Ibizan Hound vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison

Ibizan Hound vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed ComparisonIbizan Hound is originated from Spain but Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) is originated from Belgium. Ibizan Hound may grow 8 cm / 4 inches higher than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael). Both Ibizan Hound and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) are having almost same weight. Both Ibizan Hound and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) has almost same life span. Both Ibizan Hound and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) has almost same litter size. Ibizan Hound requires Low maintenance. But Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) requires High maintenance

History

ibizan hound - historyThis lean, speedy and agile hound dog looks and acts very much like a Pharaoh Hound except the Ibizan Hound is larger and a different color. The image of dogs that look like the Ibizan have been seen since 3400 BC in Egypt. The dogs were probably brought by sailors to Ibiza and surrounding islands. They came about 700-900 BC. It is believed that they actually came for the island of Elvissa and Spain, where they speak Catalan. It was also known in France as the le chanigue. There job was the same. To hunt rabbits.

They were fast hunting greyhound type dogs. They hunted for rabbit for the Ibizaners and themselves. These dogs hunt by day and by night. They are not just sight hounds, they also hunt by smell and hearing, in packs or by themselves. They use their sight to find and corner the prey. Then they act like retrievers and bring it back to the hunter. Their function and look is very similar to several other dogs such as the Pharaoh Hound, the Greyhound, the Portuguese Podengo, the Cimeco dellEtna and the Podence Canario. The Ibizan is larger than any of these, but all these breeds are considered to be “primitive”.

Within the breed itself there are smooth, wire and longhaired Ibizan Hounds. The Smooth is by far the most common. A great jumper, nimble runner built for stamina, the Ibizan Hound was just what the island people needed. The breed lived in isolation on the island for many centuries, under a variety of rulers including the Romans, Egyptians, Vandals, Carthaginians, Chaldeans, Arabs and Spanish. Because of the harsh island conditions, the farmers only allowed the best hunters among the Ibizan Hounds to procreate thus assuring a breed that is unchanged from ancient stock.

By 1950 the Ibizan Hound was brought to America. Because this dog is not a pet but a working machine, it took awhile for the breed to become popular enough to be recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1979. Still the Ibizan Hound is a rare breed with the female being a better hunter than the male. One of the most common activities of this breed in the U.S. is lure coursing. These events are sponsored by AKC and ASFA as well as racing events in the NOTRA and LGRA.

belgian shepherd dog groenendael - historyLooking much like a pitch black German Shepherd dog, the Belgian Shepherd is a beautiful looking dog. Their roots go back to the 1800s to Groenendael, Belgium. This is where they were bred by a certain Nicolas Rose in 1910. The Groenendael is one of four different Belgian Sheepdog varieties but the Groenendael is sometimes treated as a distinct breed.

They have always been used for their intelligence, serving for instance in the police force and being message carriers in war situations. Originally, Belgian Shepherds were used to herd livestock. It was in 1911 that the Groenendael was registered in the United States, and not much later the first Belgian Sheepdog Club of America formed. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1912.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
Origin:
Spain
Belgium
Height Male:
56 - 74 cm
22 - 30 inches
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
50 - 68 cm
19 - 27 inches
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 29 kg
44 - 64 pounds
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
17 - 26 kg
37 - 58 pounds
23 - 30 kg
50 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 12
6 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Ibizan Warren HoundPodenco Ibicenco, Balearic Dog, Ca Eivissenc
Belgian Groenendael, Belgian Shepherd, AKC: Belgian Sheepdog
Colors Available:
red and white
Black
Coat:
short and hard
Dense double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant, Seasonal
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

ibizan hound puppy - descriptionThe breed is agile, elegant, athletic and graceful. At the same time the Ibizan Hound is a fierce hunter travelling at unreal speeds to catch his rabbit prey. They are a hardy breed with a lean and long neck, and a lean, muscled body with laid back shoulders. The ears are specific to the breed, with a broad base leading to long, beautiful ears. They have tan eye rims, nose, foot pads, and ears. The eyes themselves are an amber with an intelligent and alert expression.

Large, Strong and Well Proportioned

belgian shepherd dog groenendael puppy - descriptionWith his alert, bright brown eyes, the Groenendael, referred to often as the Belgian Sheepdog, has erect ears with a long, feathered tail. The straight, strong legs are also feathered. He is well proportioned, athletic and strong. He has a dense double coat, and this working dog’s coat is black, but you sometimes find some small white markings around his paws and muzzle. The size of the Groenendael is roughly 60-66cm at the withers with the females sometimes being slightly smaller. The weight of the dog is roughly 25–30 kilograms.

He’s a Social Dog who Craves Companionship

The Groenendael is an active, intelligent breed and training and socializing will be necessary to ensure he knows how to behave around his human family. He is a big, social dog and won’t do well when left alone day after day in the back yard. In fact he may even show signs of separation anxiety if you leave him indefinitely. He makes for an excellent family dog, just loving their companionship and he becomes very protective of them.

An Intelligent, Alert Breed

He is used to making use of his intelligence and therefore he will need mental stimulation as opposed to lying around all day. He gets on well with adults, children and other pets, but he needs to grow up with children and not be put among children when he is already an adult. He is loyal and loving to his human family, forming a deep bond, especially with just one member of the family.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

ibizan hound dog - characteristicsThey love children but be careful they do not knock them over and don’t let the children play to rough.

Special talents

Exceptional jumping ability, speed and stamina.

Adaptability

Must have a large fenced yard and a place to run full out.

Learning ability

Very intelligent with excellent learning ability.

belgian shepherd dog groenendael dog - characteristicsYour Belgian Shepherd is an intelligent, active, loyal companion for you. He is highly intelligent too, and will need the right owner who can meet his energetic needs. He therefore wouldn’t do well with in a small place where the owners are couch potatoes. He is a working dog and will require being kept busy.

Provide him with good food, look after that thick, lustrous coat of his, provide him with a warm, dry place to sleep and plenty of exercise, love and attention and he will turn out to be the wonderful pet that makes him such a popular breed.

Health Problems

ibizan hound puppies - health problemsDespite being isolated on the islands for all those years, the Ibizan Hound has several tendencies toward medical issues:

  • Allergic Reactions -insecticides, drugs and flea powders.
  • Seizures – can be medicated.
  • Axonal Dystrophy – a muscle and nerve disease.
  • Cataracts – occasional occurrence.
  • Retinal Dysplasia – occurs rarely
  • Deafness – can be at birth or developmental.

belgian shepherd dog groenendael puppies - health problemsThe Belgian Groenendael is a healthy, strong breed with no major health problems and with an average lifespan of 12-14 years.

As with every dog breed, there will be some health issues to be aware of. Skin allergies, epilepsy, eye problems and hip- and joint dysplasia are some areas to look out for

Dental disease for instance, is a common problem with pets, and your Belgian Shepherd can have serious problems with their teeth. Tartar build-up on the teeth ca take you down a trail of infections and gum disease. If you don’t want to make use of a special canine toothbrush and toothpaste, your vet will do it for you.

Your Groenendael will also be susceptible to ticks, fleas and bacterial and viral infections. As a puppy of 6 – 8 weeks, vaccinations for parvo, rabies, and distemper will be necessary. You’ll also need to be generally watching your pet’s health and to get him to the vet when he shows signs of being run-down and ill.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

ibizan hound dogs - caringYour Ibizan Hound is an athlete and needs to be fed like one. As a puppy he needs high quality breed or group (hound) specific food. Feed her 3-4 times a day based on calories. A puppy needs about 866 calories each day.

Feeding the adult

If your dog participates in sports as adults, they need between 1450 and 2900 calories each day. The exact amount depends on how much activity the dog is engaged in. Feed at least 2 times a day.

Points for Good Health

Great speed and stamina

Games and Exercises

Your Ibizan Hound is a working athlete. He needs a lot of exercise and he needs a chance to run full out so access to land is essential. It can be a large back yard, or it can be a dog park. No matter what it is, it is essential for the Ibizan Hound. She will also require long walks at least a couple times a day. However, do not over exercise your puppy. They are great jumpers as well as runners.

The sport of lure coursing was made for the Ibizan in the same way that it was made for the Greyhound. They are good at Flyball and agility as well.

belgian shepherd dog groenendael dogs - caringThe Groenendael has a double coat and because it is also fairly long, his black coat may well be high maintenance and brushing every 2nd day will be necessary to keep the coat unmatted and to also get rid of those loose hairs. In fact, heavy shedding is part of this breed’s life and while heavy shedding happens twice a year, light shedding continues throughout the year. Sometimes is may be necessary to send him to a dog grooming parlour to snip his hair and to wash it.

Other care routines to watch for -

A healthy, quality diet it absolutely imperative. Speak to your vet about the best kind of wet- or dry food suited to an energetic breed like this and appropriate to his age. You need to include raw meat into your pets diet every day now and then to avoid skin problems. Always ensure a bowl of clean, cool water is available, The bowl will need to be washed out every other day.

make sure his ears are cleaned. Once again you have to be careful when prodding in a dog’s ear and your veterinarian will show you how.

keep him well exercised with long walks and ball games.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Ibizan Hound - Breed Comparison
  2. Saluki vs Ibizan Hound - Breed Comparison
  3. Mountain Cur vs Ibizan Hound - Breed Comparison
  4. Rajapalayam vs Ibizan Hound - Breed Comparison
  5. Plott Hound vs Ibizan Hound - Breed Comparison
  6. Petit Gascon Saintongeois vs Ibizan Hound - Breed Comparison
  7. Otterhound vs Ibizan Hound - Breed Comparison
  8. Mudhol Hound vs Ibizan Hound - Breed Comparison
  9. Ibizan Hound vs Bloodhound - Breed Comparison
  10. Ibizan Hound vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  11. Ibizan Hound vs Francais Blanc et Noir - Breed Comparison
  12. Ibizan Hound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  13. Ibizan Hound vs Borzoi - Breed Comparison
  14. Ibizan Hound vs Black and Tan Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  15. Ibizan Hound vs Black Mouth Cur - Breed Comparison
  16. Ibizan Hound vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  17. Ibizan Hound vs Austrian Black and Tan Hound - Breed Comparison
  18. Ibizan Hound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  19. Ibizan Hound vs Azawakh - Breed Comparison
  20. Ibizan Hound vs Hanover Hound - Breed Comparison
  21. Ibizan Hound vs Majestic Tree Hound - Breed Comparison
  22. Ibizan Hound vs Chart Polski - Breed Comparison
  23. Ibizan Hound vs Grand Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  24. Ibizan Hound vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  25. Ibizan Hound vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  27. Alaskan Malamute vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  28. Bullmastiff vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  29. Great Pyrenees vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  30. Boerboel vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  31. Presa Canario vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  32. Labrador Husky vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  33. Argentine Dogo vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  34. Giant Schnauzer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  35. Goldador vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  36. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  37. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  38. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  39. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  40. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  41. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  42. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  43. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  45. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  46. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  47. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  48. Dogo Cubano vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  49. Dogo Sardesco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  50. Central Asian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds