How to Groom an Ibizan Hound

The Ibizan Hound, or Podenco Ibicenco, is a graceful, stately and agile animal with a lithe frame and an alert mind. Ibizan Hounds have a personality that befits their appearance. They are well-behaved, kind and clean. They are also very good with children and reserved around strangers. You should give your Ibizan Hound a full grooming every 10 to 12 weeks and a general grooming once a month.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scissors
• Natural bristle brush
• Coat conditioner
• Chamois cloth
• Rubber glove
• Aloe skin cream or moisturizer

1. Use scissors to trim the dog's whiskers. This is an optional grooming technique which is entirely based on taste.

2. Brush the coat occasionally with a natural bristle brush. Ibizan Hounds have one of three types of coats: smooth-haired, long-haired or wire-haired. These dogs don't require daily brushing like some long breeds; it's just needed occasionally to keep the coat looking healthy. Ibizan Hounds are average shedders.

3. Bathe the dog when necessary. While bathing, remove shed hair with a good, firm bristle brush. After bathing and drying, put a light coat conditioner on the dog and work it in by brushing it evenly through the hair. To add even more sheen, rub the areas you have conditioned with a chamois cloth.

4. Apply aloe skin cream or moisturizer to the dog's elbows if they are callused. This is a common occurrence in dogs of the same build and type as Ibizan Hounds, such as Greyhounds.

Tips & Warnings

• Running a rubber glove over the dog's coat from time to time can keep it looking shiny and healthy.
• Ibizan Hounds sometimes have allergic reactions to insecticides and some flea powders.
• Some dogs of this breed are genetically pre-disposed to seizures, Axonal Dystrophy and nerve and muscle disease.