History of the Breed
This is one of the ancient breeds of dog. It is thought that the Ibizan Hound dates back to the Phoenicians. It is believed that they were used for hunting by the Pharaohs. The dog is featured in hieroglyphics, statues and are depicted in papyrus, tablets and on pyramid walls.
This breed is said to have been used to hunt by the pharaohs of Egypt. Sculptures and paintings from ancient Egyptian tombs around 3000 B.C. depict a dog bearing a striking resemblance to the Ibizan hound. This was discovered in 1922, when the tomb of Tutankhamen was excavated.
During the 8th century the Phoenicians did much travelling and trading throughout the Mediterranean and it is believed that took the hounds with them to the Balearic Islands. The dogs are seen on all the Balearic Islands but most prolifically in Ibiza hence the name – the Ibizan Hound or Podenco Ibicenco in Spanish.
The breed is now common on the Spanish peninsula where variations upon the original breed have resulted in the Andalucian Hound (Podenco Andaluz), Manchego Hound (Podenco Manchego) and Maneto/Podenco Enano (a miniature version of the breed).