Ahram Ibizan Hounds
Italian Greyhounds
Professional Dog Handling

There is much discussion in the breed about different coat types.  Are they the same or different?  Well in Coat lenght and texture yes, in temperament, I also say yes.  This has been a heavy issue for many over the years.

As far as coat texture, Wires generally come in 1-3 inch coats.  The texture is that of a true wire breed and should have a similare coarseness to a terrier.  The coat color irregardless of coat type is White with Red, Red With White, all White and All Red.  Many years ago the color Lion was removed from the standard.  Dogs of this color are now registered red.  Although you see very few out there the color lion is exactly that a light reddish-yellow, very pale, almost dilute looking.

No color should ever be preferred over another.  It is the conformation of the dog, the movement and they true Ibizan Hound Temperament that matters.

As for smooth coats, you can have a coat as short as 1/4 inch to 1 inch in lenght.  This coat will be a straight hair shaft, that should also have a coarse texture, but no wave.  These dogs usually have longer coats at the back of their thighs and belly area.

Neither of these breeds should be trimmed, clipped or scissored.  It is a natural breed, and should be shown that way.  This includes the fact that under no circumstances should their whiskers ever be trimmed!!!!!  They are a three way hunter and very use their whiskers in every day life.

Here comes a sore spot for many.  There is a term known as broken coat, under no circumstances is this an insult.  I have owned broken coats over the years.  The term stands for a dog that possesses both coat types.  As soon as a dog has facial hair, I consider it a wire irregardless of the rest.  But for those dogs with predominently wire and smooth cross coat with no facial hair , then the term broken coat fits.

Judges should never penalize either in the ring, due to coat preference, as they are judging them as a breed.

As far as Temperament and movement go, here is where I also don't pull punches.  There is a difference!!!!!!  Wires with predominently wire lines will be a little looser in the shoulders and hips when moving.  I have seen it for over 20 years of loving this breed.  Many also seem to carry their heads a little lower when moving.  Many of the smoothes seem to cary their heads higher, and many tend to flip their wrists more.  Now how do you judge this.  The best dog is the best dog, the soundest the soundest.

Temperament!!!! Now this will always start a huge discussion.  In my experience of different lines, coats, countries, ect...., yes they are different, but with everything their will always be that exception to the rule.

Overall the wires are a little more sensitive to their environment.  They can be a little more aloof of strangers, but are still the big clowns and very very loving companions.  The Smooths overall are a little more bomb proof and can go either way, either a little aloof, or 100% in your face.

Aloof doesn't mean scared, it means reserved.  Never should an adult Ibizan shy away from touch to the point where it has to be held up in the ring.  This is unacceptable in the breed.  If an adult gives you the "I really don't like you look" and tries to mildy avoid touch, then aproach it from the shoulder on exam before touching it's head, and the dog should allow this.  It's your way to hello, I am going to go over you and I have permission from your handler :-)  Puppies as with all breeds can make you look like a fool.  They have a special talent.

Overall the breed should be trust-worthy, loving, clownish, easy-going, and life loving.  Yes they are complex.