This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, May 2014 issue.
Living With the Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound is an even-tempered and engaging breed, and a joy to live with if provided with a suitable home environment that offers energy outlets and closeness to its owners. When provided these, they will settle down and enjoy home life — or they can be depended upon to find their own entertainment.
Those who heed the breed’s requirements become loyal devotees. Lifestyles where an Ibizan is regularly expected to be alone for extended periods are inappropriate for their energy level and need for social contact. An unsupervised Ibizan left alone for hours in the yard can be counted on to test its security and dig among the landscaping.
House Manners
They are exuberant, curious, and busy youngsters (and some adults), requiring constant supervision until they “learn the ropes” and mature — usually at around three or four years of age. Until then, nothing of value, such as food, digital devices, eyewear, or toys, should be left within reach. Ibizans are adept jumpers and have demonstrated the ability to snatch items from the tops of refrigerators.
Other Animals
Ibizans appreciate the company of other dogs, particularly their own breed, and will accept other animals in the household when properly introduced.
Barking
Although not protective guard dogs, they notice everything and will react with barking to typical neighborhood activity.
Energy Level
Their high prey drive results in tireless efforts to reach small mammals like squirrels, opossums, groundhogs, strange cats, etc., which, when combined with their remarkable leaping ability, dictates the need for a secure fenced yard (five feet depending on the dog, maybe higher). For the same reason, it is strongly recommended that Ibizans never be permitted off leash.
Children
Ibizans are powerful dogs and, although generally calm and sweet, can be difficult to restrain when prey drive is activated. They are friendly to responsible children but do not always appreciate roughhousing. When standing on its rear legs, an Ibizan can easily place its front feet on an adult’s shoulders, so care should be taken with exuberant dogs and young children.
Activities
Popular activities with this breed include dog shows (conformation) and lure coursing (AKC and ASFA). Lure coursing is a sport involving chasing a mechanically operated lure and is a highly enjoyable outlet for the Ibizan’s natural hunting instincts and energy. Other chase venues include oval (LGRA) and straight (NOTRA) racing. Agility, Obedience, Rally, and other activities are a rewarding way to build a relationship with your dog. However, the Ibizan should not be the first choice for those whose goal is national-level all-breed success in these venues. Long walks or jogging (after physical maturity, approximately 14 months) are appropriate outlets to maintain fitness and temper the energy level of these athletic hounds.
The Ibizan possesses a sensitive, gentle temperament that responds best to patience and positive training techniques.
Care & Health
Ibizans normally live eleven to fourteen years. While the breed is not plagued with a high level of specific health problems, seizures and autoimmune illnesses are seen. Cataracts and deafness do occur but can be tested for at a young age. This is a clean breed with little odor and only moderate shedding. Weekly brushing, nail trimming, teeth and ear cleaning, with occasional bathing, are all that is required for a well-groomed hound.
For more information, contact the Ibizan Hound Club of the United States at www.ihcus.org.
