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Ibizan Hound

The Ibizan Hound’s gentle and calm demeanor is often compared to that of a deer. It is an ancient breed, and they are often found depicted in artifacts dating back to when the pharaohs ruled Egypt. Along with their sleek and athletic build, a rosy colored nose and large, pointed ears are dead giveaways for the breed, as well.

Weight

15–29 kg

Height

56–74 cm

Lifespan

11–14 yr

Breed Group

Sighthound

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Ibizan Hound Traits

General Appearance

Light skin, sleek design, and big pointed ears make the Ibizan Hound quickly recognizable. They carry the air of ancient nobility, with a pure lineage dating back as early as 3400 B.C. or before. Bred to be refined hunters, they have the same grace and instinct that they did in ancient Egypt.

Coat and Colouring

The unique, rosy-colored nose, eye rims, and lips make this breed stand apart from other sighthounds. Their coats come in three options: solid red, solid white, or a combination of both.

Distinctive Physical Traits

If the Greyhound is an Olympic sprinter, then the Ibizan Hound is the high-jumper. Able to leap huge heights from a standing position, these agile dogs are wonderful coursers.

Ibizan Hound Temperament

Graceful and surprisingly strong, the Ibizan Hound is clearly a powerful hunter. At home, they dogs have a serene aura that some say is akin to deer, and they make loving and affectionate companions. Carrying many of the traits of traditional sighthounds, they cannot be trusted off-leash in an open area. If they see something that they want to chase, they will go after it swiftly.

Ibizan Hound History

The Ibizan Hound’s 5000-year lineage makes it one of the oldest breeds alive today. Remains of this dog or its ancestral breed have been found in the tombs of Pharaohs dating all the way back to 3100 B.C. They were taken to the Balearic Islands in 800 B.C. and preserved as a pure breed for over 2,000 years. In Spain, the Ibizan Hounds were further specialized as rabbit hunters, particularly on rugged, rocky terrain. They are sometimes referred to as “Hannibal’s dogs” for having accompanied the ancient general across the Alps. For this reason, the first pair of Ibizan Hounds brought to the U.S. for breeding were named Hannibal and Tanit, after the Phoenician goddess.

Ibizan Hound Care

Nutrition

Ibizan Hounds require a high-quality dog food that is age-appropriate—whether it’s commercially manufactured or homemade (with a veterinarian’s supervision and approval). As with any dog, it’s important to monitor the amount of food and treats that you give your Ibizan Hound, especially since some dogs can be prone to gaining weight as they age. Your veterinarian is always a good source to help provide you with appropriate nutrition and feeding guidelines.

Grooming

Ibizan Hounds require consistent grooming, including regular ear cleanings. Their coats should be brushed weekly, and they should be bathed on a somewhat regular schedule. Their nails are also very fast growing, so having an electric trimmer will help keep them in check.

All dogs require regular dental care, including at-home teeth brushing and professional dental cleanings, and the Ibizan Hound is no exception. Maintaining good dental hygiene is important for their overall long-term health.

Exercise

This natural-born hunter needs plenty of intense exercise to stay happy and healthy. Ibizan Hounds can clear a six-foot fence, and should be kept in a well-secured area when off-leash. Their appetite for chasing prey actually makes them an excellent running companion for any jogger seeking company.

Training

Loyal and loving, the Ibizan Hound makes an excellent family pet. These dogs take well to almost all forms of training. The breed may be wary of strangers, but they adore their family and are generally friendly and out-going. They make wonderful sport hounds for any of the various dog competitions ranging from coursing to obedience.

Breed Group

Sighthound

The Sighthound Group consists of some of the oldest breeds often reserved for ownership by royalty. Sleek and built for speed and stamina, they share many of the same characteristics as those in the Sporting and Hound Groups.