Ibizan Podenco
Summary
The Ibizan Podenco (Ca Eivissenc in Catalan) is a hunting breed originating from the Balearic Islands — mainly Ibiza, Majorca, Menorca, and Formentera — where it is used primarily to hunt rabbits without firearms, both by day and by night. It hunts using all three senses — sight, smell, and hearing — with extraordinary efficiency. It exists in two coat varieties: smooth coat and wire coat.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Large
- Height (male)
- 66–72 cm
- Height (female)
- 60–67 cm
- Weight (male)
- 20–29 kg
- Weight (female)
- 19–25 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Smooth coat: smooth, hard, and glossy; Wire coat: hard and dense, minimum 5 cm on thighs and tail; long coat (rare) also exists
- Common Colors
- White and red (preferred), completely white, completely red; fawn tolerated only in excellent wire coat specimens
Temperament & Personality
The Ibizan Podenco is an intelligent, active, and agile dog, with a very keen hunting instinct. In its natural environment, it is a dedicated worker; as a companion animal, it can be somewhat reserved with strangers. It is affectionate with the family but maintains an independence typical of primitive dogs. Its agility is remarkable — it can jump considerable barriers.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- High
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 90–120 minutes
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- Low
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 6–8 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Generally very healthy and resistant breed
- Hip dysplasia
- Recommended Health Tests
- Hip evaluation
Compatibility
- With Children
- Good
- With Other Dogs
- Good
- For First-Time Owners
- Acceptable
