Podenco Ibicenco (Ibizan Hound) general features, temperament, health

Podenco Ibicenco dog breed photo

FCI # 89, Origin: Spain, Group 5.7 Primitive type - Hunting Dogs

Height: 22-29 in, Weight: 42-55 pounds

Grooming: Low, Shedding: Low, Coat: there are smooth haired and rough-haired varieties.

Color: white, all shades of red with or without white markings.

Ease of training: Medium, Energy level: High, Span of life: 12-13 years.

Breed: The history of Ibizan Hound goes back to about 3400 BC. The splendor of ancient Egypt was the most suitable frame for this regal sihgthound, which was hunting with the pharaohs. Numerous artifacts, that were found in the tombs of pharaohs, confirm the existence of this dog in ancient times. Hemako, who reigned during the First Dynasty (3100-2700 years BC.), was buried in a tomb near Saggary. During the excavation of this tomb there were discovered many objects, among them - a plate, featuring the Ibizan Hound.

These dogs, which are also called Podenco Ibicenco, can not be confused with anyone else because of their distinctive appearance. Nevermat of the Fourth Dynasty, who lived around 2600 BC., Tutankhamon of the XIV century BC.  and Ptolemy of the 30 th and last dynasty - all of them had tombs, which gave further evidences of the glorious and ancient history of this sighthound.

The last ruler of the era of pharaohs in Egypt - Cleopatra - was a passionate fan of the Ibizan Hounds. Discovered in 1922, the tomb of Tutankhamon was the real treasury. The statue of Anubis (repeating the size of a real dog) - "the guard dog of dead", which was found in that tomb, was an exact copy of the modern Ibizan Hound as we know him today. This well-preserved statue was covered with resins and varnishes. The eyes were made of obsidian (volcanic rock variety, black and mirror-smooth) and gilt framed, as well as the internal parts of the ears. The beautiful collar of Anubis was golden as well.

Time did not ruin this beautiful artifact, and it is obvious that as a model for the statue would serve only such a dog - a sihgthound with erect ears and a crescent tail, now known as the Ibizan Hound. Initially the scientists thought that the jackal served as a model for the statues of Anubis, because by the time of excavation the Ibizan Hound already did not exist in these places. We can only guess by which way this breed came from Egypt to the island of Eivissa. Brave Phoenician sailors in those days have made far journeys and traveled in many lands. It is possible that the breed survived thanks to that people. It was the Phoenicians who in the VIII or IX century BC. had discovered the island now known as Eivissa.

Now this island belongs to Spain, but in the ancient time it passed from hand to hand. Egyptians, Chaldeans, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals and Arabs - all of them ruled there for some time. On Roman coins we can see depicted the head of Ibizan Hound, but once this land was ruled by Hasdrubal. Belonging to the Balearic group, a small island Konedjera also has a right for the historical glory, as there was born the famous Hannibal. Some researchers say that the Ibizan Hounds accompanied him with a mighty elephants in a long passage through the Alps.

Podenco Ibicenco dog breeds

This breed survived in the the harsh conditions of the Pityuses group of islands, where only the hardy animals could live, as the food there was not enough. Local residents used these dogs as assistants in the hunting - one of the ways to get the food essential for life-sustaining. As a result, these hardy dogs have learned to hunt with the great skills and patience. Dog owners were carefully choosing the puppies, because in such a harsh conditions only the strongest and most perfect dogs could survive.

We should be grateful to these owners and breeders of times past, because of their dedication it became possible to preserve this breed for centuries. Today the Ibizan Hounds are the same strong, graceful and vigorous animals, as in the times of the pharaohs. In 1963 the FCI  called this breed "the Pharaoh Hound", but then another breed of dogs from the island of Malta received the same name from the British breeders. To avoid confusion in the late seventies the breed Pharaoh Hound was renamed and got it's present name - the Ibizian Hound, which comes from the island of Eivissa, where this breed was especially prevalent. Following the adoption of the relevant standard the Ibizan Hound, a member of a group of scenthounds and sihgthounds, began to participate in exhibitions and in the coursing competitions. In recent decades, the breed became popular in the southern and later - in western Europe (particularly Germany) and has been recognized not only by the FCI, but by AKC, UKS, KCGV.

First Ibizan Hounds came to the United States in the middle of 1956. Since that time the Ibizan Hounds live in the U.S., and everyone who had to deal with them closely, appreciate them as a merry companions, home guards and hunting dogs. They are perfect for families, for the ever-changing American lifestyle. They have a balanced character and excellent health. They are extremely strong and flexible. The Ibizan Hound Club of America constantly assures owners and breeders of this breed that it is important to preserve in their entirety the fine qualities of this dog, and the club is faithful to his promise to monitor the compliance of a Ibizan Hounds with the standard.

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General Features: The Ibizan Hound - this beautiful dog of a quite large size - is attracting the admiring glances from the first moment. Still, after all it is not only the gracious, graceful and intelligent dog, but also a versatile hunter. Long, slender neck, and large erect ears, short, slanting eyes, amber-brown in color, make the Ibizan Hound to look like a deer. Color of the Ibizan Hound may be both: pure white or red (all shades of red - from very dark to very light yellowish-red). And also the combinations of these colors are allowed by the standard. The Ibizan Hound has two types of coat: smooth and wire (in the latter the length of the hair reaches 7.5 cm). The standard of FCI currently recognises only smooth coated Ibizan Hounds.

Temperament: The Ibizan hound (other name Podenco Ibicenco) combines the qualities of scenthounds and sighthounds, using during the hunt both: the sight, the smell, and hearing. This dog knows how to work in a team and also knows how to get the game alone. The Ibizan Hound is not only running fast, but he is able to jump pretty high and for a quite long distances. This temperamental creature can become a true friend of the family and get along very well even in small apartments. But do not forget that the Ibizan Hound needs to move a lot in the open air, which means that, having decided to purchase a puppy, you should be prepared for a long walks several times a day. 

With the owner and his family the Ibizan Hound is always affectionate and playful, he loves to communicate, but if you are busy with something and can not pay much of your attention to him at the moment - he will understand. He will never annoy anybody with his games if it is not the right time. But of course, this dog would like anyway to be somewhere beside you and wait patiently when you will have some free time to play and to communicate.

Podenco Ibicenco dog breed photo

The Ibizan Hound normally is quite reserved with the strangers, but usually he does not show any aggression.On the walks the Ibizan Hound loves to play with other dogs, but if he will see a cat it may trigger his hunting instinct and he may chase and catch an animal - keep this in mind, when you take him outside. 

The Ibizan Hound is quite easy to train, hardy and resistant this dog has an excellent stamina. Normally Ibizan Hounds are very well tempered and they perfectly perform in different kinds of exhibitions and dog competitions. Despite his strong attachment to the owner, the Ibizan Hound is quite independent and able to make his own decisions while hunting, sometimes contrary to the commands of the owner, it is inherent in this dog genetically. 

This dogs are very loyal, affectionate and patient with children. Due to the problems with thermoregulation (no thick fat layer and a thin coat) the Ibizan Hound is not very well tolerating a hard frost and heat. Podenco Ibicenco are extremely cleanly. They do not like to play in the dirts or puddles. Do not forget - this is a hunting breed, so he may catch some scent and run away a great distance, so it is advisable to walk the Ibizan Hound in the large open areas with the good visibility, or to provide a large fenced yard, where he will run and play free.

This dogs normally have an excellent health, but because of their inherent willing to run, the injuries of paws may occur quite frequently. The Ibizan Hound is very unpretentious in care - he only requires brushing with the special rubber glove, which you can get from any pet shop. To remove the dust and dirt it is quite enough to clean this dog with the wet wipes. Try not to bath him more often, than once per two-three months.

The decision to purchase Ibizan Hound puppy is quite a serious step. Remember that this is a real hunting dog and it is necessary for you to decide whether you can keep it in shape. If you live outside of the city and have a large area where the dog may run free and have plenty of fun and exercises, then the problem is solved. But if you dwell in a city apartment, it is very important to decide who will walk the dog and - most importantly - where you should go with your Ibizan Hound for him to have enough time and place to run. Also be aware that the other animals (such as domestic cats or hamsters), or the neighbors chickens may be taken by the Ibizan Hound as a game to hunt.

If such difficulties are not scaring you, and you are determined to purchase this particular dog, you will need to be patient. Due to the small number of kennels involved in breeding the Ibizan Hounds it is not easy to find a puppy. So prepare to check on many breeders, that may have a litter and choose the right one. Also be patient enough - maybe you will have to wait for your Ibizan Hound for quite some time. But indeed, this dog is worth it!

Health problems: Although the Ibizan Hound is a strong and hardy breed, still some of this dogs are prone to different allergies (including the allergy for anesthesia). Some Ibizan Hounds are genetically prone to the Axonal Dystrophy.



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