Ibizan Hound

Size
Medium (11kg - 27kg)
Exercise
40 min/day
Training
Puppy school only
Time at home
Often alone
Grooming
Low maintenance
Barking preference
Low
Personality
Independent + affectionate

History

This breed originates in the island of Eivissa and has been traditionally used in the Catalan-speaking areas of Spain, and France where it was known under the name of le charnigue, to hunt rabbits and other small game. The Ibizan Hound is a fast dog that can hunt on all types of terrain, working by scent, sound and sight. Hunters run these dogs in mostly female packs, with perhaps a male or two, as the female is considered the better hunter. (1)

Appearance

Tall, narrow, finely built, large erect ears. (2)

The Ibizan Hound is a lean, agile dog of the hound family. There are two hair types of the breed: smooth and wire. The more commonly seen type is the smooth. (1)

Temperament & Suitability

Ibizan Hounds are intelligent, active, and engaging by nature. They rank 53rd in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being of average working/obedience intelligence, but many Ibizan owners will enjoy recounting a multitude of examples of their problem-solving abilities. They are true "clowns" of the dog world, delighting in entertaining their people with their antics. Though somewhat independent and stubborn at times, they do take well to training if positive methods are used, but will balk at punitive training methods. They are generally quiet, but will alarm bark if necessary, so they make good watch dogs. They are sensitive hounds, and very good around children and other dogs alike. They generally make good house dogs, but are active and athletic, therefore need a lot of daily exercise. They do not make good kennel dogs. Ibizan Hounds are sweet, but they are very stubborn and independent.(1)

Ibizan Hounds are "escapologists": they are able to jump incredible heights from a standstill, so they need very tall fences. They also have been known to climb, and many can escape from crates, open baby gates and even locks. They have a strong prey drive, therefore they cannot be trusted off leash unless in a safely enclosed area. Once off the leash, they might not come back for a long time. A hound that knows where its home is and the surrounding area will usually return unscathed.

Sizes

Height: in country of origin varies between 56-74 cms (22-29 ins), but balance is overriding factor. (2)

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Ibizan Hound you may have think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Ibizan Hound and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

References

DOGS AUSTRALIA.org.au
Wikipedia.org

Image: Shutterstock.com

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 03 Aug 2008)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Tall, narrow, finely built, large erect ears.

Characteristics

Agile, tireless, controlled hunter. Retrieves to hand, has ability to jump great heights without take-off run.

Temperament

Reserved with strangers, not nervous or aggressive. Dignified, intelligent and independent.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Fine, long, flat skull with prominent occipital bone. Stop not well defined, slightly convex muzzle, length of which from eyes to tip of nose equals length from eyes to occiput. Nose flesh coloured, should protrude beyond teeth, jaws very strong and lean.
Eyes	Clear amber, expressive. Almond shaped; not prominent, large or round.
Ears	Large, thin, stiff, highly mobile, erect when dog is alert, in a continuous line with arch of neck when viewed in profile; base set on level with eyes. Drop ears unacceptable.
Mouth	Perfectly even white teeth; scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Thin lips with no dewlap.
Neck	Very lean, long, muscular and slightly arched.
Forequarters	Rather steep, short shoulder blade, long straight legs, erect pasterns of good length.
Body	Level back sloping slightly from the pin bones to rump. Long, flat ribcage. Short coupled with well tucked-up waist, breast bone very prominent. Depth measured between bottom of ribcage and elbow 2.5 ins to 3 ins.
Hindquarters	Long, strong, straight and lean, no great angulation, long second thigh, turning neither in nor out.
Feet	Well arched toes, thick pads, light coloured claws. Front feet may turn slightly outwards. Dewclaws should not be removed in front. No hind dewclaws.
Tail	Long, thin, low set, reaching well below the hock; when passed between legs and round flank reaches spine; may be carried high when excited, but not curled within itself or low over back.
Gait/Movement	A suspended trot, which is a long far-reaching stride, with a slight hover before placing foot to ground.
Coat	Smooth or rough always hard, close, dense. Longer under tail and at back of legs. Hunting scars should not be penalised.
Colour	White, chestnut or lion solid colour, or any combination of these.
Size	Height: in country of origin varies between 56-74 cms (22-29 ins), but balance is overriding factor.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.