Description

The Ibizan Hound or Podenco Ibicenco is native to Ibiza one of the Spanish Balearic Isles. Ibizan Hound has clean-cut lines, large pricked ears and light pigment. Used primarily as a hunting dog whose quarry is rabbits Ibizan Hound can hunt by sound as well as sight. The Ibizan is a even tempered breed who is not given to great burst of affection, but are quite, loyal and giving and enjoy human companionship.

Size of Male: Height: 23.5-27.5 inches Weight: 50-65 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 22.5-26 inches Weight: 45-55 pounds

Temperament

The Ibizan Hounds are quiet, clean, playful and polite. Ibizan Hounds are good with children, gentle, sensible and sensitive. Ibizan Hounds are protective and somewhat independent. They will hold back watchfully with strangers. Once they decide the stranger means no harm, they will relax very quickly. Be careful with small pets such as rabbits, cats and rodents; the Ibizan Hound is bred to hunt these creatures. Cats that are raised with the Ibizan Hound will fit in just fine as part of the “family pack,” but it will chase and possibly kill a cat it does not know. As in all breeds, the Ibizan Hound should be well socialized with other dogs, other animals, adults, and children. If you have an adult Ibizan Hound and would like another dog, it is suggested that you get a puppy. Beezers are pack animals by nature, so introducing a puppy to the household is easier. An Ibizan thinks its humans are their pack, so any addition (human or baby) must be introduced slowly. Ibizans are members of the family and they cannot be kept as kennel dogs. They love their family, are as clean as a cat, respecting the rules of a household. This breed blushes when they get excited. Ibizans like to learn and do so very quickly. They are trainable, but tend to be willful and get bored easily. Provided they have been properly trained, they can participate in many types of dog sports. These dogs are very sensitive to the voice of their handler and a friendly request will always achieve more than a gruff command. This breed tends to have large litters.

Living Conditions

The Ibizan Hound will do ok in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. Ibizan Hound is moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. The Ibizan Hound can jump very high from a complete standstill, enabling him to easily jump most fences. They will take off running and will not come back until they feel like it. The strong chase instinct and lack of caution in traffic can lead to disaster. A large fenced area is best for regular exercise. Breed Club literature suggests at least 40X60 feet. The breed is quite sensitive to cold, as his coat is not very protective.

Upkeep

As an independent and athletic dog, the Ibizan Hound needs daily exercise in a safe area. Ideal exercise allows Ibizan Hound to stretch out at full speed, but its needs can also be met with long walks or jogs on leash, combined with an occasional chance to run full out. The Ibizan Hound is not generally kept as an outside dog, although it can live outdoors in temperate climates given warm shelter and soft bedding. It is a skilled jumper, which should be taken into consideration when designing an enclosure. The smooth coat requires only occasional brushing, whereas the wire coat requires weekly brushing as well as occasional hand-plucking of dead hairs.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: Allergies

Life expectancy: 10-12 years