General Description of the Breed
The Ibizan Hound is named for the island of Ibiza off the coast of Spain. Often noted for its deer-like elegance, this graceful breed was a hunting companion to the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt before being brought to Ibiza by Phoenician traders.
Classified as a sighthound whose primary quarry is rabbit, Ibizans are versatile hunters, utilizing hearing, sight and scent. This medium-sized hound is known for its athleticism and agility which includes a unique ability to jump six feet into the air from a standstill. Its admirers describe its temperament as fun loving, affectionate and loyal.
The AKC recognized Ibizan Hound as an breed in 1978. Prior to that, it was bred primarily in the Balearic Islands to hunt rabbit in rocky terrain. They are used in packs to catch and kill their prey, which they return to their master. A ferret may be used with a pack of Ibizans to flush a rabbit from it's hole. Ibizan Hounds are still used in Spain to hunt rabbits in this manner. Follow the video links (on the right) to watch Ibizan packs in action, hunting rabbits as they were intended.
An Ibizan Hound coursing