The Ibizan Hound was taken to the Balearic Islands by Phonecian traders, and to this day the Ibizan Hound can be found still working in Spain and its surrounding islands.The name Ibizan Hound was accepted by the Kennel Club here in the U.K. as the breed was mainly found in latter years on the Island of Ibiza.

They are a very versatile breed, being used to hunt, point and retrieve. Ibizan Hounds will retrieve game live to hand, and are quite "soft mouthed" not unlike some gundogs, yet their lips fit very tightly over the teeth, hard to believe with such sharp muzzles they can have such soft mouths. The first thing that most people notice about the Ibizan Hound is its pink nose, the second thing being its large mobile ears.They have the most amazing amber eyes and are very expressive. Their movement is unlike that of any other hound, they have a far reaching stride, and a slight "hover" before placing their front paws on the ground, a suspended trot is the best way to describe the movement. If one has ever seen the beautiful Lippizzaner Horses, the Ibizan Hound can mimic every movement perfectly, and it is breathtaking to watch these hounds work.

They are a very affectionate breed, and are mortified when shouted at, the look in their eyes make you wish you could take it all back. A most wonderful loyal breed, they have an affinity with children and love to join in whatever game is going, even to climbing trees! A long lived breed, seventeen years plus has been recorded and here in the U.K. They have never been one of the more popular sighthound breeds in the U.K.

The Ibizan Hound does make a good pet, and adore company, they take a long time to mature, not so much physically as mentally, I had an Ibizan who up until the day he died still loved to shred paper!

But if you want a hound that has remained unchanged for thousands of years,and if you can give buckets of affection back, and don't mind having the newspaper nibbled at the corners this is definately a breed to consider.

The Ibizan Hound comes in a variety of Chestnut and White colourings and any combination of this colour is acceptable. Black is not acceptable ( Sorry Anubis!) They can be Smooth or Rough coated ( Wire coated in the U.S.) In the rest of Europe they are known as Podenco Ibicenco or Ca Eivessenc.

But I for one, am glad that the Ibizan Hound has made it to the next millennium and I am very proud to have had a chance to own and live with a piece of Ancient History.