The Ibizan Hound is an athletic and elegant breed. A native to the island of Ibiza, this hound requires a high fenced yard and plenty of exercise.

Physical Characteristics

• Deer-like looks
• Lean, flat muscle, straight legs, hare-foot
• Long, large ears
• Coat: Can be wiry or smooth. Color is any combination of red (from light to dark) and white. Black is a disqualification.
• Height: 23.5-27.5 inches but can by slightly smaller or taller
• Weight: 45-60 lbs.
• Average lifespan: 10-12 years

Temperament

• Adults are clean, playful, polite, gentle, protective. Puppies are very energetic.
• Interaction with people: Good with children. Treats humans as part of its pack, and wants to be a part of all activities.
• Interaction with animals: Not recommended for cats or small pets
• Training: Needs early socialization with other dogs, adults, children and animals. Easily trained; quick learner

At Home

• Adults can adapt to apartments if sufficiently exercised. Puppies need a large, well-fenced yard with room to run and play.
• Need a large yard and high fence
• Needs two to three long walks a day
• Very fast runners
• Enjoys running along side a bicycle

Grooming

• Average shedder
• Needs occasional brushing
• Smooth-haired can be groomed by running a rubber glove over the coat
• Wire-haired Ibizans do not need hand-plucking
• Make sure ear passages are clean and nails are trimmed regularly

Brief History

• Native to Ibiza, one of the Spanish Balearic Isles
• Traceable back to approximately 3400 B.C.
• Ancient Egyptian depicts dogs closely resembling the Ibizan Hound
• Brought to the islands off the coast of Spain by Phoenician traders around 700-900 B.C.
• Used to hunt rabbit and small game

Fido's Facts

• Egypt's Tomb of Tutankhamen features a life-size statue of Anubis, or "The Watchdog of the Dead" - identical to today's Ibizan Hound
• First imported to the U.S. in 1956 by Colonel and Mrs. Consuelo Seoane
• Great military leader Hannibal (247 B.C. - 183 B.C.), is said to have led these dogs across the Alps during the Second Punic War
• Blush when excited
• A favorite breed of Cleopatra