Ibizan Hound

Living With the Ibizan Hound

The Ibizan Hound is an even-tempered and engaging breed, and a joy to live with if provided with a suitable home environment that offers energy outlets and closeness to its owners. When provided these, they will settle down and enjoy home life — or they can be depended upon to find their own entertainment.

Those who heed the breed’s requirements become loyal devotees. Lifestyles where an Ibizan is regularly expected to be alone for extended periods are inappropriate for their energy level and need for social contact. An unsupervised Ibizan left alone for hours in the yard can be counted on to test its security and dig among the landscaping.

House Manners

They are exuberant, curious, and busy youngsters (and some adults), requiring constant supervision until they “learn the ropes” and mature — usually at around three or four years of age. Until then, nothing of value, such as food, digital devices, eyewear, or toys, should be left within reach. Ibizans are adept jumpers and have demonstrated the ability to snatch items from the tops of refrigerators.

Other Animals

Ibizans appreciate the company of other dogs, particularly their own breed, and will accept other animals in the household when properly introduced.

Barking

Although not protective guard dogs, they notice everything and will react with barking to typical neighborhood activity.

Energy Level

Their high prey drive results in tireless efforts to reach small mammals like squirrels, opossums, groundhogs, strange cats, etc., which, when combined with their remarkable leaping ability, dictates the need for a secure fenced yard (five feet depending on the dog, maybe higher). For the same reason, it is strongly recommended that Ibizans never be permitted off leash.

Children

Ibizans are powerful dogs and, although generally calm and sweet, can be difficult to restrain when prey drive is activated. They are friendly to responsible children but do not always appreciate roughhousing. When standing on its rear legs, an Ibizan can easily place its front feet on an adult’s shoulders, so care should be taken with exuberant dogs and young children.

Activities

Popular activities with this breed include dog shows (conformation) and lure coursing (AKC and ASFA). Lure coursing is a sport involving chasing a mechanically operated lure and is a highly enjoyable outlet for the Ibizan’s natural hunting instincts and energy. Other chase venues include oval (LGRA) and straight (NOTRA) racing. Agility, Obedience, Rally, and other activities are a rewarding way to build a relationship with your dog. However, the Ibizan should not be the first choice for those whose goal is national-level all-breed success in these venues. Long walks or jogging (after physical maturity, approximately 14 months) are appropriate outlets to maintain fitness and temper the energy level of these athletic hounds.

The Ibizan possesses a sensitive, gentle temperament that responds best to patience and positive training techniques.

Care & Health

Ibizans normally live eleven to fourteen years. While the breed is not plagued with a high level of specific health problems, seizures and autoimmune illnesses are seen. Cataracts and deafness do occur but can be tested for at a young age. This is a clean breed with little odor and only moderate shedding. Weekly brushing, nail trimming, teeth and ear cleaning, with occasional bathing, are all that is required for a well-groomed hound.

For more information, contact the Ibizan Hound Club of the United States at www.ihcus.org.

The post Ibizan Hound appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Judging the Ibizan Hound

More and more judges are getting the opportunity to evaluate high-quality entries of Ibizan Hounds. Since the entrance of the breed into AKC regular competition in 1979, overall consistency, soundness, head and body type, and size have improved as our breeders have worked to produce exhibits who can function in the field and fit our standard in the show ring. “Clean-cut lines, large prick ears, and light pigment give it a unique appearance,” “bred for thousands of years with function being of prime importance,” “lithe and racy,” and “deerlike elegance combined with the power of a hunter.” These are from the General Appearance section of the Ibizan Hound Standard. If this is the impression you get from an Ibizan in front of you, you are likely looking at a good example. The Ibizan is a moderate sighthound with exceptional ears.

After the ears, the Ibizan’s front construction and characteristic movement make the dog unique. This is described in statements throughout our standard. Here are some of them: • A rather upright upper arm. The shoulder blades are well laid back. • A suspended trot with joint flexion when viewed from the side. This construction is unique to the Ibizan Hound. The Ibizan’s return of the upper arm does not match its shoulder layback, so the elbow is properly placed further forward than on a “normal front.” The deepest point of the chest, at or to the elbow in depth is therefore set behind the elbow. At the elbow, the chest is rising to the prominent sternum and is 2 ½ inches above the elbow. This front produces our special front movement, described in our current standard as “with joint flexion.” What we want is to see the wrist joint flex with each reaching step in the front.

This has also been described as “lift.” “Joint flexion” and a “rather upright upper arm” are not an excuse for lack of reach or unsoundness. They help our breed trot and gallop high, an adaptation to hunting in high brush and rough terrain. Ibizans still get good reach in front, they just do it with joint flexion. Ibizan ears are certainly a distinctive feature. Our old standard described the ears as an “elongated rhomboid truncated at ⅓ of its longer diagonal.” That was a little too geometric, but it did describe an ear which is more than simply “large and pointed.” That is what we want in ear shape rather than just triangular. One good description is that the ear should be wide open. Our standard asks for ear height 2 ½ times the width at the base.

Those are some big ears. We want that! We don’t want judges to make the competition into a test of who can hold their ears up the longest. See them once, at the end of the down and back, or as I do in the first line-up, and then judge Ibizans by their overall type and their function as the powerful hunter they are. Also, please remember our described size range: 23½ to 27½ inches for dogs, and 22½ to 26 inches for bitches. 80% or more of our current exhibits are near or over the top of these measurements. While sizes just over the norms are OK, be sure not to fault what may be the only properly sized dog in your ring, the smaller one. Most of our standard is excellent in its descriptions. It emphasizes that we have 2 coat types, smooth and wire (1 to 3 inches in length), and that neither is preferable. It also states that any combination of red and white in the coat is equally desired.

The Ibizan head, described in the standard as “a sharp cone truncated at its base,” adds to the elegance of the breed. This description is in contrast to the Pharaoh Hound head with “the foreface representing a blunt wedge.” When examining the Ibizan (or any sighthound), always approach from the front with your hand underneath the dog’s head. Coming down from the top will cause any sighthound to lean back. See the erect ears and evaluate expression at least once during the dog’s time in the ring. Strength and balance are part of characteristic Ibizan movement along with joint flexion. Emphasize those aspects of the breed which characterize our unique, elegant, powerful hunting hound, bred with function being of prime importance.

The post Judging the Ibizan Hound appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Ibizan Hound history has its roots in the time of the Pharaohs where both paintings and sculptures of the Anubis represent an ancestor to the Ibizan Hound, the Pharaoh Hound, and the other Podenco breeds. These go back as far as 3400 BCE. A painting on a sarcophagus showing a red and white prick-eared dog is unmistakably this breed. The various Podencos were spread throughout the Mediterranean by Phoenician sea traders.

The Ibizan Hound is named for the island of Ibiza, one of the Balearic Islands off the east coast of Spain. There, and on neighboring Majorca, the breed stayed pure for more than 2,000 years, honed its rabbit hunting ability, and worked to put food on the table. The dogs still hunt on their native islands and elsewhere.

Since our first imports in the 1950s, Ibizan Hound popularity has grown in the United States. The breed achieved full AKC recognition in 1979. Ibizans are loving pets, sweet with each other and their families. Even adult Ibizans are known for their clownish behavior, although the highest titles of Obedience competition have been reached. They particularly excel in Lure Coursing where strong prey drive, speed, and athleticism are rewarded.

For judges, our Breed Standard does a good job of guiding your choices in the ring: “clean-cut lines, large prick ears and light pigment give it a unique appearance,” “bred for thousands of years with function being of prime importance,” “lithe and racy,” and “deerlike elegance combined with the power of a hunter.” These phrases from the General Appearance section of our Standard give the impression you should get when a great example walks into your ring.

Characteristic of Ibizan Hound type is our unique front construction and the movement that results from it. Here are the key statements in our Standard:

• A rather upright upper arm. The shoulder blades are well laid-back.
• The elbow is positioned in front of the deepest part of the chest.
• The deepest part of the chest, behind the elbow, is nearly to, or to, the elbow.
• The chest is deep and long, with the breastbone sharply angled and prominent.
• The brisket is approximately 2½ inches above the elbow.
• A suspended trot with joint flexion when viewed from the side.

“Joint flexion” and a “rather upright upper arm” are not excuses for lack of efficient movement or for unsoundness. The Ibizan is an athletic hunter. Its front is designed to gallop and trot high, an adaptation to hunting effectively in high brush and rough terrain. Our breed still has good reach in the front, they just do it with lift.

At first, we only had smooth-coated dogs in the United States, but now we have handsome wire coats as well. Our Standard describes the wire coat as 1 to 3 inches in length and (like the smooth coat) hard in texture. We run the full range from smooth, to a mix of smooth and wire, to fairly tight wire coats, and out to lush-coated examples. All are just fine. Our coat just needs to protect the dogs in its hunting activities in high brush. Part of why we have a range of coats is because we breed one breed, mixing wires and smooths with the goal of producing the most athletic, soundest, and most attractive hounds.

Ibizans have amazing ears, stunning eye color, and striking self-colored pigment. We want an ear which is more wide open than simply triangular. Our old Standard described the ears as an “elongated rhomboid truncated at 1/3 of its longer diagonal.” That was perhaps a little too much like a high school geometry lesson, but it did describe an ear which was more than simply “large and pointed.” Our Standard asks for an ear which is 2½ times as tall as its width at the base. Those are the big ears we want to see! On the other hand, it does our breed a disservice when judges make the competition into seeing who can hold their ears up the longest. We need judges to judge the athletic hunter under the ears.

The post The Ibizan Hound appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Presentation of The Ibizan Hound

“A wise breeder puts on show, only his best stock and presents them in the peak of condition, physically fit, clean and trained to show off their best points.”  —Tom Horner, Bull Terrier Expert

The motivation for showing should be the proud presentation of a fine example of the breed to knowledgeable judges and to our fellow fanciers and breeders. It is a mistake to show anything less than breed-worthy. People remember the good and the bad.

The Ibizan Hound should be shown in its natural state. The condition should be such that it could show and course on the same day. There should be some neatening of the coat allowed, but razoring of the smooths and sculpting of the wires is contrary to the spirit of the Breed Standard. The Standard calls for longer hair on the underside length of the tail and back of thighs. Some individuals have barely noticeable longer hair and some have quite noticeable feathering. This is not a point for judging except that it would be preferable to show the Ibizan in its most natural state.

People come into the breed often attracted by the wash and wear qualities, and then proceed to think up things to trim. Whiskers are actually vibrissae, hairs attached to facial nerves. Some Sporting breed fanciers are aware of this and caution on trimming and increased eye damage.

[wonderplugin_3dcarousel id=95]

No handler can set up a dog as well as a good dog can set up itself. A sound dog of confident temperament should walk into position. Unfortunately, in spite of all good training, a small number of Ibizans hate showing.

The Ibizan in the show pose should stand four-square; hind legs only slightly wider set than the front. The straighter upper arm required by the breed is not set back to the deepest point of the chest, but rather, slightly in front of it. The front is not wide. Hocks should be parallel from the side. This means that from the hock joint to the ground, one follows a straight line down the backline of the dog. The Ibizan should not be stretched so that the topline slopes.

The Ibizan is famous for its ability to jump high from a standstill. The neck should proudly show off its length and arch. Too often, the handler pulls the neck forward, straightening it, losing the lovely arch.

Moving the Ibizan in the ring should show off its wonderful suspended trot. Two things often conspire against this: ring size and a handler that can’t keep up. This does not mean that one should race around the ring, encouraging overextension. If the hind foot is falling in front of the front foot, it is overextending.

The Ibizan does need to be shown at a brisk enough pace to allow for the suspension phase of the trot. Too slow and this cannot be accomplished. Also, the dog needs to be able to reach a speed to single track.

There have been some issues with tail carriage over the years. In the past, people seemed to be looking for lower tail carriage, fearing an overly curly tail. The tail can be carried high or low. The Ibizan has such a wonderful natural grace. It should be our mission to proudly present it to the fancy.

The post Presentation of The Ibizan Hound appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Demystifying the Ibizan Hound Front

From the Breed Standard:

Forequarters: Angulation is moderate. The shoulders are elastic but never loose, with moderate breadth at the withers. The shoulder blades are well laid back. At the point of the shoulder, they join to a rather upright upper arm. The elbow is positioned in front of the deepest part of the chest. It is held in, but not so much as to restrict movement.

Body: The chest is deep and long, with the breastbone sharply angled and prominent.

The Ibizan Hound possesses a unique front, for sure—and much of the breed’s function can be attributed to this assembly because, when combined with overall balance and moderation, it makes for an unequalled and tireless hunter in its native terrains. But how does a judge evaluate and appreciate this uniqueness in the drab right angles of the Conformation ring? Let’s discuss the aforementioned pieces from the Standard as they relate to the front of this hunting dog.

“Angulation is moderate.” The first sentence speaks a lot to the importance of overall balance—nothing on this dog should appear overdone, and should be harmonious in balance. In short, the front should match the rear, and the dog’s movement should be sound and effortless at any speed. The Ibizan should not have to fly around your ring to show you his gait.

“Shoulders are elastic but never loose,” coupled with “shoulders are well laid back.” The Ibizan Hound’s shoulders are indeed very flexible. The shoulder attachment on the trunk of the dog will dictate much of how the front is interpreted. Well-laid-back shoulders allow free use of various head carriages in the breed while moving. A dog with shoulder blades “in his neck” will have to drop his head to cover ground efficiently. While the breed does not have to carry his head upright at a fast pace, he should have the ability to sight his prey. Likewise, he should also be at ease to track and drop his head. The Ibizan is an all-purpose hunting dog, after all.

“At the point of the shoulder, they (shoulders) join a rather upright upper arm,” coupled with “the chest is deep and long, with the breastbone sharply angled and prominent.” These two statements together point to a front assembly that is “slightly” more forward-set than your traditional sighthound and “slightly” more straight or upright. Because of this, and a “slight” spring of ribs, we see a dog whose front has much more flexibility; a huge win for a dog who needs to propel himself over high brush and then fold up his legs to get them out of his way as he rockets across his terrain.

However, a dog whose front is set on too far forward will not have a perceivable prosternum and may present as narrow. This may also be observed as a lack of prosternum, a loose front, or east-west (slight toeing out is perfectly acceptable in the breed). Overall, this front, while different, should be evaluated as it relates to the function of the animal and in harmony with his general balance.

The post Demystifying the Ibizan Hound Front appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Jessica Stover, Breeder of Dugualla Ibizan Hounds & Toy Manchester Terriers

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Jessica Stover: We live in Oak Harbor (Whidbey Island), Washington state. I started in dogs as a Junior Handler at age eight. I’ve been in dogs approximately 23 years. I started with a Whippet and got my first Ibizan Hound puppy in 2005. We had our first Ibizan Hound litter in 2018 and have plans to continue our breeding program for years to come.

I moved from California in 2011 to Washington state and met my partner, Michael. Together we have worked to start a solid foundation for our breeding program and provide an environment to raise our puppies in. We run a home-based pet grooming business and are able to dedicate much of our day to our dogs and puppies.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Jessica Stover: Dugualla is our kennel name; in relation to our previous home on Dugualla Bay where our first litter was born. We currently have seven adult Ibizan Hounds and four Toy Manchester Terriers. We do have plans to keep a puppy from the next generation of Dugualla Ibizan Hounds.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Jessica Stover: We started producing Ibizan Hound litters in 2018, so we currently do not have any past winners. Some of our noteworthy winners out of our own breeding include:

• GCHB Dugualla’s Glitter Gold & Finesse BCAT JC (Finesse) who is a Best in Specialty Show winner with Multiple Group Placements, Owner-Handled Reserve Best in Show, and Multiple Owner-Handled Group wins. She has also qualified for the Ibizan Hound Top 20 five years in a row. Finesse has given us a beautiful litter of puppies and we are lucky to still have her competing to this day.
• GCH Dugualla’s Moon Moves the Tide (Riptide) has Group Placements and is a Multiple Owner-Handled Group winner, and Best in Field winner. He has qualified for the Ibizan Hound Top 20 and was given an Award of Merit at our National Specialty in 2022.
• Up and coming, our young CH Dugualla’s Oh So Shinny (Xochi) is just starting her show career but has already earned her AKC championship and was awarded Best Puppy at our National Specialty in 2022.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Jessica Stover: Our foundation bitch, CH Arbeca’s Rossinyol (Icey), has produced fantastic offspring and was a huge influence on our breeding program as a whole. She gave us two beautiful litters, and from those litters, multiple AKC CH, GCH, and BIF-winning get. Her sweet nature and loving temperament has been passed down to her offspring.

Our most influential sire would be GCH Bramblewood’s Round of Appaws (Bravo). He and his son, “Bismark,” gave us beautiful puppies and deep quality.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Jessica Stover: Our puppies are raised in our home alongside our daily activities. We use Puppy Culture methods and start ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) at just a couple days old. They spend the first two weeks in a whelping box next to my bedside for close monitoring. At three weeks of age, they are moved into a puppy pen in our living room where they experience our day-to-day routines, experience different sights and noises, and see the other dogs and cats in our household. We offer different stimulation for our young puppies, including toys (of all kinds, textures, and shapes), noisemakers, and various surface textures. They are also introduced to children and other animals (other dogs, cats, and outside animals; goats, sheep, and chickens).

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Jessica Stover: We watch our puppies from “day one,” looking for head structure and overall appearance. We do two formal evaluations prior to placing our puppies. At seven weeks, we perform a temperament test and put the puppies through a series of small exercises. This gives us an idea of the puppies’ drive, willingness to follow direction, and ability to adjust to new situations. We take that information and consider which puppies would be successful in a performance home and which may be best-suited in a pet home. At eight weeks old, we do a formal conformation evaluation. We look at structure, type, balance, and all other aspects that would make a good show dog and adhere to our breed’s Standard. We take detailed notes and keep those for comparison.

Do I compete in Companion Events? Performance Events?

Jessica Stover: We complete in AKC and ASFA Lure Coursing events with our hounds. Though we have only been competing in this sport for a couple years, we have multiple Best in Field winners. We hope to dive further in other Performance Events.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Jessica Stover: It’s a nice addition to have a dog with Performance titles, but it’s not deal-breaker. We take overall conformation, temperament, health, and breed type over the titles a dog may have.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Jessica Stover: This breed needs the ability to free-run regularly and work their muscles. We have a fenced-in acre to allow our hounds the exercise they need. They run and bounce as much as they want. We don’t do any other sort of inside conditioning or exercises. We let them work their muscles naturally.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Jessica Stover: There are a few health issues that may arise in the breed as a whole. Eyes should be tested as puppies, and regularly as adults, to ensure that no cataracts or other eye issues pop up. Seizures are another health issue that can make an appearance in this breed with a devastating outcome. It’s important to keep track of dogs that have had seizures or have produced seizures in their offspring. As with any other breed, certain lines may carry certain health concerns. Nutritionally, each dog is different (even within the breed) and should be fed what they do best on. Even within our household, certain dogs do better on different diets.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Jessica Stover: This breed is very fortunate to have a good number of breeders working together to preserve the Ibizan Hound.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Jessica Stover: This breed does excellent in an active family home. In my experience, they are great with children who are respectful to them. They are also well suited in a single-person home. If they are able to get the activity outlet and mental stimulation they need, they are happy hounds.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Jessica Stover: One of biggest misconceptions that I hear is that they are hyper. I would not describe this breed as hyperactive. They are active, but they do have an “off” switch and enjoy hanging out by your side. A best-kept secret? I’d have to go with their goofy temperaments. They have a sense of humor. Their personalities and temperaments are so unique. You’re always entertained when you have an Ibizan.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Jessica Stover: A flashy dog is not always a correct dog. These hounds should be moderate in build; not extreme.

As per the AKC Breed Standard: “Strong, without appearing heavily muscled, the Ibizan is a hound of moderation. With the exception of the ears, he should not appear extreme or exaggerated.”

The breed’s movement is very unique. Identifying correct movement is key. Proper lift and joint flexion are so important. Movement should be clean and not sloppy or hackney. Beautiful, correct movement should be rewarded.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Jessica Stover: Listen to your mentors and to those breeders who have been in this breed for a long time. They are a wealth of knowledge. Not everything is printed on paper. Speak with those who have been in the breed for decades and absorb their information.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Hound?

Jessica Stover: Day-to-day life with an Ibizan Hound is most amusing… there really is no pinning down one event! My dogs amuse me every day from their bounces, tail chasing, nose wiggles, booty-scratch dances, hand nibbling, bird chasing, paw slapping, and back talk. Typical Ibizan antics! They are naughty at times, but always entertaining. A sense of humor is a must if you own these dogs!

Are you looking for an Ibizan Hound puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?

Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home an Ibizan Hound dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Ibizan Hound Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the Ibizan Hound dog breed with articles and information in our Ibizan Hound Breed Magazine.

If you enjoy the Ibizan Hound Breed Magazine, help us educate the community by sharing it.

The post Jessica Stover | Dugualla Ibizan Hounds & Toy Manchester Terriers appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

In 2017, a group of Ibizan Hound fanciers called the “Beezer Bungalow” joined in with a local coursing club to host the first “Beezer Bash” on Memorial Day weekend in Fairburn, Georgia. It was an IHCUS supported event and consisted of six Coursing Trials (a combination of ASFA and AKC) over four days. Two of the six trials were Ibizan Specialty Trials. It was a success and a great time.

The following year, the idea then came about to move Beezer Bash around the country. In 2018 it went to Hanover, Pennsylvania, again on Memorial Day weekend, and consisted of six Coursing Trials but added a Fun Match in the mix, all hosted by the Mason Dixon Ibizan Hound Club. Dean Wright and Audrey Silverstein donated the DINO Perpetual Trophy in honor of the one and only “Dino” (FC Kirah’s I Like Treybeau Best SC MC LCM5). The Ibizan that enters all the events and has the most dogs defeated wins the trophy for that year.

In 2019, Beezer Bash evolved into an Ibizan Hound extravaganza! Beezer Bash moved to Medina, Ohio, and was hosted by IHCUS. It included a Regional Specialty show, four Coursing Trials, Farm Dog, Canine Good Citizen, Trick Dog, ACT Agility, Barn Hunt, and LGRA and FCAT Trials. It was a blast!

In 2020, Covid-19 reared its ugly head and the event had to be cancelled. On Memorial Day weekend of 2021, Beezer Bash moved to Lawrence, Kansas, and was a Regional Specialty show with four Coursing Trials and LGRA. When planning for 2022 began, the group which had been organizing the past few years wanted to pass on the torch, and since no one reached out to grab it, it was then a scramble… when and where to have it or skip another year?

As many know, putting on events like this involves a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, and it is all volunteer work. While at an event with the Komineks, the idea sparked to hold it at their end-of-year “Winter Challenge” Coursing Trials. The weather is usually in the 50s and nice. Fantastic! We had a location!! The planning began, and since it was winter, the Winter Wonderland theme sparked. Needless to say, be careful what you name things… as it did, indeed, turn out to be a winter wonderland for Tennessee that time of year.

It had snowed the night before the show; luckily just a dusting. Sweepstakes started at 9 a.m. and it was 29 degrees. (I believe the Ibizans were wishing they were Borzoi!) The Sweeps Judge, Dr. Selma Kominek, arrived and we were ready to start. All the puppies were wild! They thought they should be playing in the “white stuff” instead of trotting pretty on the lead. The air was filled with laughter as everyone watched. The Veterans came out and wondered why they were pulled out of their toasty vehicle for this.

Best Puppy in Sweeps went to the 12-18 Month Bitch (Treybeau’s Curious Little Beastie TKN RATI), owned by Sabrina Hiller. Best Opposite Puppy in Sweeps went to the 6-9 Month Puppy Dog (Treybeau’s Just Like Fire), owned by Kevin Landis, and Best Veteran in Sweeps went to the 7-9 Year Bitch (GCHB DC Kamars Sun Kissed MC LCX RN CGC TKN FCh), owned by Dr. Katie Belz.

Everyone had a break before regular Conformation to warm back up. Conformation Judge, Justin Dannenbring, soon arrived and was ready to start his assignment. The puppies were much better behaved, but the cold and the snow still affected many of the dogs’ performances. It was a lovely entry of Ibizan Hounds! Judge Dannenbring put everyone through their paces and, at the end, selected GCHB Symphony’s Party in the USA at Marwyn BCAT TKN, owned and handled by Meg Smith, as his Best of Breed winner from a stunning line-up of specials. Best of Opposite went to Best Veteran GCHB DC Kamars Sun Kissed MC LCX RN CGC TKN Fch, owned by Dr. Katie Belz.

After win photos and lunch, it was time to start the Lure Coursing. The ASFA Specialty Trial was followed by Puppy Fun Runs to end the day. The next four days were AKC Trials for the Winter Challenge Series. Several Ibizans were entered in all the events to contend for the DINO and Winter Challenge Trophies.

At the end of the weekend, there was one Ibizan Hound who really showed us what the breed is made of. “Penny” (MBIF MBIE AKC DC Icycold Sixth Cent CKC/ASFA FCh), owned by Dr. Karen Catt, took Winners Bitch to finish her AKC Championship at the Specialty, took Best of Breed at the ASFA Trial, took Best of Breed at one of the AKC Trials, and placed in her Stakes in the other Trials.

On the last day of the Winter Challenge, after running five days in a row on hilly terrain, Penny ended up tying and running her final run with a Whippet. As a Coursing judge, this was one those runs where you get goosebumps and tears in your eyes—it was just beautiful. The Whippet was running an exceptional course and the Ibizan Hound was neck and neck with it. The Ibizan passed the Whippet on the straight, and the agility it showed on the corners was something else. I was lucky enough to be one of the three judges judging the run, and it is a run I will never forget. Penny ended the week being both the DINO and Winter Challenge winner, showing everyone just what a “Beezer” can do!

Winter Challenge Photo Gallery

JR1A0021

Penny

BOS sweeps

BOS BVET Vsweeps

BOB

Beezer-Bash-ASFA02045

Beezer-Bash-ASFA01691

Image-1

Beezer-Bash-Winter-Challenge-1

Beezer-Bash-Winter-Challenge-2

Beezer-Bash-Winter-Challenge-3

Beezer-Bash-Winter-Challenge-4

The post Ibizan Hounds in a Winter Wonderland appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Owner Handler, Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch

Where do I live? How many years have I been an Owner Handler?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: I live in Michigan, and have been an Owner Handler for almost 20 years.

How did I get my start in your breed? In the sport?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: I’ve always enjoyed watching dog shows. I got my first show Ibizan Hound 18 years ago after meeting a breeder at the first National Specialty, and again at a local show.

Have I always loved to show dogs? Have I always been a dog person?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: I was not born into or grown up in the show world. I didn’t show my first dog until I was a young adult. I can’t say when I started, but it was pure love. I was new, didn’t know many people, and sometimes felt like I didn’t belong. But over the years, I’ve fallen in love with this amazing sport.

Is there a story behind my decision to show my own dog?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: At first it was because I simply couldn’t afford a handler. Then, after I got my first good dog, I slowly started to have fun. Now I can’t imagine not showing my own dogs. My greatest pride is being a breeder/owner handler of a top-winning dog.

What makes showing my own dog so special to me?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: Knowing that my dog is winning on its own merit. The big wins for me mean so much more when me and my dogs are winning them together.

In my opinion, is there a secret to having a great dog/handler partnership?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: The bond I have with my dogs is our biggest secret, I guess. It is the respect we have for each other. I refuse to show one of my dogs if they aren’t enjoying it. We both have to be having fun for the “sparkle” to happen.

Do I compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? If so, for how many years?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: I do. I have been entering it since it began. I have shown the No. 1 National Owner-Handled Series dog in my breed for the last three years.

What goals did I set for myself and for my dog in 2022? What about 2023?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: My goal for 2022 was to try to finish No. 1 in Owner-Handled, Breed, and All-Breed. In 2023, I hope to get some of my gang out on the field and finish a few of my young dogs.

Am I going to Orlando? If so, what’s it like to have a top NOHS dog this year?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make the trip to Orlando this year, but I will be cheering on all of my Owner Handler friends. It’s always an honor to represent my breed at the No.1 OH spot.

Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences as an Owner Handler?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: I’ve had so much fun getting to know fellow Owner Handlers because of the NOHS. There are so many funny and fun moments, I can’t think of just one.

The post Interview with Owner Handler Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch appeared first on Showsight Magazine.