Pharaoh Hounds are typically a color that ranges from a beige tan to a rich, reddish copper or chestnut, and except for a white tip on their tail (strongly desired), a white chest spot (called a “star”), and a bit of white on the toes or face, any solid white spot on the back of neck, shoulder, or any part of the back or sides is a disqualification.
Ibizan Hounds are, in any solid or combination, white and/or red.
Why we mention this is because we’ve been asked for a mnemonic to help a novice tell one breed from the other. We can share the highly unscientific method we used years ago, but we underscore that there are important differences between these two fabulous breeds that go beyond color.
- Pharaohs ruled Egypt which is where the Sahara Desert is. Except for dots of white from the galabiya or kaftan worn by men crossing the desert, it is all sand colored;
- The name, “Ibizan,” has the letter “i” in it. So does the word, “white.”
Like we said, highly unscientific, but it worked for us. There is a wonderful page by Nan Kilgore Little and Jonathan N. Littlethat goes into greater detail about the differences between the two breeds and includes a couple of illustrations, but we don’t have permission to share points from the page, and there enough of them to warrant a visit.
“Perfecting the Vole Pounce” by Elle J Wilson
http://www.almostanangel66.co.uk
www.etsy.com/shop/AlmostAnAngel66
Great! Now tell us the difference between Podencos and Podengos!
Great suggestion, Kate. In our own minds, we know the difference, but we’ll research it a bit to make sure we don’t make fools of ourselves. As they say, watch this space.
Like Peggy Beisel McIlwaine told me how to remember Norfolk from Norwich: Norfolk- the last syllable sounds like “fold”, and Norfolks have folded ears. Norwich, the last syllable sounds like “witch” , and they have pointed ears like the stereotypical “witch hat”
Good hint, Mary Jean, thanks!!