Podenco d'Ibiza

A dog originating from the islands of Majorca, Ibiza, Minorca and Formentera, the Ibizan Hound, like other breeds of similar morphology, appears to be depicted on pharaonic tombs and in museum pieces. The Ibizan Hound is believed to be a direct descendant of the Tesem, a greyhound of Ancient Egypt that is now extinct. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians and possibly the Romans are said to have transported it by maritime trade routes and imported it to the island of Ibiza. At that time this dog was considered particularly precious and often served as a gift among highly respected people. The closed environment of the island undoubtedly helped preserve this dog close to its original appearance. It is fairly abundant in Catalonia, Valencia, Roussillon and Provence. Today this breed must reclaim its former prestige, as its population is becoming rare. The general public knows very little about it, yet breeders are fighting to prevent the extinction of the breed, which would be a great loss for modern cynophilia.

The Ibizan Hound is very affectionate and very loyal to its master, tender and particularly gentle with children. The Ibizan Hound is also a dog highly appreciated for its beauty and delicate companionship. Active, athletic, very lively, sensitive and intelligent, it needs daily exercise with its owner with whom it will develop a strong bond. It is capable of jumping to incredible heights, a characteristic sought after for hunting on rocky terrain. Nevertheless, it is a dog that also greatly appreciates sofas and home comfort. As a primitive dog, close to its natural origins, the Ibizan Hound benefits from excellent canine language and communicates very well with its peers. Not much of a fighter, it prefers to move away rather than enter into an altercation. The Ibizan Hound learns quickly and its training is simple. It is enough to establish the right rules from the start. It can be placed in the hands of all types of masters, including as a first dog, as long as its owner trains it by voice without physical force. The Ibizan Hound has no tolerance for violence and will quickly flee from anyone who mistreats it.

The Ibizan Hound is a sighthound type although classified in group 5 of primitive-type dogs. The body is medium, slightly longer than tall, with fine lines. The long tail is set low. At rest it hangs naturally while in action it is sickle-shaped without being erect or alternatively rolled over the back. The ears are straight and medium length, diamond-shaped elongated cut at a third of its long diagonal. The eyes are slanted, small, amber colored more or less intense in keeping with coat color. The coat is smooth, hard or long. The smooth coat is resistant and shiny, but not silky. The hard coat must be rough, well-provided, with a beard highly sought. The long coat is softer, at least five centimeters long, very abundant on the head. Coat colors are white and red, solid white or red. Fawn color can be admitted as long as it is an extraordinary specimen.

The Ibizan Hound adapts to apartment living provided it is given long walks (one hour twice a day). The quantity and quality of food must be monitored, as the breed is predisposed to overweight.