Introduction

The Ibizan Hound, also at times in its development known as the Ibizan Warren Hound, the Ibizan Podenco, the Podenco Ibiceno, the Podenco Mallorquin, the Ivicene, the Balearic Hound, the Balearic Dog, the Balearen-Laufhund and the Galgo Hound, is an ancient breed with an exotic and highly distinctive appearance. When it spread to the Catalonia region of the Spanish mainland, it was called Ca Eivissenc or Ca Eibisenc. When it reached the south of France, it was called the Charnique, Charnihue, Charnegue, Charneque and Chien de Baleares, although the breed eventually was banned from France due to its association with poachers. It also has been called the Anubis - the “Watchdog of the Dead” - in part because a full-sized statue identical to the Ibizan Hound of today was found inside the tomb of King Tutankhamen when it was discovered in 1922. The affectionate nick-name for the breed is “Beezer.” An interesting historical footnote is that according to legend, Hannibal was born on Ibiza and carried Ibizan Hounds with him on his elephants when he invaded Italy.

Ibizan Hounds were bred to hunt rabbits and other small game in packs, by means of sound as well as scent and sight, using their tall, upright ears, keen nose and elongated body built for speed. Their almost silent hunting sequence has been described as: “detect, flush, chase at 40 mph (64 kg), kill with a neck-break, and then retrieve to owner.” They are unequaled in their high and broad jumping abilities. The American Kennel Club accepted the Ibizan Hound into its Stud Book in 1978, and the breed became eligible for show competition in 1979 as a member of the Hound Group.

Adult male Ibizan Hounds should be 23½ to 27½ inches at the withers and weigh about 40 pounds. Bitches range from 22½ to 26 inches measured at the same place and weigh on average 45 pounds. Their coat can be short or wire-haired, both of which are hard in texture. The only acceptable colors are any combination of white and/or red. They have been described as a Greyhound-type, prick-eared, sickle-tailed dog, with a deer-like quality in both look and temperament.

Ibizan Hound - History and Health

The Ibizan Hound can be traced back to approximately 3400 B.C. in ancient Egypt. Many artifacts found in tombs of pharaohs reinforce the existence of a royal dog closely resembling the modern Ibizan. Hemako of the First Dynasty (3100-2700 B.C.), Nevermat of the Fourth Dynasty (around 2600 B.C.), Tutankhamen of the Eighteenth Dynasty and the Ptolemies of the Thirtieth and final Dynasty, all have tombs containing evidence of the Ibizan’s ancient ancestry. According to one

Ibizan Hound - Temperament & Personality

The Ibizan Hound (nicknamed “Beezer”) was developed in Ancient Egypt as a hunter of small game. They can reach top speed from a dead stop very quickly and can scale six foot fences without a running start. Beezers make excellent companion dogs as they are quiet, well mannered, independent and clean. They can be quite clownish and enjoy making harmless mischief whenever they can. Beezers have a lot of energy and need time to run,

Ibizan Hound - Appearance & Grooming

Ibizan Hounds are described as elegant, athletic, and deer-like. They have long, arched necks that lead up into a long, wedge-shaped head. The eyes are small and caramel or amber in color. The ears are large and triangular and stand up when the dog is alert or excited. The flesh-colored nose stands out beyond the jaw and is slightly convex in shape. Ibizans are lean, but not not as thin as other sight hounds. The

Ibizan Hound - Pictures

The saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Check out the many different Ibizan Hound Pictures and Ibizan Hound images. Get an in depth look at the Ibizan Hound and see the many things that this breed has to offer.