Ibizan Hound health

They are in general a healthy breed with a lifespan of up to 17 years!

About the Ibizan Hound

Like other similar hounds found around southern Europe (the Pharaoh Hound, Sicilian Hound, and Spanish Greyhound among others), the Ibizan Hound owes his ancient appearance to his ancestors, who travelled with the Phoenicians over 3,000 years ago. These short-coated hounds, with fabulous erect ears, are an almost unchanged piece of history, and can easily be imagined sitting elegantly beside pyramids. In Ibiza, the breed was largely used for rabbit hunting, but would pursue other small game by flushing and then chasing it at high speed (up to 40mph), before bringing it back to his owner. Like many dogs who hunt in hot climates, the Ibizan Hound is all about short bursts of speed, and then a lot of lying around — elegantly!

The Ibizan Hound is a tireless hunter, which has the ability to jump great heights. Reserved with strangers, not nervous or aggressive, dignified and independent.

Head and skull are fine, long flat skull, stop not well defined with slightly convex muzzle - the length from eyes to tip of nose equals length from eyes to occiput. Nose is flesh coloured, jaws strong and lean. Eyes are clear amber, expressive, almond shaped.

Forequarters: Rather steep with short shoulder blades, long straight legs with erect pasterns of good length. Back should be level, sloping slightly from pin bones to the rump with a long flat ribcage. Breast bone prominent. The depth between the bottom of the ribcage and the elbow should be 2-3 inches.

Hindquarters: Long and lean, no great angulation with a long second thigh going into feet with well arched toes, thick pads, light coloured claws. Tail should be long, thin, low set reaching the hock or below, when passed between the back legs and around the flank should reach the spine. Carried high when excited but should not curl within itself or low over the back.

A feature characteristic of this breed is the gait/movement - which is a suspended trot, with a long far-reaching stride with slight hover before placing the foot to the ground. Coat is rough or smooth but should always be dense and hard which is longer under the tail and at the back of the legs.

Note that drop ears are not accepted when showing. Any departure from the above points should be considered a fault; care should be given to the above points when choosing a specimen for any future breeding programme.

Ibizan Hound character

The Ibizan Hound is an affectionate and loyal dog who will form a close attachment to its owner. They are a hunting dog so can be very strong willed as hunting is their natural instinct so persistence is required when training.

Ibizan Hound care

Although they make great pets for the home, the Ibizan Hound needs plenty of exercise outdoors - it is recommended you have suitable fencing as they can jump great heights with little or no run up!

These are affectionate, sensitive dogs with easy-to-care-for coats. They are loyal to their families, but are generally fairly reserved with strangers. They can have a lot to say for themselves, and, like many hounds, have little interest in training, are escapologists, and become totally deaf when they find something to chase.

Did you know? The ‘lion’ colour may well date back to the breed’s Egyptian ancestors and the now extinct Barbary lion. Lions were worshipped in Egypt and it’s easy to see how the dogs’ similar colouring became so highly prized. Dogs similar to the Ibizan Hound are depicted on the tomb of Tutankhamun.

Remember! All breed profiles are general and every dog is an individual.