Let's talk Ibizan Podenco dogs
Ibizan Podenco dogs bear an uncanny resemblance to those depicted in artifacts from as far back as the Pharaonic Egypt of 3400 BC, though the breed may be a lot younger than that. Contrary to what their heritage implies, Ibizan Podenco dogs – also known as Ibizan Hounds – are no dancing, trendy ravers, though they are both elegant and incredibly agile. Part of the sighthound family, Ibizan Podencos are more receptive to training and are keener watchdogs than other sighthounds. Mild-mannered, gentle, even-tempered and reserved with strangers, the Ibizan Podenco makes for a quiet and loyal house pet.
Official name: Ibizan Podenco
Other names: PODENCO IBICENCO, IBIZAN WARREN HOUND, IBIZAN HOUND, BALEARIC DOG
Origins: Spain
| Drooling tendencies |  |
Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level |  |
Suited to apartment living? |  |
| Physical activity needs | Moderate | Kid-friendly? |
|
| Compatibility with other pets | |
Can stay alone? | |
We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Male
66 - 72 cm
Height
20 - 25 kg
Weight
Female
60 - 67 cm
Height
20 - 25 kg
Weight
| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 - 12 months |
| Adult age | 1-7 years |
| Mature age | 7-10 years |
| Senior age | From 10 years |
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Get to know the Ibizan Podenco
All you need to know about the breed
If you’re looking for an easy-going, affable and smart companion with an independent spirit, the Ibizan Podenco fits that bill. There are technically three varieties of Ibizan Podencos: smooth-haired, wire-haired, and long-haired. However, the long-haired is very rare.
Ibizan Podencos are as clean as cats, eager to learn, and they bond closely with their humans. They tend to get bored easily, so would be more than willing to partake in all kinds of dog sports. This would also keep the Ibizan Podenco in good shape, as they can give into their canine couch potato tendencies. Fun fact: You can tell when an Ibizan Podenco is excited, as they have a tendency to blush. Yes, you read that correctly. Very few breeds do it—the Ibizan Podenco is one of them.
This breed will do fine in a flat, as long as they get sufficient exercise, but would really thrive in a house with a garden or an adjacent forest. Make sure you have a fence that’s at least six feet tall however, because this dog can easily jump most fences. Ibizan Podencos are also incredibly fast runners, so keep them on a lead when out and about. Once they’ve worked off their energy, they like nothing more than being wherever you are.
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2 facts about Ibizan Podencos
1. The notorious counter surfer
Put away all food when the Ibizan Podenco is around—they are renowned counter surfers. These dogs have the ability to jump as high as six feet from a standing position, so can pretty much reach anything, no matter how out of the way you think it is.
2. The demure dog
The Ibizan Podenco tends to hold back when in the company of strangers, watching and observing them before letting their guard down. They're not touchy-feely dogs, but are dedicated to and protective of their humans.
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History of the breed
Because of the Ibizan Podenco's close resemblance to the Egyptian jackal god Anubis, it's long been assumed that this breed dates all the way back to ancient Egypt, around 3400 BC, but recent genetic research suggests the modern Ibizan Podenco is a reconstruction of an older type.
However, the Ibizan Podenco probably still shares the same roots as the Pharaoh Hound. Ibizan Podencos were most likely brought to the Balearic island of Ibiza in the 9th and 8th centuries BC. Their isolation provided them with a relatively small, pureblooded gene pool, while the harsh conditions of the island led them to be hardy with highly developed senses of sight and hearing.
The first Ibizan Podencos came to the US for breeding in the 1950s and gradually increased in popularity. They rank 138th among the 155 breeds and varieties recognised by the American Kennel Club, thanks to rarity rather than unfavourable traits.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Ibizan Podencos
1. Head
Narrow head with large erect ears and flesh-coloured pigment cone-shaped nose and eye rims.
2. Body
Sleek, sculpted body.
3. Coat
Coat can be white and red, white and tan, solid white or red or a tawny tan.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Ibizan Podenco
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Caring for your Ibizan Podenco
Grooming, training and exercise tips
The coats of Ibizan Podenco dogs are easy to maintain. The smooth-haired variant should be groomed upright. Keep it in good, shiny condition by running a rubber glove over it, and check ears for wax buildup or debris once a week. Nails should be trimmed regularly and teeth brushed often to avoid dental problems. They only need to visit a grooming salon twice yearly. Ibizan Podenco dogs’ exercise needs are moderate, requiring about 1-3 hours a day. As long as they get plenty of walks and playtime, they are more than satisfied. Ibizan Podencos also excel in many dog sports, including lure coursing, obedience and tracking. Their ability to jump high and run fast can lead them to disappear from sight in the blink of an eye so keep them on-leash unless they're in an area with a high fence. But it has to be a really high fence, as most fences are no match for Ibizan Podencos. Training the breed should be relatively easy, as Ibizan Podencos are intelligent, quick learners. They’re eager, enthusiastic students, especially in short and fun training sessions. A gentle patient demeanour works best with these sensitive dogs.
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All about Ibizan Podencos
Ibizan Podencos are pretty similar to Pharaoh Hounds – both physically and in behaviour – but the Ibizans are slightly larger, with a redder colouring than the Pharaohs.
Ibizan Podencos are very family-oriented and loyal, so they make excellent pets. Their highly-developed senses also make them good guard dogs. They aren't big barkers, but see their ears perk up and you’ll know when something's afoot.
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Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/