Sighthound Medium size 20-29 kg

Ibizan Hound

An athletic, agile sighthound that can clear tall fences - affectionate and clean, but with high prey drive and a need for secure exercise.

Compare
Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
20-29 kg, 56-74 cm
High
Activity
Athletic; needs regular hard running and play
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Handles a normal workday with routine
Moderate
Trainability
Bright but independent; sensitive to harshness
Minimal
Coat care
Short coat; minimal upkeep
Good
Fit with kids
Good with kids given supervision
Cautious
Other pets
Strong prey drive; caution around small pets
Light
Health burden
Generally sound; some allergy and seizure risk

The Ibizan Hound typically weighs 20-29 kg, stands 56-74 cm, and lives 12-14 years.

Consider this breed if…

you can provide a very tall, secure fence for an agile jumper,
you want a clean, quiet, affectionate dog that relaxes indoors,
you enjoy giving a sensitive, athletic dog daily exercise and play,
you accept that recall may be unreliable around running animals.

Do not consider this breed if…

your yard fence is low or easy to climb, or you have none,
you have small free-roaming pets like rabbits or cats,
you plan to train with heavy corrections on a sensitive dog,
you want a low-energy couch dog that needs little running.

A typical day with a Ibizan Hound

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Leashed walk plus a safe gallop in an enclosed space
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Deep rest indoors; it loves a warm, soft spot
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Sniffy leashed walk around the neighborhood
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Free run or lure coursing in a securely fenced area
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Play and calm family time on the couch
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Curls up in a padded bed, often under a blanket

Temperament and training

Trainability Moderate
Prey drive Very high
Sensitivity High
Independence High
Affection to family High
Guarding tendency Low
Common owner mistakes
Underestimating the jump; standard fences do not contain this breed · Trusting off-leash recall near wildlife or small animals · Using harsh corrections on a sensitive dog that shuts down

Family and environment

Kids Good
Gentle and playful; supervise rough handling of a lean dog.
Dogs Good
Usually sociable, especially with other sighthounds.
Cats Poor
Strong prey drive; risky with cats and small pets.
Apartment Conditional
Quiet and clean indoors if given regular hard running outside.
House with a yard Suitable
A very tall, secure fence is essential for a jumper.
City Conditional
Manages with access to safe off-leash space.
Countryside Ideal
Room to sprint in enclosed land suits it best.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Allergies & Skin Issues Environmental and food triggers can affect the breed
Seizures / Epilepsy Reported in some lines; usually managed with medication
Anesthesia Sensitivity Lean sighthounds need a vet experienced with the breed
Dental Disease Routine home care and cleanings reduce risk

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Very similar athletic Mediterranean sighthound
Pharaoh Hound
A sleek, ancient sighthound that blushes when excited; affectionate and clean but needs secure space to run.
View profile →
Related rabbit-hunting hound type
Portuguese Podengo
A hardy, alert Portuguese hunter that is generally healthy and lively - its independence and prey drive call for a securely fenced home.
View profile →
Smaller, calmer sighthound alternative
Whippet
A quiet apartment sprinter: 30 minutes of running, 23 hours of couch - just never trust it off leash near small animals.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Ibizan Hound cost?
In the US, expect roughly $1,500-$2,500 from a reputable breeder, though the breed is uncommon, so litters are limited and a waitlist is likely. As with any dog, the lifetime figure is larger: food, routine care, and dental work run several thousand dollars over the years, and lean sighthounds benefit from a vet familiar with their anesthesia sensitivity.
Can an Ibizan Hound jump a fence?
Yes, and this is a defining trait. Ibizan Hounds are exceptional jumpers and climbers that can clear or scale fences most dogs cannot. A tall, secure fence, commonly 6 feet or more, is essential, and they should never be left loose in a poorly enclosed yard.
Are Ibizan Hounds good with cats and small pets?
Usually not. Their prey drive is strong and fast-moving animals trigger the chase. Some individuals raised with a specific cat can learn to tolerate it, but the breed is a poor match for homes with rabbits, rodents, or free-roaming small pets.
Are Ibizan Hounds easy to train?
They are intelligent but independent and sensitive. They respond well to patient, reward-based training and poorly to harsh corrections, which can make them shut down. Recall in particular is hard to make reliable because their instinct to chase can override commands.