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A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

To view photos of this breed please visit the Kennel Club Picture Library

General Appearance
Tall, narrow, finely built, large erect ears.

Characteristics
Agile, tireless, controlled hunter. Retrieves to hand, has ability to jump great heights without take-off run.

Temperament
Reserved with strangers, not nervous or aggressive. Dignified, intelligent and independent.

Head and Skull
Fine, long, flat skull with prominent occipital bone. Stop not well defined, slightly convex muzzle, length of which from eyes to tip of nose equals length from eyes to occiput. Nose flesh coloured, should protrude beyond teeth, jaws very strong and lean.

Eyes
Clear amber, expressive. Almond-shaped; not prominent, large or round.

Ears
Large, thin, stiff, highly mobile, erect when dog is alert, in a continuous line with arch of neck when viewed in profile; base set on level with eyes. Drop ears unacceptable.

Mouth
Perfectly even white teeth; scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Thin lips with no dewlap.

Neck
Very lean, long, muscular and slightly arched.

Forequarters
Rather steep, short shoulder blades, long straight legs, erect pasterns of good length.

Body
Level back sloping slightly from the pin bones to rump. Long, flat ribcage. Short coupled with well tucked-up waist, breast bone very prominent. Depth measured between bottom of ribcage and elbow 7-8 cms (21/2-3 ins).

Hindquarters
Long, strong, straight and lean, no great angulation, long second thigh, turning neither in nor out.

Feet
Well arched toes, thick pads, light coloured claws. Front feet may turn slightly outwards.

Tail
Long, thin, low set, reaching well below the hock; when passed between legs and round flank reaches spine; may be carried high when excited, but not curled within itself or low over back.

Gait/Movement
A suspended trot, which is a long far-reaching stride, with a slight hover before placing foot to ground.

Coat
Smooth or rough always hard, close, dense. Longer under tail and at back of legs. Hunting scars should not be penalised.

Colour
White, chestnut or lion solid colour, or any combination of these.

Size
In country of origin varies between 56 and 74 cms (22-29 ins), but balance is overriding factor.

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Last Updated - January 2009

Glossary of Canine Terms

Some links to health information and resources that may be relevant to this breed:

Veterinary screening schemes - The Kennel Club operates these with the British Veterinary Association.

DNA screening schemes - detect disease-causing mutations in a number of breeds.

Current Accredited Breeder Scheme health screening requirements and recommendations - for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by a Kennel Club Accredited Breeder.

Breed Watch - a tool aimed at dog show judges and exhibitors to highlight and tackle any current concerns in a breed

Health Test results Finder Tool - access results of any official KC health testing scheme for Kennel Club registered dogs

2004 Purebred Dog Health Survey Results - Individual summaries are available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve.

Breed Clubs and Societies

ENGLISH IBIZAN HOUND CLUB. Sec. Mrs P Marston-Pollock. Tel No. 01697 473606

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Hound Group 

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