Ibizan Hound

The Ibizan Hound, or Podenco Ibicenco, is an ancient sighthound breed with a history that stretches back thousands of years, closely associated with the Balearic Islands of Spain, particularly Ibiza. It is believed that their ancestors were brought to these Mediterranean islands by Phoenician traders and seafarers from ancient Egypt and the Middle East, possibly as early as the 8th or 9th century B.C. These dogs are strikingly similar in appearance to the hounds depicted in ancient Egyptian tombs, such as the Tesem, an ancestor of breeds like the Pharaoh Hound and Cirneco dell’Etna, to which the Ibizan is related.

For centuries, on the rugged and often sparse terrain of Ibiza, these hounds were meticulously bred by local farmers and hunters for their exceptional ability to hunt rabbits and other small game. They are unique among sighthounds in that they often use their keen sense of hearing and smell in addition to their sharp eyesight to locate and pursue quarry. They are renowned for their incredible agility and remarkable jumping ability, capable of leaping great heights from a standstill to clear obstacles or spot game. The breed remained relatively isolated and pure on the islands for a long time. Ibizan Hounds were first imported to the United States in the mid-20th century, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1979.

The Ibizan Hound possesses a temperament that is a delightful blend of intelligence, even-tempered grace, and playful independence. With their families, they are typically affectionate, loyal, and can be quite clownish and engaging. They form strong bonds but are not usually overly demanding of attention, often content to relax quietly indoors after they’ve had their exercise. However, they are also sensitive dogs and respond best to gentle, positive training methods.

True to their sighthound nature, Ibizans are independent thinkers and were bred to hunt and make decisions at a distance. This independence can sometimes be interpreted as aloofness or stubbornness. They are generally reserved and can be wary of strangers, though not typically aggressive. Early and consistent socialization is crucial to build their confidence and ensure they are comfortable in various situations. Ibizan Hounds have an extremely strong prey drive and will instinctively chase small, fast-moving animals. They are generally good with other dogs, especially other sighthounds, but caution is advised around very small non-canine pets.

The Ibizan Hound comes in two coat varieties, both of which are relatively easy to maintain:

• Smooth-coated: This variety has a short, close, glossy coat that requires minimal grooming. A weekly rubdown with a hound mitt or rubber curry brush is usually sufficient to remove loose dead hair and keep the coat shiny.
• Wire-haired: This variety has a harsh, wiry, and dense coat, typically 1 to 3 inches long, often with a noticeable beard and mustache. The wire coat requires more attention than the smooth, including weekly brushing to prevent tangles and remove debris, and occasional hand-stripping to maintain its correct texture.

Both varieties are considered light to average shedders and are known for being clean dogs with little “doggy” odor. Baths are needed only occasionally. Regular nail trims are important, as are ear checks (their large, erect ears generally stay clean but should be checked for any wax buildup) and diligent dental care, as with all breeds.

Ibizan Hounds are athletic and agile sighthounds that require regular daily exercise, including crucial opportunities to run freely at full speed in a large, **extremely securely fenced area**. They were bred for endurance and swift pursuit over challenging terrain and are famous for their incredible jumping ability (they can easily clear 5-6 foot fences from a standstill).

Aim for at least one good run per day, in addition to daily walks on a leash. Excellent exercise options include:

• Off-leash running in a safe, expansive, and very securely enclosed space with high fencing. Their powerful prey drive and speed mean they should **never** be trusted off-leash in an unsecured environment.
• Lure coursing, which is an ideal activity that caters to their natural sighthound instincts.
• Brisk daily walks or light jogs with their owner (once fully mature).
• Agility, which showcases their nimbleness and intelligence.

Without sufficient exercise, Ibizan Hounds can become bored, restless, and may develop undesirable behaviors. They are best suited to active individuals or families who can provide them with the space and opportunity to engage in their natural love of running and jumping.

The Ibizan Hound is generally considered a very hardy and healthy breed, having developed through natural selection in its native islands with a historically robust gene pool. They tend to have fewer widespread genetic predispositions compared to many other purebreds. However, like all dogs, they can be susceptible to certain conditions. Potential concerns might include:

• Sensitivity to Anesthesia and Certain Drugs: Like many sighthounds with low body fat percentage, Ibizans can be particularly sensitive to barbiturates and some other anesthetic drugs. It is crucial that veterinarians are aware of this and use sighthound-safe protocols.
• Allergies:** Skin or food allergies can occasionally occur.
• Axonal Dystrophy:** A rare neurological condition that has been seen in the breed.
• Eye Conditions:** While not highly prevalent, general screening for conditions like cataracts or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) would be prudent for breeding stock.
• Deafness:** Congenital deafness can occur, though it’s not common.
• Hip Dysplasia:** Although lean and athletic, it’s a consideration for any purebred dog.