Ibizan Hound - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium

Height: 56 - 74 cm (22 - 29 inches)

Weight: 19 - 25 kg (42 - 55 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Easy

Exercise: Essential

Feeding: Medium

Temperament: Independent & reserved

Country of Origin: Balearic Islands

AKC Group: Hound

Temperament:

The Ibizan Hound is agile, calm and loyal. Ibizan Hounds have strong hunting instincts and once they are on the thrill of a chase they tend to be deaf to their owner's call. Ibizan Hounds make very loyal pets and they get on well with children. This breed are watchful of strangers and will get on with other pets so long as they are socialized at an early age. The Ibizan Hound is a fairly obedient breed and generally keen to learn.

Grooming:

Occasional brushing with a rubber brush is sufficient.

Exercise:

Ibizan Hounds are very adaptable to their living situation whether it be in a flat or the country, but exrcise is essential for them. They enjoy retrieving and can participate in dog sports if properly trained. The Ibizan Hound is extremely agile and almost cat-like. They need to be kept within high fences (at least 2m) to prevent them from getting out.

History:

The origins of the Ibizan Hound go back as far as 4000 years BC and they have the same ancestry as the Pharoah Hound. Archaeologists have unearthed artifacts depicting these hounds, including ancient tombs of the 14th century. Even Cleopatra once owned one of these Ibizan Hounds. It is presumed that these dogs found their way to Ibiza with the Phoenician traders.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Finely structured, narrow, tall and elegant.

Color: White, chestnut or lion, or any combination of these.

Coat: Either smooth or rough but is always dense and hard. The hair is longer on the lower part of the tail and at the back of the thighs. They can also have a moustache.

Tail: Set low, long, thin, carried high when in action and low when at rest (never carried over the back).

Ears: Thin, quite large, mobile and erect.

Body: The chest is narrow, deep and long with a level back. The breastbone ix very prominent and the waist is well tucked up. The loin is arched and of medium width and the ribs are flat.

Additional Comments:

* The name Ibizan Hound is pronounced as 'I bethan'.

* The Ibizan Hound is one of the few dog breeds that does not have any black on its coat or body. Even the nose is flesh colored.

* When anaesthetized, Ibizan Hounds tend remain unconscious for longer periods than expected. Therefore the owner should clarify with the vet that the dog will not be over anaesthetized if needing an operation.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/ibizan_hound/