{"id":120248,"date":"2014-10-13T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-10-12T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=120248"},"modified":"2025-12-11T18:07:20","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T16:07:20","slug":"ibizan-hound","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/breed-podenco-ibicenco-ibizan-hound","title":{"rendered":"Ibizan Hound"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Ibizan Hound (Podenco Ibicenco)<\/strong> is a true treasure of the canine world. Images of these dogs are found on murals in Egyptian pyramids dating back thousands of years B.C. As a native of hot countries, this dog can find it difficult to settle in our climate due to its short coat, which requires extra care during the cold season. The call of hunting genes sometimes causes inconvenience for owners, as the dog is always ready to chase prey (for example, the neighbor’s cat) at speeds of over 37 mph. However, at home, these energetic hunters behave surprisingly calmly, are balanced, and even somewhat lazy, turning into gentle companions. Read more on Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ibizan Hound: A Brief Breed Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Ibizan<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Origin<\/strong><\/td>Spain (Balearic Islands)<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Recognition Year<\/strong><\/td>1954 (standard updated in 1978)<\/td><\/tr>
Life Span<\/strong><\/td>12-14 years<\/td><\/tr>
Height at Withers<\/strong><\/td>Males: 26-28.5 in, Females: 23.5-26.5 in<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>Males: 50-66 lbs, Females: 44-57 lbs<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Group<\/strong><\/td>Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 7 (Primitive types – hunting dogs)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

History of the Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Ibizan Hound belongs to the most ancient dogs, with a history that, according to some data, goes back to 5,000-8,000 B.C. Its ancestors most likely arrived on the island of Ibiza (Eivissa) in the Mediterranean Sea along with Phoenician traders around the 8th century B.C. Images of dogs strikingly similiar to the modern Podenco have been found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, specifically in the tomb of Tutankhamun. This indicates their shared lineage with other ancient breeds, such as the Pharaoh Hound<\/a>. It is believed that these dogs were companions of the gods, and their images symbolized the guardians of the underworld.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isolation on the Balearic Islands, particularly on Ibiza, allowed the breed to preserve its purity for centuries. The dogs were used by local farmers and hunters to hunt rabbits and other small game in the difficult conditions of the rocky terrain. They hunted mostly at night, relying on their keen sight, hearing, and smell. This breed did not become widely popular as a house pet, which allowed it to remain quite rare and preserve its unique working qualities. Today, the Podenco Ibicenco can still be found in the Mediterranean region, but they have also won the hearts of enthusiasts in the USA and Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What the Ibizan Hound Looks Like: Standard and Appearance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Ibizan<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Podenco Ibicenco is the embodiment of grace, speed, and endurance. It is a tall, slender dog with an aristocratic appearance, long limbs, dry muscles, and elegant body lines. Its appearance speaks to its purpose – fast running and jumping. The head is long and narrow, cone-shaped, with a flat skull between the ears. Large, mobile, triangular ears are one of the most expressive features of the breed; they stand upright and can turn in almost any direction, catching the slightest rustle. The eyes are almond-shaped, amber or caramel colored, with an intelligent and somewhat alert gaze. The nose is flesh-colored or pink, harmonizing with the main coat color. The tail is long, thin, set low; it hangs down when at rest and is raised in a sickle shape when in motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There are three coat varieties:<\/p>\n\n\n\n