Ibizan Hound dog breed’s history can be traced back to 3400 B.C. in ancient Egypt, where artifacts from many well-known tombs bear a striking resemblance to today’s dogs. What is unknown is how the breed went from Egypt to the island of Ibiza where the breed got its name. This sighthound is an athlete with a body and legs made for running. An
Ibizan Hound stands between 22.5 and 27.5 inches and weighs 45 to 50 pounds. The head is long and narrow, with amber eyes, a pink nose, and large, upright, uncropped ears. The back is level, and the chest is deep. The tail is long and sickle-shaped. There are two coat types—smooth Ibizan Hound and wirehaired Ibizan Hound. Coat colors include white and red, solid white or red, or any combination. Both coat types require twice weekly brushing to keep them neat and clean.
Ibizan Hound puppies are very active and quite silly; they love to play. Although adults are not quite as busy, they still enjoy a good run and should get a chance to run off leash in a safe place at least once a day. Young Ibizan Hounds who do not get enough exercise will get into trouble and can be problem chewers. The Ibizan Hound breed can be wary with strangers, so early socialization is very important.
Training should begin early, too, to deter some of the puppy antics that might otherwise occur. Ibizan puppies mature quite slowly, so training should continue into adulthood. The Ibizan Hound breed’s active body and bright mind make it a wonderful participant in many canine sports, including lure coursing, flyball, flying disc, and agility. This breed needs a well-fenced-in yard to keep it safe, as it is a natural hunter.
The owner should be active and want to do things with the Ibizan Hound dog; the Ibizan Hound does not do well when left alone for hours each day. Adult Ibizan Hounds are good with children, but puppies can be rowdy. Although good with other dogs, this breed has a strong prey drive and so should not be trusted with smaller pets. Health concerns include sensitivities to medications.
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The AKC Standard says, “Lithe and racy, the Ibizan possesses a deerlike elegance combined with the power of a hunter.”
Once past the boisterous puppy stage, the sleek Ibizan Hound is quiet, gentle, and relaxed indoors and can be a couch potato.
However, true to his heritage, he is also a swift and athletic dog who needs running exercise in a safe, enclosed area.
He loves to leap, and he is incredibly graceful and light on his feet, without equal as a high-jumper and broad-jumper. Fences must be at least six feet high – the top of the refrigerator is not out of his reach.
Polite but watchful with strangers, the Ibizan Hound does need early and extensive socialization to develop a confident, outgoing personality. Most are effective watchdogs and some have protective instincts, which is unusual for a sighthound.
“Beezers” are good with other dogs, but likely to pursue (and catch!) smaller pets.
The Ibizan Hound learns quickly and enjoys activities such as obedience and agility (when they are made interesting and challenging), but he is a freethinker who doesn’t obey mindlessly. He must be handled calmly and persuasively and motivated with food and praise, for he is sensitive to sharp corrections.
Sighthounds can be touch-sensitive, startling when touched unexpectedly or wrapped up in someone’s arms. A verbal correction is more effective than a physical one, because it is less upsetting and distracting to the dog.