Ibizan Hound

My really ancient ancestors, the Pharaoh Hounds (from Egypt), were distributed around the Mediterranean by sea traders (Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans) to islands such as Spain's Ibiza. There we helped hunt rabbits to put meals on the islanders' tables. When we were brought to mainland France, we did the same for food and sport -- until hunting with hounds was outlawed and the Ibizan Hound all but disappeared. Now we're back, following the AKC's 1978 acceptance into the Hound Group, with our lean (24-28 inches at the shoulder) hound bodies, erect deer-like ears, and bright amber eyes.

• Affectionate, loyal family friend
• Agile and active
• Aloof and elegant
• Always alert
• Born to run, happy to walk
• Busy is better than bored
• Cats should keep their distance
• Confident and self-assured
• Energizer doggie
• Even-tempered, good-natured

• Hardy hunter
• Independent thinker
• Intelligent and ready to learn
• Loves kids and vice versa
• Outdoors enthusiast
• Playful pet
• Caters to country, tolerates town
• Ready to romp
• Socialization and training must start early
• Spirited
• Stubborn streak
• Takes to training
• A welcomer, not a watchdog

You've done your research, right? You know the things you'll never change in an Ibizan Hound? And the one you'll want to work on? Here are the non-negotiables: we're super-energetic. We love to chase. We can jump five-foot fences. We bark a lot. Been there, done that for thousands of years -- and see no reason to change, even for nice folks like you. Now the attitude thing: We tend to think we're equals of any owner. That equation can be changed with firm but gentle, patient and consistent training.

Possible allergies, deafness, eye problems, and seizures.