Information on AKC Ibizan Hound Puppies
AKC MEET THE BREEDS®: Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound is an elegant, agile, deer-like hound with large ears and amber eyes that give the breed an exotic look. Their coats are red, white or any combination of the two colors. They can have smooth coats or longer wiry coats with bushy moustaches. In the Ibizan’s native Spain, the breed is used in packs to hunt rabbits. The Ibizan is unequaled in high and broad jumping ability, which it uses to hunt in the rough terrain of its native land.
A Look Back
In ancient Egypt around 3400 BC there were depictions of curled tailed hounds very much of the type found in modern Ibizan Hounds. It is believed that sea-traders, perhaps the Phoenicians, carried these ancient dogs to various foreign lands such as Ibiza, an island off the coast of Spain. There, they were used to hunt rabbits to provide food for themselves and the island people.
Right Breed for You?
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.
If you are considering purchasing an Ibizan Hound puppy, learn more here.
- Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1978.
- Ranging in size from 22½ inches to 27½ inches tall at the shoulder.
- Even-tempered, affectionate, loyal; sight hound.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Ibizan Hound Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Ibizan’s clean-cut lines, large prick ears and light pigment give it a unique
appearance. A hunting dog whose quarry is primarily rabbits, this ancient hound
was bred for thousands of years with function being of prime importance. Lithe
and racy, the Ibizan possesses a deerlike elegance combined with the power of
a hunter. 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.
In the field the Ibizan is as fast as top coursing breeds and without equal
in agility, high jumping and broad jumping ability. He is able to spring to
great heights from a standstill.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size--The height of dogs is 23½ inches to 27½ inches
at the withers. Bitches are 22½ to 26 inches at the withers. There is no
preference for size within this range. Sizes slightly over or under the norms
are not to be regarded as demerits when other qualities are good. Weight--Average
weight of dogs is 50 pounds; bitches, 45 pounds. Proportion--Slightly
longer than tall. Substance--The Ibizan possesses clean, fine
bone. The muscling is strong, yet flat, with no sign of heaviness.
Head
Long and narrow in the form of a sharp cone truncated at its base. Finely chiseled
and extremely dry fleshed.
Expression
The Ibizan has an elegant, deer-like look. The eyes are oblique
and small, ranging in color from clear amber to caramel. The rims are the color
of the nose and are fully or partially pigmented. The appearance of the eye
is intelligent, alert and inquisitive. The ears are large, pointed,
and natural. On alert the ear should never droop, bend, or crease. Highly mobile,
the ear can point forward, sideways, or be folded backward, according to mood.
On alert, the lowest point of the base is at level of the eye. On frontal examination,
the height of the ear is approximately 2½ times that of the widest point
of the base.
Skull
Long and flat, prominent occipital bone, little defined stop;
narrow brow. The muzzle is elongated, fine, and slender with a
very slight Roman convex. The length from the eyes to point of nose is equal
to the distance from eyes to occiput. The muzzle and skull are on parallel planes.
The nose is prominent, extending beyond the lower jaw. It is of
a rosy flesh color, never black or liver, and tends to harmonize with that of
the coat. Pigment is solid or butterfly. Nostrils are open. Lips
are thin and tight and the color of the nose. Flews are tight and dry fleshed.
Bite--The teeth are perfectly opposed in a scissors bite; strong
and well set.
Neck, Topline, Body
The neck is long, slender, slightly arched and strong, yet flat
muscled. The topline, from ears to tail, is smooth and flowing.
The back is level and straight. Body --The chest
is deep and long with the breastbone sharply angled and prominent. The ribs
are slightly sprung. The brisket is approximately 2-1/2 inches above the elbow.
The deepest part of the chest, behind the elbow, is nearly to or to the elbow.
The abdomen is well tucked up, but not exaggerated. The loin is
very slightly arched, of medium breadth and well muscled. The croup
is very slightly sloping. The tail is set low, highly mobile,
and reaches at least to the hock. It is carried in a sickle, ring, or saber
position, according to the mood and individual specimen.
Forequarters
Angulation is moderate. The shoulders are elastic
but never loose with moderate breadth at the withers. The shoulder blades are
well laid back. At the point of the shoulder they join to a rather
upright upper arm. The elbow is positioned in front
of the deepest part of the chest. It is well held in but not so much as to restrict
movement. Legs --The forearms are very long, strong, straight,
and close, lying flat on the chest and continuing in a straight line to the
ground. Bone is clean and fine. The pasterns are strong and flexible,
slightly sloping, with well developed tendons. Dewclaw removal
is optional. Feet: hare-foot. The toes are long, closed and very
strong. Interdigital spaces are well protected by hair. Pads are durable. Nails
are white.
Hindquarters
Angulation is moderate with the hindquarters being set under the
body. Legs--The thighs are very strong with flat muscling. The
hocks are straight when viewed from the rear. Bone is clean and fine. There
are no rear dewclaws. The feet are as in front.
Coat
There are two types of coat; both untrimmed. Short--shortest on
head and ears and longest at back of the thighs and under the tail. Wire-haired
can be from one to three inches in length with a possible generous moustache.
There is more hair on the back, back of thighs, and tail. Both types of coat
are hard in texture and neither coat is preferable to the other.
Color
White or red, (from light, yellowish-red called "lion" to deep red),
solid or in any combination. No color or pattern is preferable to the other.
Disqualify any color other than white or red.
Gait
An efficient, light and graceful single tracking movement. A suspended trot
with joint flexion when viewed from the side. The Ibizan exhibits smooth reach
in front with balanced rear drive, giving the appearance of skimming over the
ground.
Temperament
The Ibizan Hound is even-tempered, affectionate and loyal. Extremely versatile
and trainable, he makes an excellent family pet, and is well suited to the breed
ring, obedience, tracking and lure-coursing. He exhibits a keen, natural hunting
instinct with much determination and stamina in the field.
Disqualification
Any color other than white or red.
Approved September 11, 1989
Effective November 1, 1989
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