Podenko Ibicinko

Breed Description

The Ibizan Hound (Podenco Ibicenco) is often associated with the great pharaohs of ancient Egypt, whose images frequently appear on antique jewelry and religious icons. It is believed that traders brought this breed of dog as companions on their journey to the Spanish island of Ibiza, which is where the breed’s name originates, during the 8th or 9th century.

The Ibizan Hound is a hunting breed that comes from the Balearic Islands, primarily engaged in rabbit hunting. Unlike dachshunds and terriers, it does not burrow but prefers to hunt above ground. These dogs often hunt in groups, mainly composed of females or, at best, one male, as males of this breed do not always get along with each other. Their agility is comparable to that of greyhounds, and they can maneuver swiftly while hunting for prey. Sometimes the Ibizan Hounds surround their target when hunting in a group. In a short time, they can track dozens of rabbits independently without active management from the hunter. Captured prey is never eaten by the dogs; instead, it is faithfully brought back to the hunter.

Interestingly, Ibizan Hounds left to fend for themselves may encounter hunger issues despite their hunting skills in the wild. This is attributed to potential genetic factors affecting digestion regulation.

Unlike traditional sight hounds that rely solely on vision, the Ibizan Hound demonstrates hunting skills using three senses: sight, smell, and hearing. This unique combination makes them exceptional hunters and representatives of the hound family. As early as 1954, the Ibizan Hound was recognized as a distinct breed by the FГ©dГ©ration Cynologique Internationale (FCI). The Russian Association for the Breeding and Racing of Hounds actively engages in pure breeding of these special dogs, providing them opportunities to showcase their passion for running fast, such as by participating in dog races.

Male Ibizan Hounds stand between 60 to 70 centimeters tall and weigh around 23 kilograms, while females reach heights of 57 to 66 centimeters and can weigh up to 20 kilograms. They are slender, agile, and graceful dogs with a proud posture due to their elegant body structure. Ibizan Hounds effectively serve as guardians for their families, providing protection in the presence of suspicious strangers.

The Ibizan Hound is a breed of hunting dogs and sight hounds characterized by independence, high intelligence, and a need for freedom, while still capable of forming close bonds with their owners. The price of a puppy of this breed ranges from 60,000 to 100,000 rubles. Ibizan Hounds typically possess a sweet and affectionate nature. They enjoy attention and affection but are eager to exchange a cozy spot for the opportunity to run and hunt actively. This is one of the gentlest and friendliest breeds, well-suited to children and other animals.

Appearance

The Ibizan Hound is a classic breed with a history that dates back to the time of the Egyptian pharaohs. It is characterized by an elegant red-and-white coat, a narrow long head reminiscent of the Egyptian jackal god Anubis. The breed is further enhanced by large upright ears that can be directed forward, to the side, or slightly bent back. A pigmented nose and the edges of the eyes accentuate the individuality and uniqueness of this breed. The graceful, slender physique and high standing ears are typical features of the Ibizan Hound.

The Ibizan Podenco has a distinctive appearance, representing a variation of the Podenco breed that is bred on the Balearic Islands, such as Mallorca and Ibiza, the latter of which inspired the breed’s name. Podencos are widely found in Portugal and Spain, both on the mainland and on the islands. They all share a similar medium size and a powerful, compact structure reminiscent of a greyhound.

The Ibizan Podenco, in particular, stands out among them, resembling a greyhound the most. It has a narrow color palette: white with red, pure white, or red. Weight is not mandatory but is preferred. Males stand between 66 to 72 centimeters at the shoulder, while females range from 60 to 67 centimeters. The fur of the Ibizan Podenco is smooth, lacking a undercoat, but can be short and harsh. Straight hair should be strong and shiny, while coarse hair should be stiff and dense.

There are no exact data on the lifespan of the Ibizan Podenco, but it is expected to be quite high, ranging from 12 to 15 years. It is important to note that the lifespan may be reduced for imported individuals who experience stress in a new habitat.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The Ibizan Hound has a long, narrow head with a flat skull and a weakly defined transition from the forehead to the muzzle. The proportions of the head emphasize the elegance and hunting character of the breed.

Морда

The snout is elongated, thin, and slightly tapering towards the nose. The nose is flesh-colored or pink, with well-developed nostrils, providing excellent sense of smell.

Уши

The ears of the Ibizan Hound are one of the most characteristic features of the breed. They are large, erect, triangular in shape with pointed tips. Set high and very mobile, they allow for effective sound detection during hunting.

Глаза

The eyes are small, slanted, and amber in color. The expression in the eyes is lively, intelligent, and attentive, highlighting the dog's active and sensitive nature.

Зубы

The teeth are strong, even, with a correct scissor bite. The jaws are strong and reliable, perfectly adapted for hunting.

Корпус

The body of the Ibichenko breed is taut, with a deep but narrow chest that provides ease and endurance. The back is straight and strong, smoothly transitioning into a slightly curved lower back. The belly is well-defined, emphasizing a sporty appearance.

Конечности

The limbs are long, slender, yet muscular. The front legs are straight, with long forearms, while the hind legs have well-defined joint angles, providing a powerful thrust. The paws are oval-shaped, compact, with dense pads, perfect for swift and agile movement.

Хвост

The tail is long, thin, and saber-shaped. When at rest, it is lowered, but in motion, it elegantly rises, helping the dog maintain balance during fast runs and sharp turns.

Шерсть

The Ibizan Hound's coat comes in three types: smooth, rough, and long. The smooth-coated variety has short, dense fur that lies close to the body. The rough-coated version features longer and coarser texture, while the long-haired type is less common and is characterized by its softness.

Окрас

The breed's coloration includes red, white, or combinations of them. The spots can be arranged in various combinations, giving each dog a unique and vibrant appearance.

Character

Podenco Ibicenco is a unique breed of dog that combines characteristics of both hunting and sighthound breeds. Their homeland uses them as reliable guard dogs, and these original functions significantly influence their behavior. They stand out for their high mobility and alertness, not missing even the slightest detail thanks to their keen senses. Particularly in their youth, their energy and thirst for adventure are incredibly high, ideally expressed in hunting activities and, above all, the opportunity to run freely.

The strong hunting instinct present in Ibicencos can only be satisfied occasionally in conditions that are not entirely suitable for this need in our latitudes. Nevertheless, watching an Ibicenco run is a fascinating experience. They are possibly the fastest among the Podenco breeds, exhibiting outstanding agility and the ability to make sharp turns, a result of their specialization in hunting rabbits.

Ibicencos are intelligent and obedient. They easily establish mutual understanding with their owners and quickly learn what is permissible and what is taboo. They display friendliness and openness towards people, possessing a good-natured character, provided that hunting fever or conflict between males does not arise. Ibicencos seek close bonds with their owners and show high loyalty.

Due to strict selective breeding focusing on performance in their homeland, Ibicencos are distinguished by their endurance and resilience. If you are active and athletic, an Ibicenco from a good bloodline can be an excellent choice as your first dog.

Ibicencos interact excellently with children due to their playful and cheerful nature. They joyfully greet running children and often join in their games. Generally, they are gentle and affectionate towards everyone, but like all dogs, there are moments when it is necessary to closely monitor their behavior, as they tend to exhibit high emotionality.

This breed fits well into families with older children who are familiar with interacting with dogs. However, as with any breed, early and proper socialization is essential.Ibicencos possess a loving and friendly nature; they enjoy the company of other dogs and generally get along well with cats, provided they were properly introduced to them at an early age. Initially, they may exhibit quirks when meeting new friends, but they adapt over time. Help them learn to behave appropriately with new acquaintances.Characterized by agility, tirelessness, and self-control in hunting, Ibicencos also demonstrate loyalty, intelligence, and independence. They maintain composure in interactions with strangers, showing neither nervousness nor aggression. These dogs possess a dignified, intelligent, and independent temperament.

Care and Maintenance

Taking care of the Ibizan Hound is not complicated. This breed is ideal as a family dog and a loyal companion for children. They seek recognition as family members and expect appropriate treatment in return. While a large city apartment may not be the most suitable environment for them, Ibizan Hounds require long walks in nature, preferably several times a day, to satisfy their natural needs. In this setting, they express their feelings and demonstrate their loyalty and hunting instinct. A well-cared-for Ibizan Hound at home exhibits a calm and gentle nature.

Some individuals of the breed may be wary and show a tendency to bark. It’s important to note that Ibizans, similar to sight hounds, lack an undercoat, and due to insufficient insulating fat, they are highly sensitive to cold. Dogs brought from Spain without a known history may encounter issues due to their desire for freedom and need for activity, which can sometimes lead to injuries. It raises the question of whether it is always beneficial for animals to be on a tightly controlled leash in densely populated Central Europe. It may be more advisable to help these dogs adapt in their homeland.

A well-socialized Ibizan Hound is easy to train and responsive to education, but fair consequences are important. The dog is sensitive to the care provided by its owners, sometimes using it to their advantage, especially regarding food. They quickly notice neglect from their owners and may take the opportunity to “steal” tasty treats.

Caring for a short-haired Ibizan is simple and effective with weekly grooming. Use a rubber brush or a dog mitt to remove dead hair. Regular brushing ensures that shed hairs are collected, preventing them from landing on furniture, clothing, or other surfaces.

Unlike smooth-haired Ibizans, the rough-haired variety requires more attentive care, as their coat is prone to breakage and shedding. It is recommended to brush them weekly to minimize shedding. Ibizan Hounds are considered moderate shedders, and the rough-haired variety may shed a bit more, highlighting the need for regular grooming. Occasionally, give your pet a bath to maintain cleanliness.

When feeding an Ibizan Hound, it is recommended to provide 2-3 cups of high-quality dry food divided into two meals per day. The diet should be monitored to avoid free access to food, and feeding in two portions helps maintain optimal health. Consistent control of their diet will help prevent excessive weight gain. Ensure constant access to fresh and clean water to keep your Ibizan Hound hydrated.

Training and Education

The Ibizan Hound is a true blend of hunting and sighthound qualities. To ensure proper engagement and physical exercise, the Sighthound Association encourages participation in dog racing or coursing with the Ibizan Hound. Other types of canine sports, including agility, are also suitable. Sometimes, these smart dogs show excellent results on the track. Due to their strong hunting motivation, patience and understanding are required during their training.

The Ibizan Hound appreciates training, especially when it is interesting and creatively varied. As they can easily become bored, it’s best to keep the training sessions short. Use positive reinforcement methods, such as praise, play, and treats, to maintain their motivation. It’s important to plan training creatively to avoid repetition, as these dogs do not enjoy monotony.

As a working breed, Ibizan Hounds are accustomed to hours of hunting, making them energetic and lively. They require sufficient exercise to maintain their health and happiness. They are well-suited for dog sports and can endure intense training sessions lasting from 60 to 80 minutes with breaks. Ibizan Hounds possess excellent running and jumping skills, and their keen sense of smell makes activities with them remarkably engaging. Puppies with pedigree and health guarantees are offered at Zooinika.

How to Choose a Puppy

If you’re looking to share your life with a Ibizan Hound puppy, it’s advisable to find a breeder and establish contact prior to making a purchase. The breeder should be affiliated with a recognized hunting dog association. It’s important to avoid inbreeding, which can be checked through the pedigree, ensuring there are no repeated names.

The breeder should provide good documentation of the litter, including photographs. With prior arrangement, you should have the opportunity to see the litter together with the mother dog on-site. Alternatively, consider looking for Ibizan Hounds (or their mixed variants) in reputable animal shelters. It’s crucial to avoid buying an Ibizan Hound online, as there is a high risk of acquiring a puppy from unscrupulous dog dealers or organizations masquerading as rescue shelters.

According to breeding recommendations, there are more mixed-breed Ibizan Hounds found in the Balearic Islands compared to purebred ones. Many street dogs on these islands are descendants of Ibizan Hounds, which hunters release after using them out of gratitude for their loyal service. These dogs and especially their offspring develop a unique level of cleverness, which they particularly apply when actively searching for food. Learn more at ZoГіnica and find an excellent pet.

Health and Illnesses

Ibizan Hounds generally enjoy good health, supported by long-term natural selection in their homeland. The combination of genetic diversity and careful selection for performance makes this breed particularly robust and resilient to many diseases.

However, like all dogs, Ibizan Hounds have their own health considerations to be aware of. One common issue for this breed may be sensitivity to cold due to the lack of an undercoat and minimal insulating fat. Therefore, during cold periods, it is important to provide these dogs with warmth and comfort.

As with many other large breeds, Ibizan Hounds may face joint and bone problems. Regular physical exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent or reduce the risk of such issues.

Dental care also plays a crucial role in the overall health of the Ibizan Hound. Regular tooth brushing and providing suitable chew toys will help keep their teeth in good condition and prevent dental problems.

An important aspect of maintaining health in Ibizan Hounds is regular veterinary visits. Scheduled check-ups can help identify potential health issues at early stages and allow for timely intervention.

A holistic approach to care, proper nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle will help your Ibizan Hound lead a long and active life.