IBIZAN HOUND Breed Standards
The Ibizan Hound can be traced as far back as 3400 BC, and is likely descended from the same ancestor as the Pharaoh Hound. Images of hunting dogs and the god Anubis found in ancient Egyptian tombs bear a strong resemblance to the Ibizan and Pharaoh Hound, and lend credence to the dog's ancient origins. Ancient Mediterranean traders brought these dogs to the Balearic Island of Ibiza, off the coast of modern Spain. For many centuries, the dogs flourished in their secluded home, which at one time or another was ruled by the Chaldeans, Egyptians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Moors and Spanish. The most famous accounts of the Ibizan Hound in Antiquity recall that these dogs were part of Hannibal's invasion of Rome by way of the Alps.
For most of the Ibizan Hound's history it has remained secluded from the world, which has prevented the breed from becoming contaminated by other bloodlines. The Ibizan Hound was introduced to the United States during the 1950s, but never caught on as a pet or coursing dog. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1979, and is considered one of the rarest breeds in the US.
SKILLS: The Ibizan's clean-cut lines, large prick ears and light pigment give it a unique appearance. A hunting dog whose quarry is primarily rabbits, this ancient hound was bred for thousands of years with function being of prime importance. Lithe and racy, the Ibizan possesses a deerlike elegance combined with the power of a hunter. Strong, without appearing heavily muscled, the Ibizan is a hound of moderation. With the exception of the ears, he should not appear extreme or exaggerated.
In the field the Ibizan is as fast as top coursing breeds and without equal in agility, high jumping and broad jumping ability. He is able to spring to great heights from a standstill.
SIZE: Size - The height of dogs is 23½ inches to 27½ inches at the withers. Bitches are 22½ to 26 inches at the withers. There is no preference for size within this range. Sizes slightly over or under the norms are not to be regarded as demerits when other qualities are good. Weight - Average weight of dogs is 50 pounds; bitches, 45 pounds. Proportion - Slightly longer than tall. Substance - The Ibizan possesses clean, fine bone. The muscling is strong, yet flat, with no sign of heaviness.
COAT: There are two types of coat; both untrimmed. Short - shortest on head and ears and longest at back of the thighs and under the tail. Wire-haired can be from one to three inches in length with a possible generous moustache. There is more hair on the back, back of thighs, and tail. Both types of coat are hard in texture and neither coat is preferable to the other.
Color - White or red, (from light, yellowish-red called "lion" to deep red), solid or in any combination. No color or pattern is preferable to the other. Disqualify any color other than white or red.
CARE REQUIRED: There are three varieties of Ibizan: smooth-haired, long-haired, and wire-haired. Neither variety requires much attention. The shine on the coat of the smooth-haired can be kept in good condition by occasionally running a rubber glove over it. The wire-haired do not need hand-plucking. All can be groomed by an occasional brushing. Check at frequent intervals that the ear passages are clean and keep the claws short. This breed is an average shedder.
CHARACTER: The Ibizan Hound is even-tempered, affectionate and loyal. Extremely versatile and trainable, he makes an excellent family pet, and is well suited to the breed ring, obedience, tracking and lure-coursing. He exhibits a keen, natural hunting instinct with much determination and stamina in the field.
EXERCISE: This breed requires a great deal of exercise. If there is not a good-sized fenced-in area for them to run, it should have at least two to three long walks a day. This breed should get a chance to stretch its legs with a nice run once a day. They will highly enjoy retrieving for you and will also enjoy running alongside your bicycle, but don't do this until your dog is fully grown as it can harm a young puppy. Do not let this breed off the lead unless you are in a secure area. This independent sighthound is extremely fast and it will take off and not come back until it is good and ready to. They are extremely hard to recapture. Keep in mind that the Ibizan Hound can jump very high from a complete standstill, enabling him to easily jump most fences.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Ibizan Hound will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a large yard.
TRAINING: They are trainable, but tend to be willful and get bored easily. Provided they have been properly trained, they can participate in many types of dog sports. These dogs are very sensitive to the voice of their handler and a friendly request will always achieve more than a gruff command. This breed tends to have large litters.
