Ibizan Podenco Dog: Characteristics and Photos

The Podenco Ibicenco is a medium-sized, tall and thin dog, native to the Balearic Islands and more specifically the island of Ibiza, Spain. In the past, these dogs were used to hunt rabbits and other prey, so their natural hunting instincts have transcended the ages and are still very much present. Its independent and active character makes this dog very curious. He needs plenty of physical and mental activity every day to be a he althy and happy dog.

Don't miss this breed sheet made available to you by PlanèteAnimal so that you know all the information you need before adopting a Podenco from Ibiza.Before adopting a pet, you must be sure that you will be able to take care of it.

Origin

  • Europe
  • Spain

FCI Nomenclature

  • Group V

Physical Characteristics

  • End

Size

  • Average

Height

  • 55-70

Adult Weight

  • 10-25

Life expectancy

  • 10-12

Recommended physical activity

  • High

Character

  • Smart
  • Active

Ideal for

  • Walking
  • The hunt

Recommended climate

  • Temperate

Hair type

  • Short
  • Smooth

Origin of Ibizan Podenco

The Ibizan Hound originates from the islands of Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera. In these countries, as well as in other parts of Spain, it is used to hunt rabbit, hare and big game.

These dogs are believed to be descendants of Egyptian dogs brought to these islands by traders ages ago, so the Ibizan Podenco are considered very old dogs. However, studies of the canine genome suggest that this is a fairly recent breed.

Anyway, the Ibizan Podenco is a highly valued dog in Spain for its hunting skills, but little known outside its country of origin.

Physical characteristics of the Ibiza Podenco

The Ibizan Podenco is a medium-sized, tall and slender dog, weighing 20-25 kg and with a height at the withers of 60-67 cm in females and 66-72 cm in males. males.

This dog's head is elongated, has a truncated cone shape and is rather lean and small compared to the rest of its body. The naso-frontal depression (stop) is ill-defined. Its nose is flesh-colored. His eyes are small, oblique and slightly amber. Its ears are rigid, elongated, rhomboid and large, when the dog is attentive, they are erect.

Her body is very slim and slightly longer than tall. Its back is straight, long and flexible. Her spine is arched. His chest is deep, narrow and long. Her belly is rather restrained, but not flat either. Its tail is long and of low insertion. At rest, its tail is drooping but when it is active, it forms a sort of sickle more or less closed.

His skin is very tight and very close to the body. Its fur can come in three varieties:

  • Straight bristles strong and shiny, but not silky.
  • Rough hard hair, dense and can form a beard.
  • Long hair, at least five centimeters long and soft.

All coat varieties can be presented in combinations of white and red, solid white or solid red.

Ibiza Podenco character

The Ibizan Podenco is very independent, curious, dynamic and energetic, it is a dog capable of encouraging lazy people to motivate themselves. Their hunting instinct is very marked and manifests itself from an early age. Nevertheless, it is a dog that can enjoy a life at home next to its human family as well as in the practice of all types of outdoor activities.

Socialization is very important with this breed, as Ibizan Podencos tend to be wary of strangers and dogs of the same sex.Well socialized though, they are great family dogs, but you should be careful if you have other small pets, as these dogs' strong hunting instincts can lead them to attack them.

Ibiza Podenco care

Coat care depends on the variety of care. Straight-haired dogs don't need more than occasional brushing. For straight-haired dogs, weekly brushing is usually sufficient, while those with long hair need two weekly brushing sessions.

This breed needs lots of daily exercise with different physical activities. Daily walks are a necessity, but you must be sure not to let the dog loose in dangerous places (near avenues, etc.), as they may instinctively run after anything that will catch its attention. Therefore, it is better if you have a large garden where you can let him run free and exert himself.But it is not recommended to adopt this dog if you live in an apartment.

Ibiza Podenco tolerate warm, well-temperate climates, provided they have a good shelter. In any case, it is preferable that they live inside the house and not in a doghouse outside. Due to their low amount of fatty tissue, they do not tolerate cold well.

Ibiza Podenco Education

These dogs respond well to canine training as long as it is based on the basics of positive reinforcement. Traditional training does not work well with this breed (or any breed) as they are very sensitive to punishment and very independent dogs. Training the Ibizan Podenco in bad manners will only cause him serious mental and physical damage. You will have to start by teaching him little by little the basic orders and increase the difficulty as he integrates them.

These dogs aren't particularly barking, but they can develop a habit of barking if left alone for long periods of time. Loneliness can also cause them to develop destructive dog attitudes. You have to take into account that they are great jumpers who can easily jump over barriers which are enough to keep other dogs locked in.

Ibiza Podenco He alth

The breed does not present any particular he alth problems, but there can sometimes be cases of unilateral or bilateral deafness. Some puppies at birth are deaf and blind because their auditory and visual canals are closed and they only open after a dozen days of life. However, in the case of some newborns, there is a group of nerve cells that detect sounds that gradually deteriorate until the puppy is 6 weeks old and this hearing cell deterioration is unfortunately not reversible. .

This is why it is advisable to consult a good veterinarian the moment we detect any anomaly in the dog and to ensure that we strictly follow its vaccination schedule in order to prevent and control other possible diseases.

Pictures of Podenco from Ibiza