Really, really cool dogs

[chiendog]

I just had to share this link to a video of a breed of dogs known (in English) as the Ibizan Hound (Podenco Ibicenco in Spanish or Ca Eivissenc in Catalan). They are a site hound from the island of Ibiza. They specialize in hunting rabbits. I saw some on the island of Mallorca this spring while i was there to photograph a pointing breed called the Ca Mé Mallorqui. I did not get a chance to see them work, and after seeing the video, I really wish I had.

Check it out!!

http://video.google.es/videoplay?docid= ... 4183346223

Oh, forgot to mention, the video is in Spanish, but even if you don't understand what is being said, the action is pretty self-explanitory.

[Calvinator]

Aren't they one of the only Sight hounds that also use their nose when hunting??

Calvin

[orhunter]

I like how they work together with no agression to steal the quarry when caught. Great dogs.

Thanks....

[chiendog]

In the commentary, the speaker mentions that working cooperatively is an essential trait of the breed and that when one of the dogs "points" (he actually uses the word "muestra" which in this context means "point") , the others know where to go to be in the best position.

I thought the coolest thing was how they jumped/pounced as they searched and the natural retreive to the hunter.

The commentary of the three guys sitting near the stone wall is very interesting. Essentially, they are talking about how they breed dogs (among friends, just good hunting dogs x good hunting dogs) and that they do look for certain physical traits such as strong, straight limbs which allow the dogs to jump well.

[southpaw]

Dude, I always said that my next dog would be a pharoah hound...If I ever go with a non-weimie hound type...

[chiendog]

I hear ya!

I love sight hounds and figure there may be one in my future...some day. I'd go for an Ibizan (from Ibiza where they still hunt) or a Cirneco dell Etna from Sicily.

[Bigshrimp]

Very cool video...thanks for posting

Makes ya want to get a rescue greyhound or two....I'm sure they would be great hunters if introduced correctly

[Bigshrimp]

I'd go for an Ibizan (from Ibiza where they still hunt) or a Cirneco dell Etna from Sicily.

I know this is going to be the blind leading the blind (unless someone has real experience with hunting sighthounds).....but why an Ibizian or Cirneco del Etna??

Why not an ex-racing Greyhound?? I would imagine their prey drive would be incredible and they would have the physical attributes necessary for SPEED There would be the obvious socialization/re-habilitation issues to deal with but I think there's enough literature out there/and we are all pretty capable dog people that this would not be a decision-making issue.

Where you live Craig I think (on paper) a Greyhound would be the optimal choice???

Where I live (dense forest, beaver ponds, ridges, etc.), speed doesn't help a whole lot and I personally don't think a sighthound is suited (other than farm fields).....the little beagle and coonhounds work much better

[chiendog]

why an Ibizian or Cirneco del Etna??

1. There are still really solid hunting lines of Ibiza and Cirneco's being bred (albeit in Ibiza and Sicily...not sure where else).

2. It would be a great excuse to go to Ibiza or Sicily,

3. I have no idea if Greyhounds are still being bred for hunting (maybe in the UK?). There are lots of really nice rescue Greyhounds around here. They all seem to be fine animals but I have no idea if/how they would hunt and, especially retrieve. No one ever lets them off leash around here (I think it is in the rescue contract).

4. In the case of the Cirneco, they are way smaller than Greyhounds. As for the Ibiza, I prefer the look.

Where you live Craig I think (on paper) a Greyhound would be the optimal choice???

Actually a Saluki would be better since they have a bit of a coat, not much, but more than a Greyhound.

[Bigshrimp]

2. It would be a great excuse to go to Ibiza or Sicily

Good answer

3. I have no idea if Greyhounds are still being bred for hunting (maybe in the UK?). There are lots of really nice rescue Greyhounds around here. They all seem to be fine animals but I have no idea if/how they would hunt and, especially retrieve. No one ever lets them off leash around here (I think it is in the rescue contract).

That could be a problem

Where you live Craig I think (on paper) a Greyhound would be the optimal choice???

Actually a Saluki would be better since they have a bit of a coat, not much, but more than a Greyhound.

True...rough coated Ibizan hound it is

[aodhan]

How about a Podengo Medio?
Still used for rabbit hunting in Portugal, better adapted to the Manitoba climate (it can get pretty cold in the mountains of northern Portugal).
16-22 inches, 35-45 pounds
Smaller than the Ibizan (the Grande is used for larger game (boar) and is described as being more aloof and primitive) but a bit bigger than the Cirneco (I know, there is snow on the Etna...)

http://clubedopodengoportugues.com/main.html



How can you not like a scruffy dog like this!
Can also be trained to sing Brazilian renditions of Bowie songs

chiendog wrote:

2. It would be a great excuse to go to Ibiza or Sicily

Well, can't beat that one! If you go to Sicily, ring me!

Just found out the only known Podengo Grande in North America is in Minnesota!
http://podengogrande.com
I really like these scruffy fellas!

For an 'old-style' breeder:
http://www.matilhabufalobill.com
An Airedale breeder might like what he sees on that site. I do believe they use Billy and Anglo (large French scent hounds) blood to strengthen the voice and the tracking ability but I'm not sure if they use Dogo blood

[Calvinator]

Bigshrimp,

I owned a rescue Greyhounds for 7 years. He was 2 1/2 when I got him from the Woodlands track in Leavanworth, KS. I can only speak from my experience, but he had a very low prey drive and didn't like to run much. Probably why he ended up in rescue so early. They typically don't start racing until 18 months of age, so he only raced for a year. Another big hurdle with rescue Greyhounds is that they are exposed to only track life. They have no other experience. They tend to be skittish due to lack of socialization. Some dogs never come out of it. You have to teach them everything from stairs to glass door & windows. It would be well worth the money to go out and buy a pup and raise it as a hunting partner and companion. I can say if someone merely wants a companion dog that is low maintenance, low energy and very affectionate, rescue Greyhounds are hard to beat. Though it is not wise to let them off leash in an unfenced area. They know nothing about cars.

Calvin

[BdBHunts]

I can only speak from my experience, but he had a very low prey drive and didn't like to run much.

Depending on the dog some can have a big prey drive. The guy that I coyote hunt with was waiting for the coyote and hounds to cross a road and a lady walked up with two greyhounds. As they talked the coyote crossed the road and the two dogs caught sight of it and proceded to drag the woman down the road after it and my friend was hollering for her to let them go. Whenever his truck is parked on the side of the road she doesn't set foot outside with her dogs.

As for Ibzian hounds I know of someone who has seen them in action in Oregon and there are people here in North America hunting with Saluki, Tazi and Greyhound.

[BlueCollar]

I plan to buy a Podenco Ibicenco stud or "AI" straws from Spain one day they are amazing... I plan to use them for Coyotes (as crosses on stag hounds) here in the sage brush... They can jump so high and turn so fast it is crazy..

Y.I.S.
Christian J.