Ibizan Hound “Family-Oriented, Even-Tempered, Polite”
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.
- Height: 23.5-27.5 inches (male), 22.5-26 inches (female)
- Weight: 50 pounds (male), 45 pounds (female)
- Life Expectancy: 11-14 years
- Group: Hound Group
History
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 AKC publication, even “Cleopatra reportedly was an ardent devotee of the Galgo [Ibizan], and her reign was the twilight of the pharaohs’ time in Egypt.”
Care
The Ibizan Hound should be fed a high-quality dog food appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet or the dog’s breeder if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.
Beezers are very athletic and require a lot of exercise. It is not uncommon for an Ibizan to be able to jump five or six feet from a standing position, so a tall, secure fence is the order of the day for owners of this breed. The Beezer will enjoy vigorous daily play-sessions with his owner or with other dogs, or he can go for long walks a couple of times a day.
