The Ibizan Hound is an agile member of the hound family used to hunt rabbits and small game on the Spanish island of Ibiza. They are a very fast breed that can hunt on all types of terrain by sight, scent or sound during the day and at night. Spanish hunters typically used packs of females with only one or two males, as in this breed the females are considered to be the better hunters.
For many years it was believed that the Ibizan Hound was a descendant of an ancient Egyptian breed because pictures of dogs resembling the Ibizan Hound are found on the inner walls of ancient Egyptian Pyramids. However, recent DNA analysis suggests they are not related to the Egyptian breed but are actually a more recently developed bloodline. The Ibizan Hound Club of the United States was developed in the 1970's and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1979.
