What Are Ibizans Like?
Really, this is probably the most important part of the website, and the part most people want to know about. Due to being a rare breed, the majority of people have never met a "Beezer" or at least met them outside of shows or Lure Coursing events. I think it's extremely important to try and meet them outside these settings, as only meeting them at events will give you a skewed idea of what the breed is actually like on a daily basis.
Ibizans are a remarkable breed, and they frequently charm even those people who realize they aren't suited for them. What are they like to live with? I usually joke that my Afghan has strange dog body language to other Afghans because she was raised by circus clowns. Overall, the thing most required for owning an Ibizan is a sense of humor, and probably some humility.
There are several common questions and stereotypes of the breed that are pretty easy to address here:
Ibizans are a remarkable breed, and they frequently charm even those people who realize they aren't suited for them. What are they like to live with? I usually joke that my Afghan has strange dog body language to other Afghans because she was raised by circus clowns. Overall, the thing most required for owning an Ibizan is a sense of humor, and probably some humility.
There are several common questions and stereotypes of the breed that are pretty easy to address here:
What is their energy level like?
- I would consider Ibizans to be on the medium to high energy level scale. Most people expect a sighthound to be pretty calm and quiet in the house, but it's worth keeping in mind that Ibizans (and other Podenco breeds) are not true sighthounds. While energy most definitely varies based on pedigree lines, in general the breed is an active family companion and well-suited for hiking, jogging, or a variety of sports.
Do they require a fenced yard?
- This is a bit tricky to answer. Certainly, they are much EASIER if you have a fenced yard for them to run and play in. A yard isn't a magic answer for their energy needs either though - they get bored easily, and if the yard isn't large or if they can't see outside it (ie: privacy fencing) then they may start to consider checking out what's on the other side of the fence. Ibizans are tremendously athletic, and it's hardwired into their genes to be willing and able to jump enormous heights to get what they want. That being said, I have not had any significant problems teaching barrier respect, but in some cases this does require hot wire fencing or other intervention. As mentioned, I think this is often worse with privacy or solid fencing where they have to go up to see what's happening on the other side. You absolutely can own this breed without a fenced yard, or even in an apartment. It requires more commitment and work to meet their needs, but plenty of people (myself included) have made this work. I do think it's important for them to have somewhere they can free run at will though - it's important that they have the opportunities to learn to use their bodies at speed. This prevents injury and just generally makes them more fulfilled.
Can they be off leash?
- This is another tricky one. I would be a hypocrite to say no, as I hunt mine off leash and they are frequently off leash at running events. The breed is also created to work off leash, independently of their human but in cooperation. Contrary to what some will tell you, they absolutely can be taught recall, although with varying degrees of success. Some of them are very easy and some are independent as hell when they are outside. Hunt drive is a huge factor in this - you will read lots of discussion of prey drive, but really it's the hunt drive that shakes up their brain, in my opinion. Almost all Ibizans will chase something that's moving, but it's the ones who are constantly on the hunt and actively seeking new prey that are the difficult ones. In short, I would never have them off leash in a populated area or around traffic and I would say that if you take them off leash then at some point you WILL lose them after prey. It's inevitable. The good news is that they do come back quite readily when they've lost or caught prey, even the ones who have hunt drive off the meter. You just need to make sure that you are losing them in a safe location away from traffic. Constant training and relationship building in critical if you are considering taking them off leash. I would not recommend trying it without some significant experience in training recall and training recall with strong distractions. You will be a blip on their radar of amazing things outside.
How are they with other animals?
- They are amazing with other dogs, or should be. They are a pack breed, and an Ibizan that can't or won't get along with other dogs is very faulty in my eyes. They usually are the life of the party and get along with basically any dog and I think they actually thrive best with another dog friend or two (or three). They especially love other Ibizans. They can be raised in most cases to love and value cats and other small house pets as family, but it's important to recognize that some of them are never fully trustworthy even if they are raised with them. However, most of them can learn to recognize almost anything as a family member. This does not always translate to outdoors though - some can be loving and safe with the family indoor cat but still kill a cat outside.
How are they at sports?
- Obviously, there are some sports at which they excel. They are almost always naturals when it comes to Lure Coursing or racing or other running sports. When it comes to sports that require drilling and finesse, it's hit or miss. Things like Agility are very suited for their athletic abilities, but they are infamous for giving a perfect run followed by a wild party. They are never going to be fully reliable in sports requiring obedience; they may be perfect or not, depending on their mood. Many are well-suited for Scentwork or Barn Hunt, which engage parts of their brain that they use in hunting mode. In Europe, some people have had success with them in tracking and bloodtrailing, although this hasn't been a common use in the US so far. Some Ibizans like water and could do well Dock Diving, but a good portion of the breed is not a fan of water and it's not a breed I would choose first for a highly competitive level. I have only heard of one taking part in Flyball, and it's not a sport I imagine the average Ibizan staying on task for.
What are some general pros and cons?
- They are extremely sweet and empathetic with their family. They are amazing family dogs and generally just very loving and affectionate pets. They are funny and quickly pick up quirks to make you laugh at them. They will often pair their energy to your mood and can be quiet and affectionate as well as rowdy and ridiculous.
- They are independent outside and will often "go deaf" if they are hunting. It's critically important to constantly work on recall, even if you never plan to take them off leash. Recall saves lives.
- Some of them are persistent barkers. They will bark while playing or they will bark at something exciting, but they typically do not bark without reason. Frustration or attention-seeking can lead to some persistent barkers, and this often doesn't go over well with neighbors. However, most of them are not difficult in this regard.
- They can get into anything. I've had one unlock and open my front door and climb to the top of my fridge after his favorite chewies. They can open gates, cupboards, fridges, etc. Locks are a must on gates and on anything you want to keep them out of. Most of the are highly intelligent and problem solvers - if they want something they will be very determined to get it.
- The prey drive and hunt drive can make walking and hiking a challenge. They will be drawn to chase most small critters and movement, and some of them will be hunting the entire time you are walking them and paying little attention to you. The hunt drive in some of them can be enormous and difficult to control. They can and will kill small critters outside.
- Some lines especially can be aloof with strangers. As a general rule, I consider them to be quite friendly meeting new people, but some of them have to think about it first.
- They typically are amazing with children. While any dog should be supervised with children, Ibizans seem to accept kids the same way they do puppies or other dogs - just cheerfully welcoming them as part of the fun group.
Other Questions?
If there is something you would like to know that I have neglected to answer, or you would like me to expand on any of these answers, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. You can email me at [email protected] with any Ibizan questions.