The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage.
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.
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.
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 2½ 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.
Angulation is moderate. The shouldersare 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.
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 mustache. 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.
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.
Ibizans are lithe and leggy visitors from the dawn of civilization. Art history students will recognize the elongated head, with its large erect ears, as a familiar motif of ancient Egypt. The elegant, racy body stands 22.5 to 27.5 inches at the shoulder, with coat colors of solid red or white, or red and white patterns. The rosy-colored leathers of the nose, eye rims, and lips—along with amber or caramel eyes—perfectly complement the coat. The breed’s quiet grace is often described as deer-like.
The Ibizan Hound should be fed a high-quality dog food appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet or the dog’s breeder if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.
Ibizan coats come in smooth and wire varieties, with a wide range in how profuse the wire coat can be. Both varieties should be groomed upright earsshould be checked weekly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris, which could result in an infection. The teeth should be brushed often, daily if possible, using a toothpaste formulated for dogs.
Beezers are very athletic and require a lot of exercise. It is not uncommon for an Ibizan to be able to jump five or six feet from a standing position, so a tall, secure fence is the order of the day for owners of this breed. The Beezer will enjoy vigorous daily play-sessions with his owner or with other dogs, or he can go for long walks a couple of times a day. The Ibizan has a very strong prey drive and should not be allowed off leash in an uncontrolled setting, as he is apt to take off on a chase after perceived prey at a moment’s notice. The breed makes a wonderful companion for a regular jogger.
Versatile and trainable, Ibizans make excellent family pets. The breed is even-tempered, affectionate, and loyal. The Ibizan is bit aloof but a sweet-natured, family-oriented housemate. Alert and watchful of strangers, they are nevertheless friendly and outgoing dogs. Puppies should be cheerful, playful, and healthy. Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. Ibizans excel in a number of canine sports, including lure coursing, obedience, agility, rally, and tracking.
Ibizan Hounds are generally healthy dogs, though there are some conditions the breed can be prone to. These include hip dysplasia, eye disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, and congenital deafness. Responsible breeders will screen their stock for conditions that can affect the breed. The website of the breed’s national parent club The Ibizan Hound Club of the United Statesprovides detailed information on breed health. Regular visits to the vet for checkups and parasite control help to ensure the dog a long, healthy life.
Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:
Read the Official Breed Club Health Statement.
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.
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.
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 2½ 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.
Angulation is moderate. The shouldersare 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.
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 mustache. 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.
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.
| Description | Standard Colors | Registration Code |
| Red | Check Mark For Standard Color | 140 |
| Red & White | Check Mark For Standard Color | 146 |
| White | Check Mark For Standard Color | 199 |
| White & Red | Check Mark For Standard Color | 214 |
| Description | Standard Markings | Registration Code |
| White Markings | 014 |
