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Breed History
Ibizan hounds have a long and distinguished history. The breed can be traced all the way back to time of ancient Egypt. They were a favorite hunting dog of the pharaohs, and were held in such esteem that they were painted with the pharaoh in hunting scenes. A curly-tailed prick-eared hound can be seen on the walls of the pyramids in hunting scenes dating back to 4000BC. Modern Ibizan Hounds resemble these dogs, except for the curly tail, although this is still seen in the breed!
In about AD1000 these dogs were first reported on the mediterranean island of Ibiza: Traders from Europe, North Africa and other areas around the Mediterranean, The red salt of Ibiza attracted the .
The Ibizan Hound has died out in modern Egpyt, but is still living in Crete and the Balearic Islands.
Isolated on the island of Ibiza, this dog became known as CA DE CACA which means simply hunting dog. Farmers used them for hunting small game. Due to poor rainfall, crops did not grow well so rabbits had to be kept to a minimum. The hounds were used to catch the rabbits which were then used as food.
The Ibizan hound has great stamina and an ability to jump high. They hunt on rocky terrain, mainly at a ground-covering trot, with short bursts of speed involving high jumps. The stature of this breed is unique, and in fact would be classed as unsound in other breeds.
Smooth and wire-haired varies occur naturally in the breed. Wire coat is said to be the product of crossing ibizans with ancient spanish dogs. Smooth and wire share the same breed standard and can occur in the same litter sometimes.
In Europe the breed is called Podenco Ibicenco- in the 1950's it was given the name Ibizan hound.
In 1956 Colonel and Mrs Consuelo Seoane bred the 1st litter in the USA.
Ibizan hounds are a longlived breed: Ages of 15 years are not uncommon, and occasional dogs may reach 17 years. Litters can be large too: litters of 11 puppies or more are not rare.
The first Ibizan was shown in 1929, and The FCI recognised the breed in 1931.