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CaninpediaDog Breeds

Ibizan Hound

A slender hunter from the Balearic Islands with large upright ears, the Ibizan Hound is athletic, gentle and capable of spectacular jumps.

Photo of the Ibizan Hound dog breed
Photo: Jan Eduard; corrected by Pleple2000 — CC BY-SA 3.0 (source)

History and origins

The Ibizan Hound comes from Spain's Balearic Islands, where it has hunted rabbits for centuries, often in groups, using sight, scent and hearing together.

It is an ancient Mediterranean-type breed, close to the Pharaoh Hound and the Cirneco.

Temperament

Gentle, affectionate and sociable, the Ibizan Hound usually gets on well with children and other dogs. It is more reserved with strangers.

Independent, it has a strong hunting instinct and unreliable recall. It responds better to kindness than to force.

Health

This is a robust breed. Some allergies, deafness and the anaesthetic sensitivity typical of very lean dogs should be monitored.

Regular veterinary follow-up is recommended.

This is general information. For any question about your dog's health, consult a veterinarian.

Feeding

Good-quality food matched to its activity keeps it lean and muscular.

Avoid exercise just after meals.

Exercise

It needs an hour or more of daily activity and free running in a large enclosed area.

It can clear very high fences.

It needs a house with a large, securely fenced garden; apartment life does not suit it.

Grooming

Its coat (smooth or wire) needs weekly brushing.

It feels the cold.

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