What makes the Ibizan Hound Unique?
Despite the fact that these energetic dogs consider themselves just another human being, they can make great pets if they get enough exercise.
Breed Groups
- Hound Dog Breed
- Tall Size
Page Contents
Is the Ibizan Hound Right For You?
Ibizan Hounds normally have placid, gentle personalities which helps make these individuals good choices for house pets. These dogs are not among the most affectionate of breeds but are outgoing enough around folks they know well. Members of this breed typically get along with children as well as other canine members of their household. Ibizan Hounds tend to be reserved around strangers and some individuals can be particularly shy. Prospective owners interested in this breed should be aware that these dogs are very active and have a high need for regular exercise.
In 5 Words
- Clownish
- Stubborn
- Intelligent
- Engaging
- Active
Characteristics
Learn About the Ibizan Hound
Description
General Description
Ibizan Hounds are known for their slender, athletic builds and hardy dispositions. These individuals have strong bones and they are somewhat longer than they are tall. The sizeable, upright ears on Ibizan Hounds are perhaps the dogs’ most noticeable feature. Members of this breed also have long necks and straight limbs. Their noses, ears, feet pads, and the rims of their eyes are all tan in color. The alert expressions found in the dogs’ amber eyes readily shows their intelligent nature. Members of this breed are also able to run with a double suspension gallop, which enables them to quickly cover a great deal of ground without sacrificing their endurance levels. In fact, the Ibizan Hound’s movements are generally quite graceful.
Size
Differing breed stands means that Ibizan Hounds can average anywhere between 22 and 29 inches (56 and 74 centimeters) in height. These dogs typically weigh somewhere between 45 and 65 pounds (20 and 29 kilograms). As is the case with most breeds, the male Ibizan Hounds tend to be somewhat larger than their female contemporaries.
Coat
The coats on members of this breed are usually some combination of red and white. However, there are two varieties of Ibizan Hounds which are available.. Short haired individuals have smooth fur while those with wirehair coats have fur that averages between 1 and 3 inches in length.
Short History of the Ibizan
It is thought that Phoenician traders may have originally brought the ancestors of these dogs from Egypt to Ibiza in the Balearic Islands. Upon their arrival, these canine were put to work hunting rabbits for their new owners. The harsh conditions on the island allowed only the hardiest members of the breed to survive and crossbreeding was rare throughout their history. As a result, Ibizan Hounds are similar in nature to the original animals that made their way across the seas so long ago. During the 1950s, the breed made its way to America but it never achieved a great following. These dogs were subsequently admitted to the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1978 as part of their hound group. However, Ibizan Hounds continue to remain a rare breed to this very day.
Temperament
Ibizan Hounds normally have placid, gentle personalities which helps make these individuals good choices for house pets. These dogs are not among the most affectionate of breeds but are outgoing enough around folks they know well. Members of this breed typically get along with children as well as other canine members of their household. Ibizan Hounds tend to be reserved around strangers and some individuals can be particularly shy. Prospective owners interested in this breed should be aware that these dogs are very active and have a high need for regular exercise.
In keeping with their original purpose as a hunting breed, Ibizan Hounds have excellent hearing and a good sense of smell. These traits haves served them well in tracking small game like rabbits. However, these dogs are probably not a sensible pet choice for households that already contain animals like cats, birds, or rodents which the Ibizan Hounds might regard as prey. Members of this breed additionally make good watchdogs because they are not alarmist barkers but they do have powerful voices when they choose to employ them. This characteristic can naturally be good or bad, depending on one’s living situation.
These dogs easily succumb to boredom and may misbehave if they are not given enough to do to keep their minds occupied. Even properly exercised dogs are known for their mischievous dispositions. Ibizan Hounds have no problem claiming any unsupervised edibles for their very own treat, including what might be left on kitchen counters. Therefore, human foods that are not safe for canine consumption should be carefully guarded around members of this breed.
Caring for Your Ibizan Hound
General Health
Ibizan Hounds are not known to have any significant health problems. However, some individuals may suffer from minor ailments such as allergies or seizures. Many members of this breed are also unable to handle barbiturate anesthesia. Cataracts, deafness, axonal dystrophy, and retinal dysplasia may even show up from time to time. Therefore, Ibizan Hounds will probably need to have their eyes tested periodically in order to catch and treat difficulties before they become serious.
Care
Daily
Ibizan Hounds are fairly active individuals. These dogs should be allowed to run about and play in safely fenced areas as part of their usual exercise regime. Members of this breed will also enjoy long walks, jogging, and running alongside bicycles.
Weekly
Brushing your pet’s teeth a few times per week, if not every day, is the best way to promote good oral health.
Monthly
Parasite prevention medications are a good way to keep harmful pests from causing problems for your pet. These products normally need to be administered once a month in order to be completely effective.
Grooming & Bathing
Short-haired members of this breed will only need occasional grooming but wirehaired varieties will need to have their fur brushed on weekly basis.
Exercise & Training
Ibizan Hounds that are provided with warm places to sleep when the temperatures drop and soft bedding can easily live outdoors. Even so, most of these animals remain house pets because they aren’t likely to misbehave much indoors. Training these dogs can be moderately difficult. Ibizan Hounds tend to absorb their lessons at an average rate of speed but they do have an independent streak and some individuals are particularly stubborn. However, properly trained members of this breed are excellent candidates for various forms of dog sports.
Owners should additionally note that Ibizan Hounds can easily jump over 5 foot fences and the dogs will need a barrier that it at least 6 feet high in order to stop them from getting loose. Members of this breed will also chase anything that moves, barking happily while doing so. Catching Ibizan Hounds that manage to escape could prove a difficult task at best, since members of this fleet-footed breed can spot potential prey from a long way off and will gladly go after it. Therefore, it is best to make sure that Ibizan Hounds can’t get out of any enclosure in which they are being kept.
Ibizan Hound Picture Gallery
