Jessica Stover is the breeder behind Dugualla Ibizan Hounds. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, the dogs, the puppies, and much more!
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Jessica Stover: We live in Oak Harbor (Whidbey Island), Washington state. I started in dogs as a Junior Handler at age eight. I’ve been in dogs approximately 23 years. I started with a Whippet and got my first Ibizan Hound puppy in 2005. We had our first Ibizan Hound litter in 2018 and have plans to continue our breeding program for years to come.
I moved from California in 2011 to Washington state and met my partner, Michael. Together we have worked to start a solid foundation for our breeding program and provide an environment to raise our puppies in. We run a home-based pet grooming business and are able to dedicate much of our day to our dogs and puppies.
Jessica Stover: Dugualla is our kennel name; in relation to our previous home on Dugualla Bay where our first litter was born. We currently have seven adult Ibizan Hounds and four Toy Manchester Terriers. We do have plans to keep a puppy from the next generation of Dugualla Ibizan Hounds.
Jessica Stover: We started producing Ibizan Hound litters in 2018, so we currently do not have any past winners. Some of our noteworthy winners out of our own breeding include:
Jessica Stover: Our foundation bitch, CH Arbeca’s Rossinyol (Icey), has produced fantastic offspring and was a huge influence on our breeding program as a whole. She gave us two beautiful litters, and from those litters, multiple AKC CH, GCH, and BIF-winning get. Her sweet nature and loving temperament has been passed down to her offspring.
Our most influential sire would be GCH Bramblewood’s Round of Appaws (Bravo). He and his son, “Bismark,” gave us beautiful puppies and deep quality.
Jessica Stover: Our puppies are raised in our home alongside our daily activities. We use Puppy Culture methods and start ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) at just a couple days old. They spend the first two weeks in a whelping box next to my bedside for close monitoring. At three weeks of age, they are moved into a puppy pen in our living room where they experience our day-to-day routines, experience different sights and noises, and see the other dogs and cats in our household. We offer different stimulation for our young puppies, including toys (of all kinds, textures, and shapes), noisemakers, and various surface textures. They are also introduced to children and other animals (other dogs, cats, and outside animals; goats, sheep, and chickens).
Jessica Stover: We watch our puppies from “day one,” looking for head structure and overall appearance. We do two formal evaluations prior to placing our puppies. At seven weeks, we perform a temperament test and put the puppies through a series of small exercises. This gives us an idea of the puppies’ drive, willingness to follow direction, and ability to adjust to new situations. We take that information and consider which puppies would be successful in a performance home and which may be best-suited in a pet home. At eight weeks old, we do a formal conformation evaluation. We look at structure, type, balance, and all other aspects that would make a good show dog and adhere to our breed’s Standard. We take detailed notes and keep those for comparison.
Jessica Stover: We complete in AKC and ASFA Lure Coursing events with our hounds. Though we have only been competing in this sport for a couple years, we have multiple Best in Field winners. We hope to dive further in other Performance Events.
Jessica Stover: It’s a nice addition to have a dog with Performance titles, but it’s not deal-breaker. We take overall conformation, temperament, health, and breed type over the titles a dog may have.
Jessica Stover: This breed needs the ability to free-run regularly and work their muscles. We have a fenced-in acre to allow our hounds the exercise they need. They run and bounce as much as they want. We don’t do any other sort of inside conditioning or exercises. We let them work their muscles naturally.
Jessica Stover: There are a few health issues that may arise in the breed as a whole. Eyes should be tested as puppies, and regularly as adults, to ensure that no cataracts or other eye issues pop up. Seizures are another health issue that can make an appearance in this breed with a devastating outcome. It’s important to keep track of dogs that have had seizures or have produced seizures in their offspring. As with any other breed, certain lines may carry certain health concerns. Nutritionally, each dog is different (even within the breed) and should be fed what they do best on. Even within our household, certain dogs do better on different diets.
Jessica Stover: This breed is very fortunate to have a good number of breeders working together to preserve the Ibizan Hound.
Jessica Stover: This breed does excellent in an active family home. In my experience, they are great with children who are respectful to them. They are also well suited in a single-person home. If they are able to get the activity outlet and mental stimulation they need, they are happy hounds.
Jessica Stover: One of biggest misconceptions that I hear is that they are hyper. I would not describe this breed as hyperactive. They are active, but they do have an “off” switch and enjoy hanging out by your side. A best-kept secret? I’d have to go with their goofy temperaments. They have a sense of humor. Their personalities and temperaments are so unique. You’re always entertained when you have an Ibizan.
Jessica Stover: A flashy dog is not always a correct dog. These hounds should be moderate in build; not extreme.
As per the AKC Breed Standard: “Strong, without appearing heavily muscled, the Ibizan is a hound of moderation. With the exception of the ears, he should not appear extreme or exaggerated.”
The breed’s movement is very unique. Identifying correct movement is key. Proper lift and joint flexion are so important. Movement should be clean and not sloppy or hackney. Beautiful, correct movement should be rewarded.
Jessica Stover: Listen to your mentors and to those breeders who have been in this breed for a long time. They are a wealth of knowledge. Not everything is printed on paper. Speak with those who have been in the breed for decades and absorb their information.
Jessica Stover: Day-to-day life with an Ibizan Hound is most amusing… there really is no pinning down one event! My dogs amuse me every day from their bounces, tail chasing, nose wiggles, booty-scratch dances, hand nibbling, bird chasing, paw slapping, and back talk. Typical Ibizan antics! They are naughty at times, but always entertaining. A sense of humor is a must if you own these dogs!
The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?
Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.
Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.
Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.
Read and learn more about the Ibizan Hound dog breed with articles and information in our Ibizan Hound Breed Magazine.
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