Ibizan Podenco

The Podenco Ibicenco is a hunting dog breed originating in Spain, recognized for its elegance, agility and physical similarity to the Greyhound. They are recognized for their dexterity in hunting rabbits and their smooth and fluid movement when running.

General details

The Podenco Ibicenco is a medium to large sized dog, weighing between 20 and 30 kg and with a height at the withers of 56 to 74 cm in males and 52 to 68 cm in females. Their average life expectancy is 12 to 14 years. According to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), it belongs to Group 5, which includes Spitz and primitive type dogs.

Breed history in brief

The Podenco Ibicenco, also known as Ca Eivissenc in its place of origin, is a breed of dog native to the island of Ibiza, in the Balearic Islands, Spain. Its origin is believed to date back to the dogs of the Pharaohs of Egypt, who were brought to the island by the Phoenicians thousands of years ago. Throughout history, Podencos Ibicencos have been used for hunting rabbits and other small prey, and have been highly valued for their ability and endurance in rocky and mountainous terrain. Despite their popularity in hunting, Podencos Ibicencos have also been highly prized as household companions due to their affectionate and friendly nature. Today, the breed has expanded to other parts of the world and has gained a worldwide following. However, they are still considered an endangered breed in Spain.

Breed characteristics

The Podenco Ibicenco is a medium to large sized, slender and elegant dog, with an appearance similar to that of a greyhound. Podencos Ibicencos have large, erect ears and a long, thin tail. Their eyes are small, light amber in color and have an intelligent and distrustful expression. Their coat is short, smooth and dense, with a soft and shiny texture. The most common color is white, although they can also be red, brown and black. This breed is known for its agility, speed and endurance, which makes it an excellent choice for hunting rabbits and hares in rocky and mountainous terrain. In addition, these dogs have a calm and affectionate personality, are loyal to their owner and good with children.

Common health problems

Some of the pathologies that can affect this breed are hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, congenital deafness and autoimmune thyroiditis.