Dog Breeds 101: Ibizan Hound

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The well-mannered and intelligent Ibizan Hound is a member of the sight hound family bearing a resemblance of the Egyptian god Anubis. Fondly called Beezer, this dog is an amazing hunter with its long, slender legs and sharp sight. Ibizan Hounds were originally bred to hunt rabbits and so they always chase after anything that runs. It is important to keep them in a fenced area to prevent them from wandering off. These dogs have a lot of energy and they need daily exercise for them to be happy and satisfied. They can live in large apartments and condos but should always be given enough opportunities to stretch their legs in a nearby park. [1] [2]

Ibazan Hounds are fast runners and they can work with any terrain. Females are considered to be better hunters compared to males and hunting packs are almost always made up of female Ibizan Hounds. It is widely believed that they are descendants of tesem, an ancient Egyptian hunting dog breed but recent genetic research proved this to be wrong. They were only actually developed only recently and does not have a lineage that goes back to ancient Egypt. They were brought to the Spanish island of Ibiza by the Phoenicians around the 8th to 9th centuries BCE. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1979. Today, the Ibizan Hound remains a relatively unknown breed. [3] [4]

The average life span of the breed is 12 to 14 years and rarely suffers from hereditary illnesses. The Ibizan Hound can grow up to 22 to 29 inches and weigh anywhere between 45 to 65 pounds. The breed comes in smooth-coated and wire-coated varieties though both always comes in a combination of red and white. The large ears are the distinct features of the breed; they are upright with a broad base and a pointed tip. [4]