Ibizan Hound Basics
An ancient breed of dog, the Ibizan Hound’s eyes seem to look completely through your physical being and deep into your soul. Many owners believe that these dogs are really in tune with the feelings of the family members and will console them or act like clowns, whatever they need to do at the time. The Ibizan Hound is a hunter and athletic. They are incredible companions for families that are active outside and calm inside.
Known as Beezers to those who love the breed, Ibizan Hounds are watchful of strangers and quite reserved when they are around. This behavior can be overcome with early and constant socialization. For more information on the Ibizan Hound, please read further.
An ancient breed of dog, the Ibizan Hound’s eyes seem to look completely through your physical being and deep into your soul.
Origin
The Ibizan Hound can be traced as far back as 3400 BC in ancient Egypt. Evidence of the existence of these royal dogs has been found in the tombs of Pharaohs such as Hemako, Nevermat, Tutankhamen and Ptolemies. Not only were Beezers the constant companions of royals, they were also fierce hunters of small game. They are happy to go out lure coursing as they can reach speeds of forty miles per hour and better. Later, they love nestling on the couch with their families.
Pedigree
It is believed that the Ibizan Hound’s ancestors were from the Mediterranean to the Balearic Islands by the Phoenicians in the 8th or 9th centuries. Because of lean times, the Beezers nearly died out however, in the 1950s, a breeder stepped up her breeding program and began to promote the Ibizan Hound vigorously. Today, the Ibizan Hound is ranked 142nd in registrations by the AKC.
Food/Diet
The Beezer needs a diet of high-quality, dry dog food. They should be fed two meals daily as opposed to one large meal. Your dog’s breeder or veterinarian can help you select the best product for feeding your Ibizan Hound.
Ibizan Hounds are sweet and sensitive dogs.
Training
Ibizan Hounds are sweet and sensitive dogs. They do not accept aggressive methods of training. Fun techniques with loads of tasty treats work well for the Beezer. Although they are exceptionally intelligent, they have a cat-like outlook on training. They want to know what they will get out of the session. Yummy rewards make the training sessions worthwhile to the Beezer!
The Ibizan was born to chase and hunt. This is a behavior that you simply can train out of them. A fence of about six feet in height is necessary to keep the Beezer safe from escaping the confines of your yard. Of course, anytime he is outside of a contained area, the dog must be on a leash to ensure his safety and that of other critters in the neighborhood.
Weight
The average Ibizan Hound weighs between 45 and 50 pounds. They stand between 22 ½ and 27 ½ inches tall at the withers.
Temperament/Behavior
The Ibizan Hound is a hunter; this is what he was bred to be. There is nothing that can be done to take the chase gene out of the Beezer! It is important that this dog not be left alone with cats, rabbits, birds or even small dogs. This could prove to be a bloodbath. Although not aggressive, the Beezer is a hunter and cannot distinguish a welcome animal from prey waiting to be caught.
Calm indoors, the Beezer is an excellent companion for families who will exercise him and allow him to hang out on the couch too. He needs companionship and affection. The Ibizan Hound is aloof with strangers so care should be taken during introductions. Proper socialization will help to keep the dog from being shy or frightened of newcomers.
Common Health Problems
First and foremost, Beezers are known to be healthy dogs. Heck, the breed has been around since ancient times! As with any breed or family, certain problems are prevalent. Ibizan Hounds are extremely sensitive to vaccines, medications and anesthesia. Great caution should be taken when administering anything to this breed. They are especially sensitive to flea shampoos, powders and collars. Other problems include food allergies, seizures, cataracts, retinal dysplasia, deafness and axonal dystrophy.
Life Expectancy
The Ibizan Hound has been known to live between 10 and 14 years of age. Several Beezers have been known to have lived to over 16 years of age!
Exercise Requirements
Although Ibizan Hounds are incredible athletes, they do not need to go on marathon runs daily. A couple of good long walks or perhaps a morning jog daily is sufficient for most days. The Beezer should be able to break out and run at full stride at least once each week. If you have a large fenced yard, it would be perfect. If not, you will need to find a good dog park or better yet, dog beach for the dog to completely stretch out and let loose!
The Ibizan Hound is a great companion for families who like running and the outdoors. Considering the breed can reach speeds over 40 mph, their humans can never keep up with them. Lure coursing clubs are a great option for those who have Beezers and need to ensure that they get the proper exercise. The breed is always competitive with others when they are chasing down “game”. This is a perfect way for the dog to have fun and the humans to get to meet other Beezer owners too!
The Ibizan Hound is a hunter; this is what he was bred to be.
AKC
The American Kennel Club writes this about the Ibizan Hound: “The Ibizan is a gracious and kind natured dog that needs an active life to remain healthy and happy. Ibizans are known for their ability to jump 5 foot fences with ease. A yard with a secure fence is important for this breed. An Ibizan is generally aloof with strangers and considers himself to be equal in status with his human counterparts.” The athletic Ibizan Hound was first recognized as a member of the Hound Group in 1978.
Coat
Ibizan Hounds have two separate coat styles, wirehaired and shorthaired. A wirehaired Beezer’s fur is between one and three inches in length and it sports a telltale moustache! The short-coated Beezer has a sleeker appearance. Both styles have coarse coats. The coats may be white, red or any mixture of red and white. Beezers have a cool distinction from other dog breeds; the rims of their eyes and their noses are the same color as human flesh.
Weekly brushing is enough for both types of Beezers. This will remove loose hair and debris that has accumulated in their coats as well as distribute the skin oils to make the coat shine like the sun. Baths are only needed on a monthly basis because Ibizan Hounds like to be clean and rarely roll in malodorous things.
Puppies
In order to raise a happy and well-adjusted Ibizan Hound, it is essential that he be socialized from the time he gets to your home. A variety of people, pets and situations will help him to grow into a friendly and confident adult dog. Never forget that the Beezer has the chase instinct, so he should not be trusted alone with small animals of any kind.
