair was imported from the United Kingdom by Mrs. B. Hill of the Birrarung kennel in Victoria.
Bred For
Hunting rabbits (hare) by day or night through sight, scent, and hearing in rugged terrain.
Temperament
Independent, athletic, polite, and playful; often described as 'clownish' within their family while remaining somewhat aloof with strangers.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
The breed is predisposed to seizures (), autoimmune thyroiditis, , (), and (primarily in white-dominant coats). Deep-chested conformation also puts them at risk for ().
Grooming Needs
Low; smooth and wire-coated varieties both require minimal weekly brushing and basic ear cleaning and nail maintenance.
Living Suitability
Requires a home with a very large, securely fenced yard (at least 6ft high). While they are quiet indoors, their need for explosive bursts of speed makes them unsuitable for small apartments unless very high daily activity is provided.
Good with Kids
Generally good with children, especially when raised with them, though they are sensitive and prefer a calm environment; better suited for older, respectful children.
Good with Other Pets
Usually excellent with other dogs; however, they have an extremely high prey drive and are generally not safe with cats, rabbits, or small pocket pets unless socialised extensively from puppyhood (and even then, caution is required).
Trainability
Highly intelligent but independent and easily bored; they respond best to positive reinforcement and 'what's in it for me' motivation rather than repetitive drill-style training.
Coat & Colours
Smooth or Wire (hard, rough, and dense).. White and red, solid white, or solid red.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Prospective owners should be aware that Ibizan Hounds are incredible escape artists; they can easily clear a 5-foot fence from a standing start, so secure 6-foot fencing is a must. Like many sighthounds, they are predisposed to bloat (GDV) due to their deep-chested anatomy—this doesn't mean every Ibizan will experience it, but feeding smaller, frequent meals and avoiding exercise around feeding times is a wise precaution. They have very thin skin and minimal body fat, making them more likely to feel the cold; they will require coats during Australian winters and soft bedding to prevent pressure sores. Their prey drive is instinctive and intense—they may not be reliable off-lead in unenclosed spaces as they will chase anything that moves. Some individuals are predisposed to skin sensitivities or allergies, often reacting to environmental triggers or low-quality commercial fillers, though many thrive when switched to a clean, fresh-food diet. Finally, they are known for an independent 'hound' streak—while they love their humans, they aren't always eager to obey commands immediately if there's something more interesting to sniff.
Feeding Guide for Your Ibizan Hound
Healthy Weight
19-23 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
420-690 grams
For a healthy adult Ibizan Hound, feeding should focus on lean proteins to support their high activity levels without adding unnecessary weight. A fresh food diet consisting of 2-3% of their ideal body weight is recommended. For a 21kg dog, this equates to roughly 420g to 630g per day, split into two meals to mitigate the risk of bloat.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-protein, lean-meat diet is ideal to maintain their lithe, athletic frame and high metabolism. They often thrive on fresh, raw diets with minimal fillers.
A sighthound-specific raw diet should prioritise lean red meats like Majestik’s Kangaroo, which is naturally low in fat. This should be balanced with 10% organ meats (liver and kidney) and 10% edible bone for calcium. Include pulverized leafy greens and berries for antioxidants. Avoid high-carbohydrate fillers that can lead to unhealthy weight gain on their slender frames. Majestik's Beef or Chicken options provide excellent protein variety, but Kangaroo is the gold standard for maintaining their lean muscle mass.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Ibizan Hound Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Ibizan Hound? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
6-8 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.