Learn More About Podenco Ibicenco

Summary

The Podenco Ibicenco, also known as the Ibizan Hound, is a breed of dog that impresses with its elegance and athletic build. They are medium to large dogs, with long, slender legs, a noble head and large, alert ears. Their faces have a wedge-shaped structure and they often have a melancholic yet intense expression. This breed comes in two coat varieties: smooth and rough, with the rough coat being slightly longer. However, both variants have no undercoat. The Podenco Ibicenco belongs to FCI Group 5, the top and archetype dogs, and within this group to Section 7, the archetypal hunting dogs.

Character

If you are looking for a lively yet sensitive soul, the Podenco Ibicenco could be just the right companion for you. These dogs are known for their sensitivity and gentle nature. They often form deep bonds with their family and can be affectionate, but are also somewhat more independent than other breeds. They are often wary of strangers and can show a degree of alertness without being aggressive. Due to their origins and original use as hunting dogs, the Podenco Ibicenco has strong hunting and prey catching abilities. They are incredibly agile and can make amazing jumps. This breed has a keen sense of smell, excellent hearing and keen eyesight, making them competent hunters. So if you have a garden, you should make sure it is well fenced as they may be tempted to prey on small animals. The Podenco Ibicenco's independence means that he often enjoys finding his own entertainment. However, he is happy when he is around his family and loves to be involved in their activities. They are generally friendly with children and other dogs, especially if socialized from an early age. One of the notable features of this breed is its ability to perform high jumps. It is no surprise to see them jumping in the air, especially when they are excited or hear an interesting noise. They are also known to perch on elevated surfaces such as window sills or tabletops, similar to cats. This is probably because they like to observe their surroundings from above. The Podenco Ibicenco is not a particularly barking dog, but may still raise its voice when it notices something interesting or worrying. It is also important to note that this breed is generally good at being left alone as long as it receives adequate mental and physical stimulation. However, when they feel bored or neglected, they can develop destructive behavior.

What to Expect

The Podenco Ibicenco is a passionate hunter who is rather reserved towards strangers. Uncontrolled hunting behavior is considered one of the major problems in keeping this breed.

Care

The Podenco Ibicenco is an active dog and is better suited to a home with a garden than a city apartment. They generally get along well with children and other dogs as long as they are socialized from a young age. Small pets, especially rodents, could be problematic due to the breed's strong hunting instinct.

Training & Education

The Podenco Ibicenco naturally has a strong hunting instinct. It is therefore important to start training early and to establish good recall training. These dogs are very intelligent and learn quickly, but can also be stubborn. Positive reinforcement and patient training are key. Their energy and agility make them ideal for dog sports such as agility and lure coursing. It's important to find a good balance as they need a lot of exercise, but there's also the risk of them becoming ball junkies. A balanced combination of mental and physical stimulation is ideal. Training frustration tolerance and impulse control is particularly important to prevent their prey drive from resulting in undesirable behavior. Incorporating search games and nose work can provide a good alternative to hunting behavior and help them express their natural instincts in a positive way.

Nutrition & Grooming

The Podenco Ibicenco's diet should be high quality and balanced. Fresh meat, vegetables and whole grains are ideal for providing him with all the nutrients he needs. Be careful not to allow the dog to gain too much weight, as this can put strain on his joints and bones. In terms of care, the Podenco Ibicenco has a short to medium length coat with no undercoat. They don't shed much, but regular brushing helps keep their coat clean and healthy. Since they don't have an undercoat, they can be sensitive to cold during the colder months in Germany, so consider putting a coat on your Podenco in the winter.