Breed History
The Ibizan Hound can be traced as far back as 3400 BC, and is likely descended from the same ancestor as the Pharaoh Hound....
Images of hunting dogs and the god Anubis found in ancient Egyptian tombs bear a strong resemblance to the Ibizan and Pharaoh Hound, and lend credence to the dog's ancient origins. Ancient Mediterranean traders brought these dogs to the Balearic Island of Ibiza, off the coast of modern Spain. For many centuries, the dogs flourished in their secluded home, which at one time or another was ruled by the Chaldeans, Egyptians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Moors and Spanish. The most famous accounts of the Ibizan Hound in Antiquity recall that these dogs were part of Hannibal's invasion of Rome by way of the Alps.For most of the Ibizan Hound's history it has remained secluded from the world, which has prevented the breed from becoming contaminated by other bloodlines. The Ibizan Hound was introduced to the United States during the 1950s, but never caught on as a pet or coursing dog. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1979, and is considered one of the rarest breeds in the US.