Ibizan Hound Breed Profile

Head: Fairly dolichocephalic skull-type, moderate in size, long, fine, and shaped like an elongated cone with a blunt end. The skull is long and flat, with a somewhat marked occiput and smooth, flat, and fine forehead. It appears somewhat smaller in proportion to the rest of the racy body. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkle, and completely dry.

Eyes: Somewhat small to moderate in size, almond in shape, and yellow to amber in color. They eyes are obliquely set. The eye rims are well fitted and well pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.

Ears: Medium in size. Set somewhat high, yet wide on the skull, with the center of the base of the ears being in line with the eyes. They are less triangular, but more shaped like a large rhomboid that has had 1/3 of its longer diagonal portion removed. The ears are firmly erect, yet highly mobile. They may tilt forward when alert, be dropped sideways, or be pulled back. They lack hair on the inner portions. The ears are never long, overly large, or broken.

Muzzle: The muzzle is full, yet fine and elongated. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight and level, or just slightly convex. It tapers slightly from the slightly broader base toward the nose. Upper and lower jaws are well developed, approximately equal in length, and have good bone substance, never appearing snipy or weak.

Nose: The nose is well pigmented and self-colored according to the coat in shades from pink to liver. The nostrils are well opened. The nose protrudes slightly beyond the vertical line of the end of the muzzle, giving the muzzle a somewhat pointed appearance.

Neck: Moderately long length, approximately ¼ of the length of the body. Slightly arched, muscular, and clean. The neck tapers slightly from the deeper and broader body toward the head.

Chest: Very deep and narrow, with the brisket extending to the approximate point of the elbows, or just before the point of the elbows. The forechest is strongly developed.

Body: Compact, somewhat convex, symmetrical, powerful, and lithe, never appearing weak and slack, but never heavy or cumbersome. Always of sufficient substance to allow speed, dexterity, and strength. Width at forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.

Feet: Oval, with well-arched toes and tough pads. Toes are well webbed for swimming.

Tail: Set somewhat low on the croup. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, usually hanging in a neutral position in repose, but never tucked tight against the stomach. The tail is long, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending beyond the hock joints when held down and reaching the spine when pulled through the legs and brought to the back. The tail may be straight or gently curved.

Movement: Smooth, flowing gait with graceful movements that are energetic, effortless, and efficient. They move in a suspended trot, as well as an impressive ground-covering gallop. The characteristics of healthy structure are evident: when moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in a line with the nose. The width between the forefeet when extended should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.

Temperament: The Ibizan Hound will typically appear regal, but come off as aloof to indifferent to those who do not know him personally. However, to his family he is affectionate, loyal, and clownish. True hunting dogs at heart, they will chase anything that they deem worthy prey, including a cat or squirrel that they may see across a busy road. For this reason, they should not be let loose in open areas that are unsecured by a very high (eight feet or more) fence, as they are known to easily clear a six-foot fence. Packs of hunting dogs typically consist of just females or mostly females, as the males tend to develop aggressive tendencies towards other males. Also, heavy socialization and training are necessary, especially towards cats and other small animals that the dog will need to tolerate later as an adult. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.