What is it like to live with an Ibizan?
This is perhaps the most common question I get about the breed and probably the most important if you're looking into owning one of these awesome dogs. As this is still a rare breed, the majority of people have only met a "Beezer" at conformation shows or Lure Coursing events. When seriously considering this breed I highly recommend meeting some outside of those settings to get a fuller idea of their personalities so you can make a more informed decision. If you need help finding owners in your area, please feel free to reach out!
Overall, the most important requirements for owning an Ibizan Hound are a sense of humor, the ability to pivot in training, and some humility. The breed is known for their clownish nature.
What is their energy level like?
I would consider the average Ibizan medium to high energy. Higher through their puppyhood, adolescence, and young adulthood (which can last a good number of years). Unlike many sighthound breeds, whom most people may expect to be calm and quiet in the house, Ibizans tend to be busier and potentially louder in the home. It's important to remember that Ibizan Hounds (and other Podenco breeds) are not true sighthounds, they are "Warren Hounds", a type of multi-sense hunting hound that uses their ears, nose, and eyes to hunt. Energy level does vary by line, but overall the Ibizan is an active family dog well suited to hiking, jogging, and a variety of other sports.
How are they with other animals?
Ibizan Hounds should be good with other dogs, as they are meant to hunt in large packs. An Ibizan that is completely intolerant of other socially appropriate dogs is a significantly faulty in my eyes. That said, general size/energy level considerations should be taken so all dogs have a fun time. Ibizans tend to be the life of the party and in my experience enjoy having at least another dog friend (or a few). I've noticed that they do truly know their own breed and love spending time amongst their own kind. Ibizan Hounds, in most cases, can be raised to love and value cats and other small house pets, but it's important to remember not all will ever be fully trustworthy. Many Ibizans also won't necessarily translate their in the house friend to outdoors. I know many who are loving and safe with an indoor cat but would kill an outdoor cat.
Overall, the most important requirements for owning an Ibizan Hound are a sense of humor, the ability to pivot in training, and some humility. The breed is known for their clownish nature.
What is their energy level like?
I would consider the average Ibizan medium to high energy. Higher through their puppyhood, adolescence, and young adulthood (which can last a good number of years). Unlike many sighthound breeds, whom most people may expect to be calm and quiet in the house, Ibizans tend to be busier and potentially louder in the home. It's important to remember that Ibizan Hounds (and other Podenco breeds) are not true sighthounds, they are "Warren Hounds", a type of multi-sense hunting hound that uses their ears, nose, and eyes to hunt. Energy level does vary by line, but overall the Ibizan is an active family dog well suited to hiking, jogging, and a variety of other sports.
How are they with other animals?
Ibizan Hounds should be good with other dogs, as they are meant to hunt in large packs. An Ibizan that is completely intolerant of other socially appropriate dogs is a significantly faulty in my eyes. That said, general size/energy level considerations should be taken so all dogs have a fun time. Ibizans tend to be the life of the party and in my experience enjoy having at least another dog friend (or a few). I've noticed that they do truly know their own breed and love spending time amongst their own kind. Ibizan Hounds, in most cases, can be raised to love and value cats and other small house pets, but it's important to remember not all will ever be fully trustworthy. Many Ibizans also won't necessarily translate their in the house friend to outdoors. I know many who are loving and safe with an indoor cat but would kill an outdoor cat.
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Can they be off leash reliable?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. I can't say no, as mine are frequently off leash while competing in a number of dog events, during training, and occasionally when I get the chance to let them run and hunt. The breed is originally meant to work off leash and independent of their people, though in cooperation. However, access to the stretches of land that allow them to stay relatively safe is hard to find. Despite what some may tell you, Ibizans can be taught a recall. How effective that recall is, can vary some will be incredibly consistent and some won't be. Either way, I highly suggest working on a recall with any dog for their safety. Ibizans tend to have two facets to their prey drive. Some consider them separate and refer to them as "hunt drive" and "prey drive". Most Ibizan Hounds, like most sighthounds, will chase something that's moving. Then you have the Ibizans who are actively searching for new prey, these are the dogs that are usually harder to recall when off leash/out hunting. To make a long story short, I would never have them off leash in an unfenced/contained area in a populated area or around traffic. If you do take them off leash in an unfenced/contained area, understand that they WILL take off after prey at some point. It's not a question of if, but when. Constant relationship building and training is absolutely critical if you are considering taking them off leash. I would strongly advise against trying it without some significant experience in training recalls and training recalls with strong distractions, otherwise you won't register at all to them amongst the wonders of the great outdoors.
Do they need a fenced yard?
This is another one that there isn't a black and white answer to. While having a fenced yard can make owning an Ibizan Hound easier, it isn't a magic outlet for their energy. They can get bored and if not otherwise entertained they may start considering investigating what's on the other side of that fence. Ibizans are naturally athletic dogs and are hardwired to be willing and able to leap great heights to get where they want to go. That said, I haven't had an issue teaching barrier respect with my crew. While more difficult, it's not impossible to own this breed in an apartment. I know many who have successfully owned and raised Ibizan Hounds in an apartment or without a fenced yard. It does take additional effort and dedication. However, ensuring they have opportunities to fully stretch out and run is important to their wellbeing and development
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. I can't say no, as mine are frequently off leash while competing in a number of dog events, during training, and occasionally when I get the chance to let them run and hunt. The breed is originally meant to work off leash and independent of their people, though in cooperation. However, access to the stretches of land that allow them to stay relatively safe is hard to find. Despite what some may tell you, Ibizans can be taught a recall. How effective that recall is, can vary some will be incredibly consistent and some won't be. Either way, I highly suggest working on a recall with any dog for their safety. Ibizans tend to have two facets to their prey drive. Some consider them separate and refer to them as "hunt drive" and "prey drive". Most Ibizan Hounds, like most sighthounds, will chase something that's moving. Then you have the Ibizans who are actively searching for new prey, these are the dogs that are usually harder to recall when off leash/out hunting. To make a long story short, I would never have them off leash in an unfenced/contained area in a populated area or around traffic. If you do take them off leash in an unfenced/contained area, understand that they WILL take off after prey at some point. It's not a question of if, but when. Constant relationship building and training is absolutely critical if you are considering taking them off leash. I would strongly advise against trying it without some significant experience in training recalls and training recalls with strong distractions, otherwise you won't register at all to them amongst the wonders of the great outdoors.
Do they need a fenced yard?
This is another one that there isn't a black and white answer to. While having a fenced yard can make owning an Ibizan Hound easier, it isn't a magic outlet for their energy. They can get bored and if not otherwise entertained they may start considering investigating what's on the other side of that fence. Ibizans are naturally athletic dogs and are hardwired to be willing and able to leap great heights to get where they want to go. That said, I haven't had an issue teaching barrier respect with my crew. While more difficult, it's not impossible to own this breed in an apartment. I know many who have successfully owned and raised Ibizan Hounds in an apartment or without a fenced yard. It does take additional effort and dedication. However, ensuring they have opportunities to fully stretch out and run is important to their wellbeing and development
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How do they do in dog sports?
While an Ibizan Hound may not immediately come to mind, they do better than one might expect. Ibizans excel naturally in the running sports such as Lure Coursing, amateur straight racing, or amateur oval track racing. Many Ibizans also do well in sports such as Barn Hunt, Nosework, or NASDA as those sports engage the hunting part of their brain. Other sports like Agility, Rally, and Obedience aren't out of the realm of possibility, but take a different approach to more traditional breeds for those sports. Keeping repetition low and success high is a good way to start. There are some Ibizans who are training in Tracking and Flyball, though not very many. If you find yourself with an Ibizan that likes the water, Dock Diving could also be a fun sport to try! When it comes to training, trialing, and succeeding with an Ibizan Hound in non-instinct based sports, it's less of a winding path and more a jaunt through the woods. Building value in, and rewarding engagement and drive when they are young, as well as keeping training sessions short and successful help immensely. I think the biggest determining factor with regards to success in the non-instinct based sports is how your natural and preferred training style matches up to your Ibizan Hound. For me, I find them easy to train, live, and work with, but would find a Border Collie very difficult due to the difference in training needs.
While an Ibizan Hound may not immediately come to mind, they do better than one might expect. Ibizans excel naturally in the running sports such as Lure Coursing, amateur straight racing, or amateur oval track racing. Many Ibizans also do well in sports such as Barn Hunt, Nosework, or NASDA as those sports engage the hunting part of their brain. Other sports like Agility, Rally, and Obedience aren't out of the realm of possibility, but take a different approach to more traditional breeds for those sports. Keeping repetition low and success high is a good way to start. There are some Ibizans who are training in Tracking and Flyball, though not very many. If you find yourself with an Ibizan that likes the water, Dock Diving could also be a fun sport to try! When it comes to training, trialing, and succeeding with an Ibizan Hound in non-instinct based sports, it's less of a winding path and more a jaunt through the woods. Building value in, and rewarding engagement and drive when they are young, as well as keeping training sessions short and successful help immensely. I think the biggest determining factor with regards to success in the non-instinct based sports is how your natural and preferred training style matches up to your Ibizan Hound. For me, I find them easy to train, live, and work with, but would find a Border Collie very difficult due to the difference in training needs.
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Some Quick Pros/Cons
- Some Ibizans can be persistent barkers. They tend to vocalize while playing and often bark at something exciting. They usually are barking for a reason, though frustration or attention-seeking can lead to some persistent demand barking that can be problematic with neighbors.
- The breed tends to be extremely sweet and empathetic with their family. They are wonderful family dogs and loving, affectionate pets. They are clownish and will quickly pick up little quirks to make you laugh at them. They tend to match their energy to your mood and run the whole gamut of rowdy to serene and everything in between!
- These dogs can get into anything! I've heard stories of dogs unlocking doors, climbing on kitchen tables and refrigerators all to get to their favorite snack. Locks on gates or anything you want to keep them out of is a must. They are highly intelligent and great problem solvers. Keeping their needs met physically and mentally will help.
- Recall is something that needs regular consistent maintenance. Many Ibizans are independent outdoors and will often turn off their listening ears if they're hunting. Even if you never plan to take them off leash, remember, recall saves lives
- Along those lines, the prey drive is very real with this breed. It can make hiking/walking frustrating if they are hunting the whole time. It also means that your Ibizan is likely to catch and dispatch at least some small critter during it's life. Some will bring you their catch alive as well, so it's something to be aware of.
- The temperament of the breed does vary depending on the lines. Some lines tend to be more aloof with strangers. Overall, I consider them to be friendly, but some need more time to warm up than others. If this is a concern for you, make sure to discuss it with your breeder.
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Looking to learn more about the Ibizan Hound? Check out the IHCUS website or feel free to reach out!
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