The Ibizan Hound is a distinctive, elegant hound, originating from Ibiza where it was been used for centuries to hunt rabbits and other small game.
It possesses a wonderfully sleek and delicate frame, and is exceptionally agile and springy, with the ability to leap and sprint. It is similar in appearance to the greyhound, with a narrow body, arched loin and tucked waist, and long slender legs. It has a rose-coloured nose, amber eyes and trademark large erect ears, which evokes gives the Egyptian god Anubis. The coat comes in a variety of reds and fawn, with white markings and comes in two hair types: smooth and wire. Ibizan Hounds are intelligent and gentle dogs, who love their home comforts and getting outdoors, in equal measure. As active dogs, with a hunting heritage, they need plenty of exercise to keep them happy, and love to run. Due to their deer-like ability to leap (and in some cases even climb), they need a super secure garden with tall fences. Their high prey instinct also means that off-lead walking is only done in enclosed areas. Back indoors, they are sweet and calm and will enjoy finding warm comfy places to settle down. Their gentle nature makes them ideal companions for children and other dogs, and they will live happily with cats if brought up with them. Due to their high prey drive, they are not suitable to be housed with other small household pets.
History
The Ibizan Hound hails from the Spanish Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Formentera, where they existed as rabbit hunters for thousands of years. However, their heritage may go back much further than this and they bear an uncanny similarity to Egyptian Pharaoh dogs depicted on tombs and to the Egyptian god Anubis. Potentially, early trading routes brought the dog from Egypt to the Spanish islands, where it retained much of its original looks due to the seclusion of island life.
