Ibizan Hound Dog & Puppies

The Ibizan - A Sighthound
The Ibizan Hound Hound belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Sighthounds or Gazehounds, which specialise in hunting its quarry by sight rather than scent. All of the Sighthound breeds originated in the Middle East, Africa and Southwest Asia. It wasn’t until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc. Sighthounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. Sighthounds have extremely good vision. They also have a long jaw and lengthy neck which assists them in sighting their quarry. Their lean muscular body, deep chest and long powerful legs essential assets when following any fast and agile prey. Sighthounds also have distinctive feet with elongated middle toes that make the foot appear longer and helps with their firm footing. Their long stride, powerful chest and lungs and agile bodies make it possible for sight hounds to chase and kill their quarry.  As a pet the Ibizan Hound Hound is usually loyal and sensitive that responds well to a loving owner. 

Information, Facts & History of the Ibizans
The Ibizan hound probably shares the same roots as the Pharaoh Hound. The Pharaohs of Egypt kept the the Ibizans ancestors and references to these appear as hieroglyphics and are also found engraved in cuneiform ( written in wedge-shaped characters) on ancient  papyrus, pillars and tablets. These dogs with their long, sharp pointed ears strongly resembles the Egyptian jackal god, Anubis, the Watchdog of the Dead. They are also depicted on the tomb and pyramid walls, including those of the antiquated Step Pyramid in Saqara, Egypt, which pre-dates the ancient pyramids at Giza ( 3750 BC ). Even earlier dating comes from the bone discovery from the Proto-Dynastic period of Ancient Egyptian history which puts the dates (and therefore the dogs) to 4,770 BC.  We can then go further into antiquity with the prehistoric drawings on walls of the ‘Tassili’ caves at Hoggar, in the Sahara desert, which date back to 8,000 BC. They feature primitive, spear-bearing hunters and clearly depict trained, domesticated, lean and agile, ‘prick-eared’ hounds, pursuing and seemingly entrapping sheep. 

Egyptian hounds were bought to the Balearic Islands in the eighth century when the Phoenicians, Moors and  Carthaginians traded around the Mediterranean. They were bred in isolation and reportedly, even refused to mate with other canines. The breed can still be located today on the islands of Formentera and Mallorca but in particular, on the island of Ibiza. The Ibizan Hound is a very fast dog that can hunt on all types of terrain - working by sight, hearing and smell. It can also be used in nocturnal pack hunting. Hannibal, himself an Ibizan, was reputed to have taken some of these dogs with him on his famous trip across the Alps. The Ibizan hound gained AKC (American Kennel Club) recognition in 1979.

Description of the Ibizan Hound Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours information
The Ibizan Hound's coat is white, chestnut or solid fawn or a mix of these colours. The coat is short, harsh & dense.

Dog Health information - potential health problems of the Ibizan Hound Dog Breed
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Shikoku, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. There are no apparent common health problems with the Ibithan Hound.

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
Please click the following link for additional information which we have provided via our:

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems

This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Symptom Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional.

Description of the Ibizan Hound Dog and Puppies - Comparative Sizing Pictures & info 
The pictures above allow for a useful sizing perspective between an average man (Five feet ten inches) or an average sized woman (Five feet six inches) in comparison to the average sized Ibizan Hound dog which we have detailed above. These pictures are extremely important as they provide an immediate and accurate visual representation of the height of an average Ibizan Hound compared to the height of a male or female - essential information but unique to this site. Use the pictures to help to estimate the size of the Ibizan Hound dog to each the various growing stages of children. Use the pictures to provide a guideline to the adult size of Ibizan Hound Puppies. The pictures will also prove to be invaluable when comparing the sizes and heights of other dog breeds. The dimensions will vary according to the sex of the dog or puppy. Girl dogs, or bitches, are on average, 2 inches smaller than boy dogs. Another useful piece of information when considering puppies.

Information on Grooming and Care of the Ibizan Hound Dog Breed
Ibizan Hound's smooth coat requires only occasional brushing but the wire coat requires weekly brushing as well as occasional hand-plucking of dead hairs. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older dogs.

Information on Temperament and Character of the Ibizan Hound Dog Breed
The dignified Ibizan hound retains great hunting instinct, using its acute senses to locate small animals and relishes the opportunity to chase anything that moves. Unlike most sight hounds, it barks when chasing. They are agile, reserved and dignified and make a well-mannered house dog. The Ibizan is not generally kept as an outside dog, although it can live outdoors in temperate climates given warm shelter and soft bedding.  It is reserved with strangers  mild-mannered and loyal. The Ibizan Hound makes a quiet, trustworthy house pet. 

Living conditions and Exercise Requirements of the Ibizan Hound Dog Breed
The Ibizan Hound dogs and puppies are best suited to living in the country because they require a moderate  amount of exercise. The Ibizan Hound breed of dog loves to run and enjoys frequent walks but it is also content to find a comfortable bed or place in the back yard and rest quietly. 

The Pictures reflect the Size of Adults - not Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Ibizan Hound - essential information but unique to this site. It should also be noted that the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will suit the life and living conditions of the family.

Ibizan Hound Puppies
The Puppies section, accessed via the Site Index, provides detailed information about Choosing the right puppy, Puppy Training, Puppy Care and Puppy Behavior, Growth & Development. We recommend that the following considerations should always be taken into account when choosing puppies:

• Budget - Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding costs of the breed

• Convenience and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair

• Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain

• Exercising requirements for the Ibizan Hound breed

• Living Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies

• Family - child suitability

• Puppy and Dog Names - The Importance of choosing the right names

Hound Dog Breed Information
As implied by its name the Hound has been bred to chase a quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sight hounds have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight is of less importance.
Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for.  Thus, the various hound breeds were initially introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as:

• Hunting and running down small quarry

• Flushing out and Driving game

• Vermin Hunting

• Guard duties

• Tracking

In this day and age only a few hounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Ibizan Hound dog breeding program successful.

The Hound Breed Group of dogs differ in that some hunt by scent and others by sight. Many hounds are kept in packs, in outdoor kennels. Any dogs and puppies belonging to the Hound breeds require a significant amount of exercise as they have high stamina levels suitable for hunting quarry. There are some breeds in this group who make a distinctive ' baying ' sound - invaluable information should be considering puppies. The pictures above allow for a useful size comparison providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Ibizan Hound dog - essential information but unique to this site. 

Examples of other Breeds within the Hound Dog Group 
The Hound group of dogs includes the Ibizan Hound and all of the following breeds:
Afghans, Foxhounds, Basenjis, Bassets, Beagles, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bloodhounds, Borzoi, Dachshunds, English Foxhounds, Greyhounds, Harriers, Irish Wolfhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Otterhounds, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens, American Fox hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds and Whippets. Pictures and information about all of the above Hound Dog breeds, together with all other dog groups, may be found on this website via the following links: