HareHill Hounds

home of america's top ibizan hounds

Living with Ibizan Hounds

Ibizan Hounds are very intelligent dogs. The breed dates back almost 5000 years. They are elegant and regal, yet can act like a clown.

They learn quickly but usually want to do things on their terms. When teaching them something new, you need to somehow convince them that it was their idea to do it. They respond well to praise and positive reinforcement.

Ibizans are also very sensitive dogs and will never forget any cruelty. However, when brought up with love, they will become your loyal friend for life. A gentle hand and many treats will get you far with an Ibizan.

This breed may appear aloof to strangers but should never be fearful or aggressive. Good socialization, as with many breeds, is a must.

Ibizan Hounds require a good amount of daily exercise. They are a swift-footed sighthound and will run down prey if the opportunity presents itself. Since they can jump great heights from a stand still, a high fence is recommended. In addition, they should never be allowed off leash when not in a secure, confined area.

Ibizans bark. And loudly. Not all the time. But they can, and do bark. Some beezers are more vocal than others.

They don't constantly shed their fur as some breeds might. But they do blow coat when the weather changes. So expect some dog hair around the house.


Catdog

6 basic rules for living with your Ibizan

  1. Daily exercise
  2. Socialize your dog
  3. Use a leash
  4. Fence your yard
  5. Put food away
  6. Patience and a soft touch

1. Daily exercise

Ibizan Hounds are very agile and active. They require regular excerise. A good daily walk or a run in the yard is usually sufficient. For a real treat, take them coursing.

When out, our guys run around the house. While we don't encourge this play, we haven't found it be much of a problem. They are agile enough to jump over tables and chairs and not break stuff.

2. Socialize your dog

Ibizans are very good with children and other pets. Socializing your dog at an early age is key. Take them on frequent walks through your neighborhood. Get them used to other people and dogs. And remember to always walk them on a leash.

3. Use a leash

They are sighthounds and their natural instinct is to chase down small prey, without a second thought to your lot line or that car coming down the street. This instinct can (and will) override any training you do that teaches them to sit or stay. When they take off, you must first get their attention before they'll stop or come back. When they're running 20+ mph, it's difficult to get their attention.

Ibizan Hounds are still used on the island of Ibiza for rabbit hunting. And they are very effective at it. This video shows Ibizan Hounds hunting rabbits in Spain.

4. Fence your yard

These guys are bred for hunting rabbit in rocky terrain, they have the ability to leap 5-6 feet straight up from a stand still, they can easily clear many fences. A 5-foot fence should be sufficient. Since we live in the country, we had our fence (pictured above) made seven feet tall.

5. Put food away

Ibizian Hounds are very "food motivated". They are adept counter surfers and are not shy about helping themselves to your meal either. Any unattended food is fair game.


 
Gone in 60 seconds!
Bunny took an entire pork tenderloin off the dinner table and inhaled it - while we were sitting there. We had a good laugh about at the time. But, it is very dangerous for a dog to eat so much, so quickly. They can bloat and die. We kept a close eye on her and put her in her crate to keep her calm for the rest of the evening.

Now we put all the doggies away during meal time. We normally feed them around the same time we eat. The whole thing becomes pretty routine. And we can eat in peace.

On another occasion Bunny ate two loafs of Wonder Bread. Mind you she didn't tear the bags open. She took the twist-ties off and removed the bread from the bags. All food must now go in the pantry. Until she figures out how to open that door.

A friend of ours has her beezers trained to leave food alone. They seem to be the exception that proves the rule.

6. Patience and a soft touch

When you train your beezer, use a soft touch. They're hounds and behave differently than hearding or working dogs. They don't respond well to a firm hand. If you try and force an Ibizan to do something, you could hurt their spirit and end up with a very shy, unresponsive dog. Patience is virtue. Eventually they do get it.

Yes, Ibizan Hounds can be trained. Several have their obedience and agility titles.