History
Around 3000 BC in Egypt, the Ibizan Hound was a companion dog for the commoners and also served the royal family. After 900 BC, Phoenician traders took these dogs away to the Balearic Islands. Here they caught small games for their master and themselves (their owners didn’t feed them). After their export to different parts of the world, they became famous and soon got official recognition from many reputed organizations.
Interesting Facts
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Uncanny resemblance with Anubis, the Egyptian god of death
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The rare long-haired Ibizan Hounds are another type of wire-haired variety of this breed
Varieties
There are two varieties of this breed:
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Smooth-haired
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Wire-haired
Temperament & Personality
Ibizan Hound is a loyal and intelligent dog that remains close to its family members. It loves to mingle with everybody and can’t stay in one place for a long time. Like a good watchdog, it remains alert and signals its master in times of danger. They are good at entertaining people through various tricks and act quite mischievously at times. Because they are touch-sensitive, a sudden hug or pat will shock them. This breed takes time to mature and behaves childishly even as an adult. Owners will never regret having such a sensitive, even-tempered and reliable pet.
Exercise
This highly active dog needs moderate activities daily. To satisfy its migration and hunting instincts, it needs vigorous sessions of walking and running. In a fenced area, keep it without a leash and allow the dog to run freely. Make sure that the fence is high enough to stop the animal from escaping.
Grooming
These hounds are low maintenance dogs. The ones with smooth hair need rubber grooming mitt for their coat. On the other hand, the wire-haired Ibizan Hounds require their dead hairs to be hand-plucked. Brushing the skin occasionally will protect their natural oils. Trim the nails and clean the ears to keep hygiene in check.
Health Problems
This breed is prone to axonal dystrophy, muscle and nerve disorders. There remains a possibility of cataracts, retinal dysplasia, seizures, and deafness. Its sensitivity to some drugs, like anesthesia, flea powders and insecticides may result in allergies.
Training
Although the hound is intelligent, its obstinate nature makes the training process a challenge. But the owner should not revert to negative methods at any circumstance as it will grow destructive behavior. Teach it basic obedience and socialization skills to help it blend well with others.
Feeding
Two to three cups of good quality dog food split into two meals are an excellent choice to give the dog necessary nutrition. Their balanced diet should include protein-rich foods, but remember that excess protein can prove fatal. Ask a vet regarding the correct diet for this breed.
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