Ibizan Hounds are large dogs. Males weigh around 50 pounds and stand 23.5 to 27.5 inches tall, while females weigh around 45 pounds and stand 22.5 to 26 inches tall.

Ibizan Hounds are shades of red and white in various pattern types, including solid red, solid white, and combinations of red and white.

Yes, Ibizan Hounds shed moderately.

Ibizan Hounds live 11 to 14 years. Like all breeds, their lifespan is influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health care. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help ensure your Ibizan Hound lives a long, happy life.

Ibizan Hounds stop growing at 12 to 18 months of age. They continue to fill out and gain muscle mass until they are about two years old. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will encourage healthy growth during their early development.

Ibizan Hounds are from the Mediterranean island of Ibiza off the coast of Spain. Ancient Egyptian sculptures place the ancestors of this breed back to 2400 B.C.E. Phoenician traders spread this breed to the Balearic Islands off of Spain thousands of years ago, where they became the devoted companions of hunters.

There are two types of Ibizan Hound: the smooth-haired variety and the wire-haired variety.

Yes, Ibizan Hounds are rare, especially outside their native Spain. While they have gained popularity as companion animals and show dogs, they’re not as common as Labs, Golden Retrievers, or other popular breeds commonly seen at the dog park.

No, Ibizan Hounds don’t bark a lot. These quiet dogs are most likely to bark to alert their families to new sights and sounds.

Yes, Ibizan Hounds are good family dogs. Affectionate and spirited, this athletic breed will be happiest with a family who loves to jog and stay active. Ibizan Hounds form loving, affectionate bonds with the people in their lives, but their families should be sure to keep them on-leash as this breed loves to run and chase, well, anything.

Yes, Ibizan Hounds are relatively easy to train given their intelligence and eagerness to please. They do have a strong independent streak and can be stubborn, which can make training a challenge for a novice. Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, work best for motivating them, as well as keeping training sessions short. With consistency and patience, you’ll see great results training your Ibizan Hound. Also, keep in mind that even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, training any dog requires a long-term commitment.

No, Ibizan Hounds aren’t couch potatoes. This active and energetic breed loves to run and play. While they can relax and enjoy downtime with their families, Ibizan Hounds thrive best in active households where they get plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Regular exercise is important to keep them happy and healthy.

Yes, Ibizan Hounds are good with kids. Like most hounds, Ibizan Hounds are gentle, kind, and playful around children. As with any breed, It’s important for pet parents to teach their dogs how to gently interact with children and supervise all interactions with them to make sure everyone stays safe. It’s also crucial for parents to teach kids how to interact gently with all dog breeds and recognize when they need space.

No, Ibizan Hounds aren’t a good fit with cats. Because Ibizan Hounds were bred as hunting dogs, they have a strong instinct to chase small, furry things, which is not the best for a cat roommate. But if an Ibizan Hound and cat are raised together, these two are more likely to peacefully coexist in the same household.

No, Ibizan Hounds don’t have a lot of health problems. Like most primitive breeds, as well as most hounds, the Ibizan Hound is a robust breed free from most genetic disorders.

Some diseases Ibizan Hounds may be prone to include:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Though the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities present in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing an Ibizan Hound, have them checked out by a vet to see if they are prone to dysplasia.

• Eye issues: Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a progressive degenerative disease affecting the retina that eventually leads to blindness; cataracts, a common eye condition that causes cloudiness in the eye and obstructs vision; and retinal dysplasia, a painless malformation of the retina that can cause vision obstructions.

• Axonal dystrophy: This is a rare neurological disorder that causes a progressive decline in nerve cell function. The brain’s nerve cells lose their ability to transmit to each other normally, which causes a loss of coordination. As the disease progresses, you will notice your dog may begin stumbling, experience head tremors, suffer from incontinence, and develop secondary pneumonia.

• Others: Epilepsy, which is a seizure disorder; sensitivity to anesthesia; dental issues; and congenital deafness.

To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend hip, eye, and hearing tests for your dog.

No, Ibizan Hounds are not hypoallergenic. (No dog truly is!) Even with a short coat that doesn’t shed as much as some breeds, they still produce allergens through their skin, saliva, and urine. If you or someone in your household is concerned about allergies, spend time with an Ibizan Hound before making a decision.

Yes, you need to groom an Ibizan Hound, though their grooming needs are low-key compared to other dogs. The occasional brushing will keep shedding at bay and their coats looking healthy.