What is the best and most perfect breed of dog to ever come into existence? That's right! It's the Ibizan Hound. I promise you that's a fact, not just my personal opinion at all ;) Well, they're perfect for people who don't mind a total clown, a mischief maker, a possible fence jumper, and an extremely prey driven dog...
There's no doubt that Ibizan Hounds are one of the most gorgeous breed of dog on the planet. Their big ears, elegant features, sweet eyes, long legs, floating trot, and deer-like appearance are enough to get anyone interested. However, dogs are so much more than just their appearance. It's important to look at all aspects of a breed of dog when trying to decide if it is a good fit for your family. Ibizan Hounds, often referred to "beezers" by lovers of the breed, are sweet dogs. They are fun, very loving, and happy dogs. As a whole, Ibizans are a mid to high energy breed, needing physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. As with most dogs, a tired beezer is a good beezer! They can be a bit crazy at times, so be prepared for a little fun! They are the perfect dog for a family with an active life style. They love attention, and will do crazy things for it. They are clowns, always making their people laugh and smile. They can be aloof with strangers, but some are also extremely outgoing. This depends a lot on the individual dog along with the temperament in the dog's family history.
Ibizans are not like other sighthounds, in fact, they are hardly sighthounds at all. They are a podenco, a primitive Spanish hunting breed. Ibizans are known for their incredible ability to jump. This jumping ability stems from their original purpose of hunting in thick brush on the rough terrain of the Spanish island, Ibiza. Ibizans can jump with ease, clearing a 6ft fence with little effort. They also have a crazy high amount of prey drive. Breeders prize their dogs for still being very much able to hunt. For the most part, Ibizans have not been changed from their ancestors regarding having high prey drive. They will try to pursue small game such as rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, birds, frogs, anything that moves fast and catches their eye! Because of this, a fenced yard is highly recommended for this breed, but not necessary if you are willing to put in the time and energy to properly exercise and bathroom your dog. Having a fenced yard still means you need to supervise your dog, though. Remember! Ibizans have springs for legs! Ibizans should not really be let off leash outside a fenced area. Although some have trained their Ibizans successfully to recall, most dogs will get too caught up in hunting and will not desire to return to you.
Ibizan Hounds are very smart dogs. However, this doesn't mean that they will always want to listen. They can be quite independent and often times are too smart for their own good. Training and socialization should start at a young age if you want to see the most success. They can succeed in dog sports, if you put the time and effort in. Remember though, Ibizans are NOT border collies. They will not likely be the dog out there winning all the obedience shows and the High in Trials. Although smart and trainable, remember they are a primitive breed, a hound. They don't always desire to please. Don't expect to be getting the perfect sport dog if you are getting an Ibizan! Do sports and have FUN with them, and they will have fun too! Beezers just wanna have fun! The one sport where Ibizans consistently seem to shine is on the lure coursing field! I highly recommend trying coursing if you have an ibizan.
Ibizans tend to get along great with other dogs. They also can successfully be trained to live with and befriend cats and small house pets. Just make sure you introduce slowly and appropriately to have most success.
Now, let me remind you all that Ibizans really are the best breed in the universe. If you can look past and deal with their silly antics, they may just be the perfect breed for your home.
Ibizans are intense when it comes to prey drive and lure coursing!
AKC Ibizan Hound Standard
General Appearance: 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, Proportion, Substance: Size - The height of dogs is 231⁄2 to 271⁄2 inches at the withers. Bitches are 221⁄2 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. Head: Long and narrow in the form of a sharp cone truncated at its base. Finely chiseled and extremely dry fleshed. Expression - The Ibizan has an elegant, deer-like look. The eyes are oblique and small, ranging in color from clear amber to caramel. The rims are the color of the nose and are fully or partially pigmented. The appearance of the eye is intelligent, alert and inquisitive. The ears are large, pointed, and natural. On alert the ear should never droop, bend, or crease. Highly mobile, the ear can point forward, sideways, or be folded backward, according to mood. On alert, the lowest point of the base is at level of the eye. On frontal examination, the height of the ear is approximately 21⁄2 times that of the widest point of the base. Skull - Long and flat, prominent occipital bone, little defined stop; narrow brow. The muzzle is elongated, fine, and slender with a very slight Roman convex. The length from the eyes to point of nose is equal to the distance from eyes to occiput. The muzzle and skull are on parallel planes. The nose is prominent, extending beyond the lower jaw. It is of a rosy flesh color, never black or liver, and tends to harmonize with that of the coat. Pigment is solid or butterfly. Nostrils are open. Lips are thin and tight and the color of the nose. Flews are tight and dry fleshed. Bite - The teeth are perfectly opposed in a scissors bite; strong and well set. Neck, Topline, Body: The neck is long, slender, slightly arched and strong, yet flat muscled. The topline, from ears to tail, is smooth and flowing. The back is level and straight. Body -The chest is deep and long with the breastbone sharply angled and prominent. The ribs are slightly sprung. The brisket is approximately 21⁄2 inches above the elbow. The deepest part of the chest, behind the elbow, is nearly to or to the elbow. The abdomen is well tucked up, but not exaggerated. The loin is very slightly arched, of medium breadth and well muscled. The croup is very slightly sloping. The tail is set low, highly mobile, and reaches at least to the hock. It is carried in a sickle, ring, or saber position, according to the mood and individual specimen. Forequarters: Angulation is moderate. The shoulders are elastic but never loose with moderate breadth at the withers. The shoulder blades are well laid back. At the point of the shoulder they join to a rather upright upper arm. The elbow is positioned in front of the deepest part of the chest. It is well held in but not so much as to restrict movement. Legs -The forearms are very long, strong, straight, and close, lying flat on the chest and continuing in a straight line to the ground. Bone is clean and fine. The pasterns are strong and flexible, slightly sloping, with well developed tendons. Dewclaw removal is optional. Feet: hare-foot. The toes are long, closed and very strong. Interdigital spaces are well protected by hair. Pads are durable. Nails are white. Hindquarters: Angulation is moderate with the hindquarters being set under the body. Legs - The thighs are very strong with flat muscling. The hocks are straight when viewed from the rear. Bone is clean and fine. There are no rear dewclaws. The feet are as in front. 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. Gait: An efficient, light and graceful single tracking movement. A suspended trot with joint flexion when viewed from the side. The Ibizan exhibits smooth reach in front with balanced rear drive, giving the appearance of skimming over the ground. Temperament: 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. Disqualification: Any color other than white or red.
Want more Ibizan Hound info?
Visit the Ibizan Hound Club of the US website... https://ihcus.org/ I am a proud member of IHCUS