Country of origin: | Spain |
Registries: | AKC, UKC, CKC |
Occupation: | Sighthound |
Size: | 22.5 to 27.5 in tall; 45 to 50 lbs |
Longevity: | 11 to 13 years |
Exercise: | Moderate |
Training: | Moderate |
Grooming: | Easy |
Colors: | White, shades of red from lion to chestnut, solid or in combination |
The ancestors of this lithe, finely built dog were brought to Ibiza in the Balearic Islands by traders thousands of years ago. Since then, the breed seems to have had more names than it needs. Called the Balearic Dog, Ca Eibisenc, Podenco Ibicenco, and Charnique, to their owners these dogs are often affectionately known as Beezers. They are somewhat reserved with strangers, but demonstrative with their family. As hunting dogs, used for coursing or in packs to hunt rabbits and hares, they are fairly relaxed around other dogs, but pursue other small animals on sight. Both short-haired and wire-haired varieties of the breed exist.