Ibizan Hound

The Ibizan Hound — Podenco Ibicenco — is the tall, upright-eared rabbit hound of the Balearic Islands, and a remarkable jumper.

History

It has hunted rabbit on Ibiza and Formentera for centuries, working by sight, scent and hearing together, often at night and in packs with a net. Its resemblance to the dogs in Egyptian tomb painting encouraged a long-standing story of Phoenician origin; genetic work has since indicated the breed is a much more recent Iberian reconstruction of an ancient look.

Temperament

The breed is known for being alert, independent and affectionate with its household, reserved with strangers, and possessed of a real prey drive.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and genuinely high, secure fencing — the breed clears heights that surprise owners from a standing start. Training must be gentle; it is sensitive. Both smooth and wire coats are easy.

Health

Generally healthy, with the sighthound sensitivity to anaesthesia and, in some lines, seizures and retinal conditions. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.