The Ibizan Hound (Spanish pronunciation: “i-bee-thun”) comes in white or red, and any color other than those two is a disqualification in a show ring. That’s the easy part. Things get a bit more subject to interpretation when defining either color. A light, yellowish red color (what some may describe as “tawny”) is referred to as “lion,” in the AKC breed standard, while the current FCI standard actually states that the “lion” color is barely acceptable in the wire coat, and unacceptable in the smooth. One source we found opines that a true “lion” color is hard to find in the United States, but that some fanciers keep referring to their lighter red dogs as “lion.”
Perhaps our Ibizan friends can weigh in?
“Kenzie” by Charlotte Yealey (what color would Kenzie be called?)
http://www.charlotteyealey.com
The Ibizan is primarily a red and white dog. Some specimens are almost completely, or completely red or white, and no color or pattern is preferable. The term lion is quite uncommon in the US, and used to describe lighter red coloring, which is seen more in wires than smooths. The term lion is not used much, because it simply isn’t seen much. Often a wire Ibizan with a longer coat may seem to have lighter hair, and may appear to be lion in color.
Thanks for the clarification, Megan, it’s much appreciated! Any chance you can direct us a photo of a true “lion” so we know it if we ever really see one?
What a beautiful photo. As a terrier person, I especially love the wire Ibizans.
Faded red/white wires are not the same color as orange/red smooths even though both are sometimes referred to as “lion”. I’ve never seen an adult smooth who is the faded or “tawny” color often seen in American wires, although it is sometimes seen in smooth puppies. Orange/red is seen in many smooths and is a shade of red that is completely acceptable. The faded color seen in many wires seems to be acceptable as well. However, most people seem to prefer the deep red in both varieties, especially those who want to show. We can not afford to discriminate regarding faded or orange-ish color due to the small gene pool. Conformation, health and disposition, not necessarily in that order are much, much more important than color.