Spain is home to many great breeds known for their unique characteristics. Among these exciting breeds is the infamous rabbit hunter that paved its way over the years: the Ibizan Hound.
The Ibizan Hound is an excellent definition of a Spain breed, which is capable of working tough terrain. This relatively large breed is known for its long legs and sleek figure; it is evident from its looks that it is an incredible sprinter.
Just looking at the Ibizan Hound would make us appreciate its elegance; it has special characteristics not seen in other breeds, which makes it a truly wonderful dog to have in the house. If you are looking for a dog that could be both a pet and a companion for various activities, the Ibizan Hound is an excellent choice.
Origins of the Ibizan Hound
Similar to other breeds, the Ibizan Hound derived its name from its place of origin. We can trace back the origins of this breed to thousands of years ago in Spain’s Mediterranean coast, in the Balearic Islands. During this time, Phoenician traders went to the island and brought with them Egyptian hounds, wherein it was used as rabbit hunters.
Ever since its early existence, the hound was regarded as a rabbit hunter, mainly because of the significance of hunting rabbits during that time. The harsh environment in Ibiza made it incredibly difficult to gather food; that is why hunting rabbits became common practice for survival. However, hunting these little creatures was not an easy task.
People needed to look for a more effective way of tracking and capturing these small mammals. This necessity led to the use of dogs, which made a significant impact on getting the job done a lot easier. It was great timing for the Ibizan Hound to enter the scene since it is incredibly qualified for hunting other animals, such as rabbits. As expected, the Ibizan Hound showcased its remarkable skills on the field and dominated the hunting game.
The Ibizan Hound was a great help to the early people living on the rocky island of Ibizan. Over the years, the Ibizan Hound remained to be incredibly skillful when it comes to hunting, and many people continue to admire this breed. The greatness of this breed remained intact centuries later, and today, it is still recognized as a powerful hunting dog.
Characteristics of the Ibizan Hound
Height: 22.5 – 27.5 inches
Weight:45 – 50 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 – 14 years
Hypoallergenic: No
The Ibizan Hound possesses several qualities that show its greatness on the field. It is no doubt that many dog lovers admire the Ibizan Hound because of its unique features, including its physical, mental, and behavioral characteristics.
In terms of the Ibizan Hound’s physical appearance, it is a relatively large breed that could stand up to more than twenty-seven inches tall and weighs up to fifty pounds. This large size is due to its long legs, which is essential for it to burst at extreme speeds. A sleek and athletic figure is also evident in this dog’s appearance, displaying a sturdy physique suitable for working in various activities.
Moreover, the Ibizan Hound holds other distinct features that make it unique. It has an elongated head with large erect ears, which are a common sight in ancient Egyptian artworks. It has a fine coat that comes in various colors: solid red or white, or red and white patterns. Along with its sleek and muscular figure, these characteristics showcase an exquisite appearance of the Ibizan Hound.
Besides the Ibizan Hound’s beautiful appearance, this breed is also known for its outstanding expertise in the field. It is skillful in various types of canine tasks, but this dog excels in hunting. It was a famous rabbit hunter for many years, which helped ancient people survive on Ibiza’s rocky island. Because of its exceptional skills in the field, it didn’t take long for it to gain recognition and earn a reputation as a skillful hunter.
Interestingly, the Ibizan Hound is not only a reputable hunter; it does not only possess an elegant appearance; this breed is a perfect combination of excellent qualities, which includes its positive nature. It is polite and family-oriented, making it an ideal dog to own at your house. It works well with humans, as well as children; that is why this breed is an excellent choice for a lovable family companion.