Ibizan Greyhound (Podenco Ibizan, Ibizan)

The Ibizan Greyhound, sometimes referred to as the Podenco Ibicenco, is a rare and historic breed distinguished by its exquisite appearance and extraordinary hunting abilities. This dog has a long and colorful history that dates back thousands of years. It originated in the Spanish Balearic Islands. It has a distinct, almost regal appearance due to its large ears, slender body, and graceful movements.

The Ibizan Greyhound is more than just a hunter, despite having been bred primarily for rabbit and other small game hunting. It’s a playful, loving companion that is devoted to its owner. These dogs can adapt to a variety of lifestyles because they are intelligent and independent, but they also need mental stimulation and regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Ibizans are renowned for their athletic prowess as well as their kind disposition and polite behavior around people and other animals. Dog enthusiasts who value a breed that combines intelligence and beauty will find the Ibizan Greyhound to be highly appealing, as they are a versatile and charming pet that can be used for both work and play.

General characteristics of the Ibizan Greyhound breed

The breed is officially known as Podenco Ibizan, which translates to "Ibizan hound" from Spanish. On the island of Ibiza in Spain, these dogs were bred. Ibizan greyhound and Ibizan, Boreal greyhound are other common names. These swift and agile canines are able to locate and capture a hare, fox, or bird. These days, their primary functions are coursing, companionship, and search and rescue.

Parameters Characteristics
name of the breed Podenco Ibizan (Spanish. podenco Ibicenco), Ibizan hound, Ibizan
country Spain
breed group Spitz and primitive breeds
application hunter, companion
life expectancy 12-15 years
height males 66-72 cm, females 60-67 cm
weight 20-30 kg
activity high, but intensive exercise should not be daily
aggression low
intelligence smart, quick-witted
care easy, does not shed much

Pros

Ibizan Podenco Ibizanians are good for apartment living. Their temperament is cool and collected. They don’t cause any issues if they receive the right training and walk enough. The following benefits apply to these canines:

  • have an unusual attractive appearance;
  • clean, almost do not shed and do not smell like a dog;
  • cheerful, playful;
  • love children;
  • loyal, affectionate and obedient;
  • smart, easy to train.

Cons

The Ibizan Hound needs a lot of physical activity because it is an active dog. It can be self-reliant and obstinate. A few additional drawbacks that may cause maintenance issues are as follows:

  • does not tolerate cold and heat, clothing will be required when walking;
  • jumps high, prone to escapes;
  • does not get along with other pets, especially birds and cats.

The sleek and athletic Ibizan Greyhound, also called the Podenco Ibicenco or Ibizan, is renowned for its prowess in the field of hunting as well as its agility and acute sense of smell and sight. These dogs, who are native to the Balearic Islands, are incredibly intelligent, loving, and energetic, which makes them excellent companions for active households. Their large ears and tall, lean bodies give them a distinctive appearance that makes them easy to relate to, and they are also amiable and devoted. To be happy and healthy, they do need regular exercise and mental stimulation, though.

History of the breed"s origin

Similar dog images from the third millennium BC can be found in the Egyptian pyramids. The pharaohs’ preferred animals were these ones. They also resemble the statues of the Egyptian god Anubis. A number of researchers believe that the Egyptian hunting dogs descended from the Ibizan Hound. The Phoenicians brought them to the area that is now modern-day Spain.

Both nobility and peasants owned these dogs. Their quarry was small game. Working qualities and speed were taken into consideration when breeding. These dogs are swift and tough. They can hunt at night because of their keen sense of smell, hearing, and vision.

According to some contemporary researchers, the Ibizan’s appearance is the only similarity to that of ancient Egyptian dogs. They point out that the breed was created artificially in the 20th century by mating various greyhound breeds with other hunting canines. It gained worldwide recognition and popularity during this period. Official recognition of the "Pharaoh Hound" breed came in 1963. Podenco Ibizanco was the new moniker in 1977.

Appearance

The Ibizan is a tall, graceful, and slim dog. Females grow slightly smaller than males, who can reach up to 72 cm. Average weight for someone of this height is only 25 kg.

Conical in shape and proportionate to the body in size is the head. Like other greyhounds, it has an elongated, narrow muzzle. The nose bridge is slightly convex, the occipital protuberance is prominent, and the stop is smoothed. The lobe of the nose is flesh-colored or brown in width. Strong jaws and parched, black lips are present. biting with scissors.

The almond-shaped, amber eyes shouldn’t be too dark. They are wide-set and medium in size. large ears with pointed tips that are wide at the base. Very mobile, positioned vertically.

Body

The body has a graceful, athletic, slender, rectangular shape. The neck is lengthy, exquisitely curved, and ends in a distinctly defined wither. The abdomen is tucked in, and the chest is deep and narrow like a keel. The croup slopes downward, the loin is broad and slightly convex, and the back is straight. The tail is long and saber-shaped, set low. Broad at the base and sharply tapering towards the tip.

Limbs

The limbs are thin, parallel, and closely spaced from one another. Tightly pressed elbows and muscular, narrow thighs are present. Light claws, long toes, and compact paws. Step by step, the gait is light and elegant. Ibizans are free to move in any direction, can run up to 60 km/h, and can jump very high.

Coat and color

There are three types of Ibizan Hounds based on coat type:

  • smooth-haired – the most common, the coat is short, thick, shiny;
  • The wirehaired variety has coarse, thick hair that forms a beard on the muzzle;
  • The rarest is long -haired, wool length from 5 cm, it is softer.

The Ibizan Hound can have any color—white, red in any shade, or red and white.

The description of the appearance is enhanced by photos:

Character and upbringing

The Ibizan Hound is a happy, gregarious, and intelligent dog. It requires human interaction, grows quite attached to its owner, and is submissive. However, if the person is busy, it won’t bother or force itself upon them. Although they are suspicious of strangers, members of the breed cannot serve as watchmen or guards and are not aggressive.

The Ibizan Hound is patient and kind toward children, and it enjoys playing with them. It is affectionate and amiable with every member of the family, but it has a single owner that it submits to without question.

The following sums up the Ibizan Hound’s personality:

  • balanced;
  • friendly;
  • loyal;
  • playful;
  • smart;
  • independent.

This dog learns its commands quickly, so training it is not difficult. Beginning instruction as soon as a puppy moves into the home is essential. The pet will quickly pick up basic behavior guidelines and commands. Because the Ibizan Hound is a pack dog, all you have to do is earn his authority. Teaching a pet to walk on a leash and control its hunting instincts is more challenging.

It is important to remember that members of this breed, like other hunting dogs, have a tendency to be independent and stubborn. However, using force and rudeness in training is not acceptable. It is also inappropriate to use physical punishment. You should encourage others more frequently by showing them love, praise, and treats.

Ibizans are big, energetic dogs that require lots of room and lengthy walks. However, they are modest and lead quiet lives in both a big apartment and a private home. There must be a tall fence at the location. These dogs can climb trees like cats and jump quite well.

Ibizans are clean and unpretentious, so taking care of them is not hard. Basic hygienic practices will be necessary:

  • Wipe dirty fur with a damp sponge, it is not recommended to wash it often, once every 3-4 months is enough;
  • comb weekly, with a brush or a special mitten, wire-haired individuals need to be trimmed 1-2 times a year;
  • inspect and clean the ears once a week;
  • wipe the eyes daily;
  • check the claws every month, if they are not worn down, trim with a claw clipper

Nutrition

The Ibizan Hound has particular dietary preferences. It is challenging to select food for it. It ought to be made for medium-sized dogs who are active. Class: superior to super-premium.

When feeding naturally, the pet should eat lean meat, which several times a week can be switched out for offal or sea fish. It is augmented with grains and vegetables. Greens and fermented milk products are beneficial. Vitamin and mineral supplements ought to be added to the food upon veterinary advice. River fish, tubular bones, fatty meats, smoked meats, and sweets are off limits.

A puppy is fed three to six times a day, while an adult dog is fed twice. There must always be open access to clean water. To prevent the pet from stooping over, bowls need to be set on a stand and at chest height.

Health

This greyhound is in excellent health and has a robust immune system. It has a 15-year lifespan if given the right care. Representatives of the breed may occasionally suffer from the following illnesses:

  • retinal atrophy, cataracts;
  • epilepsy;
  • deafness;
  • allergies;
  • limb injuries;
  • axonal dystrophy.

It should be remembered that Ibizan hounds are highly susceptible to anesthesia and other drugs. Thus, you need to get in touch with a veterinarian as soon as a disease manifests.

How to buy an Ibizan hound puppy

In Russia, the Ibizan hound is practically nonexistent. This breed is uncommon, with nurseries primarily located overseas. You have to sign up ahead of time to purchase a puppy. Purchasing a dog from a reputable Spanish nursery is preferable if you plan to breed it and use it for show. Private breeders may be able to provide a pet. Puppies in this breed typically cost between $1000 and $1500.

The picture depicts the appearance of Ibizan puppies:

The breed’s description is enhanced by the video:

Video: Ibizan hound, Ibizan, or Podenco Ibizanco. Price, facts, care, pros and cons, and how to choose

Characteristic Description
Origin Spain (Ibiza)
Size Medium, with males around 23-28 inches tall
Weight Roughly 45-50 pounds
Coat Short or wire, usually reddish-brown and white
Temperament Energetic, friendly, and independent
Exercise needs Very high; they need a lot of running space
Life expectancy 12-14 years
Good with children Yes, but best with active kids
Training Can be stubborn, requires patience
Shedding Moderate

The Ibizan Greyhound breed is renowned for its exceptional speed, agility, and keen sense of smell. They stand out from other dog breeds due to their remarkable appearance, which consists of a slender body and large, upright ears. When properly trained and socialized, they can be affectionate companions despite having a strong prey drive.

For this breed to remain happy and healthy, an active lifestyle is necessary. To keep them occupied and behave well, they need to engage in daily physical activity and mental stimulation. They are perfect for active families or individuals because they flourish in homes where they can engage in outdoor activities.

Video on the topic

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#dog Jumped off for a walk 😄 #podenkoibicenco #podenko #dog #podencoibicenco #dog

Something like that 🤷‍♀️😅 #podenkoibicenco #podencoibicenco #pet_comedy

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Igor Semenov

Zoopsychologist with extensive experience. Specialization - behavior correction for cats and dogs. I help owners understand why their pets behave in certain ways and how to change unwanted behavior without stressing the animal.

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