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Ibizan hound

The Ibizan Hound, or Podenco Ibicenco, comes from the Balearic Islands, where it hunts rabbit using sight, scent and hearing together, often in packs and frequently at night.

Its large upright ears and lean elegant frame have led to comparisons with ancient Egyptian art, though genetic study shows it is a relatively modern breed.

It stands 56 to 74 centimetres, weighs 20 to 29 kilograms and lives eleven to fourteen years, in smooth and wire coats. It is a spectacular jumper — capable of clearing a fence from standing — and that is the practical fact that shapes ownership. It is a healthy breed with few inherited problems.

Origin
Balearic Islands, Spain; a rabbit-hunting podenco
Size
56–74 cm; 20–29 kg
Lifespan
11–14 years
Coat
Smooth or wire; thin skin and little body fat
Ability
An exceptional jumper — clears high fences from standing
Health
Very sound; anaesthesia sensitivity, seizures in some lines

Related: Afghan hound · American leopard hound · Basset hound · Bavarian mountain scent hound

2 ibizan hound photos of 1 dog, newest first

Ibizan hound feed
  • Vetch, a ibizan hound

    Vetch

    Vetch was promoted to wedding planner facing a runaway bouquet; unfortunately, a domino line stops one piece before the finish.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

Living with a ibizan hound

Fence for a jumper. Ibizans clear substantial heights from a standstill, and around 1.8 metres is the usual recommendation. Anything less is a suggestion rather than a boundary.

The prey drive is high and they hunt independently. Recall around wildlife is unreliable; long lines and enclosed spaces.

Low body fat and thin skin mean they feel the cold and tear easily on rough ground. Coats in winter, soft bedding.

Tell any vet the dog is a sighthound before anaesthesia.

Health is generally excellent. They are sensitive and dislike harsh handling, and they need a good daily run followed by a great deal of sleeping.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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