Ibizan Hound

The Ibizan Hound, characterized by its lean, slender body and sleek legs is a sighthound. They have been classified by their hair types – the smooth haired and the wirehaired. These dogs are commonly found in three different coat colors – red, tan/brown and white, or their combinations. They have a long, narrow head tapered to a narrow muzzle and a tiny stop, with straight front legs and a slightly arched neck. About the dog’s features and quality, the AKC Standard has described, “Lithe and racy, the Ibizan possesses a deerlike elegance combined with the power of a hunter.”

Ibizan Hound Pictures

History

The origin of the Ibizan hounds can be traced back to the history of Egypt. Since 3400 BC, they are said to be royal dogs of the pharaohs as also the companion to the commoners that would hunt down for its master. The connection of this dog with the Egyptian culture is evident with its strange resemblance to the Egyptian god of death and dead souls – ‘Anubis’.

Later, by 700-900 BC, these dogs were taken to the Balearic Islands (that includes Ibiza and other associated islands) by the Phoenician traders. These dogs were then used to hunt down rabbits for their human owners as also for themselves since they were not fed by their masters.

These dogs remained on the island for centuries. It was not until the 1950s that these sleek dogs were exported and gradually became popular as a show and companion dog. It was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1978.

Temperament and Behavior

The Ibizan Hound is an intelligent to fairly-intelligent breed. They love their family members and are loyal to them, including the children and the other pets. However, they can chase anything moving and might kill an unknown cat. They are not the type of dog to lead the life in a kennel. They are family dogs that would love to spend time with their loved ones and would respect and abide by the rules of their households. Although quiet by nature, they are alert and watchful, and would give alert-calls if required. This makes them a good watchdog.

Performing a number of antics, amusing their own people and, the Ibizan hounds are rightly attributed as the ‘clown’ of the dog world. They are far from being obedient and rather stubborn and independent at times. They would often tend to leap, and even the top of the cupboard would not be out of reach of this light-footed jumper. They are sensitive to touch and would be startled by an unexpected pat or a hug.

The Ibizan hound would take the time to mature and would often display puppy-like behavior even in their adulthood. They are clean like the cats, and with their incredible grace, even temperament, sensitivity, they make a trustworthy pet.

Care

• Exercise

• Grooming

• Health Problems

They are high energy dogs and need well amount of exercise every day. With their migration and hunting instincts, they need a minimum of two to three daily brisk walk sessions daily and a good amount of jogging to get an opportunity to stretch its legs. While out for a walk, be sure to lead the pack. Allow it to play freely. Unlock its leash in an enclosed area where it can run around. But be sure, the fence is at least 6 feet in height. Upon proper training, they would even learn to retrieve things for its master.

None of the varieties (smooth- or wire-haired) need much attention. To retain the gloss of the smooth-haired variety, you can at times use a rubber grooming mitt for its coat. Weekly hand-plucking of dead hair is essential for the wire-haired. These dogs are average shedders. Occasional brushing is good for both the coat types. Also keep their ears clean and trim their nails to maintain good hygiene.

The Ibizan hound is otherwise a hardy breed except having a genetic propensity to Axonal Dystrophy, and some nerve and muscle diseases. They are sensitive to certain drugs like anesthesia, and even insecticides or flea powders that might well give them allergies.

However, general dog diseases like seizures, cataracts, deafness, retinal dysplasia can’t also be ruled out.

Training

Although the hound is intelligent enough to pick up training and instructions quickly, but being obstinate and independent by nature, they would often try to overrule or disobey the trainer. But harsh training or punishments are not at all recommended for this soft-natured dog. This would ultimately make the situation complex. Rather, insist upon positive attitude while you train.

Diet/Feeding

Feed your beezer with two meals per day rather than one big one. A total quantity of 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day is recommended.

These hounds need a lot of protein in their daily meals. The diet of this dog should consist of 10-18% fat and 21-28% of protein. However, be alert not to feed to puppy with more than 28% protein, leading to skin and gut allergy-type responses, which might even be fatal.

In order to meet the unique needs of the breed, it is necessary for the owner to learn the correct proportion and balance of their daily doses of protein, carbs, vitamins, and healthy fats. The protein in their food should come from either lean meat or fish.

However, a meat-only diet is also not the right choice. For a change, serve them vegetarian foods like potatoes, brown rice, grains, root plants, and green plants.

Interesting Facts

• Often, the beezers would voluntarily go for days without eating.
• In recent years, the Ibizan hound has been mixed with several other breeds like the Pit Bull, the Boxer, the German Shepherd, the Basenji, the husky, etc.
• Some people count the longhaired Ibizan hound as the third type. However, this is just a variation of the wire-haired hound.
• The ‘longhaired’ variety is extremely rare.