There’s nothing more fantastic than opening your heart and your home to a dog. But what’s even better is having the wonderful, amusing and unusual breed of dog join your family ranks:the Ibizan Hound. If you have never heard of this breed, you would be in the majority! Once in awhile you may see them showing in the hound group category on televised dog shows. But from those of us who own this wonderful breed (I can speak from experience) we can attest to you that you will share a fun-filled and always exciting life with an Ibizan Hound.I certainly have with Marty, my purebred Ibizan Hound.
There’s nothing more fantastic than opening your heart and your home to a dog. But what’s even better is having the wonderful, amusing and unusual breed of dog join your family ranks: the Ibizan Hound. If you have never heard of this breed, you would be in the majority! Once in a while you may see them showing in the hound group category on televised dog shows. But from those of us who own this wonderful breed (I can speak from experience) we can attest to you that you will share a fun-filled and always exciting life with an Ibizan Hound. I certainly have with Marty, my purebred Ibizan Hound.
Ibizan (pronounced “ee-be-zan” or “eh-bith-en”) Hounds have a rich world history as a breed. They are descendants of canines depicted on ancient tombs in Egypt, dating back as far as 3400 B.C. Always regal and sure-footed, they possess pointy ears that stand straight at attention and a long, yet elegantly sculpted snout. Ibizan Hounds are a member of the sighthound family, meaning they use their sense of sight to track and hunt their prey.
Ibizan Hounds were thought to have been brought by seamen to Ibiza island, located off the coast of Spain, hence their name. Owners of this breed put their sight skills to good use as hunters in the field, catching rabbits and other small prey that were used for food.
Ibizan Hounds are a fairly large dog, with males weighing around 50 pounds and females around 45 pounds. Their height ranges from 22 to27 inches tall. They range in color from white to tan to red. Some have colored patches, some are solid-colored. There is a shorthaired version of the breed, with a sleek shiny coat as well as a wirehaired version, which possesses longer hair and looks as if the dog has been ruffled with a thick, fluffy towel! Check out the photos I have here of Marty and you can see how beautiful IBs can be.
Ibizan Hounds have beautiful and graceful features, including bright, inquisitive caramel-colored eyes, pink noses, and a long tail that curls jauntily over their backs. Their tails unfurl as they run. These hounds not only possess keen sight, but are lovable and affectionate with their immediate family. They are comfortable with physical activity, long walks or jogs – but when it’s time to settle down, the Ibizan Hound is quite happy curled up next to their owners living the life of a couch potato. Marty was very happy on long walks and was well-mannered on a leash. I found him very easy to train with basic commands, such as sit, stay, heel and down. He also loved to sit on my lap to keep warm during chilly nights.
These hounds are a great family pet, but they are not for every home. First, there is the issue of size. Ibizan Hounds are large dogs, so be prepared for large bags of food (and lots of outdoor cleanup)! A fenced yard is a MUST, preferably a yard with a five-foot high fence. Ibizans can jump six feet straight up in the air – I saw Marty do this. Marty was very obedient, but all bets were off when a squirrel was in the backyard tree. The hunting instinct has stayed with the breed to this day: during Marty’s lifetime, he managed to nab seven squirrels!
Marty’s personality was completely Ibizan Hound – that is, quite unique. Up to the age of two, he would behave just like a gawky teenager, not quite comfortable in his skin. By age three, he was mature, graceful, and very sure of his hunting abilities. If he found something funny or amusing, he would sneeze. Likewise, if he was scolded for kitchen counter surfing and nabbing yet another juicy chicken breast, he would blush and his ears and face would turn red! All in all, Marty was a real clown. He lived as a very healthy and happy boy. I was honored to have him bring joy to my life until his ripe old age of twelve and a half. He passed in December, 2009. I shall miss him deeply. His legacy lives on — I would definitely consider living with an Ibizan Hound again!
For more information on the Ibizan Hound Club of the United States rescue services, click on: http://www.ihcus.org/ — that’s how I found my precious Marty.
