This is a very affectionate, sensitive breed. They are wonderfully loyal and make a good pet in the right home. However, this is not a breed for the fainthearted. They can be fairly vocal and adore company. This is not a breed that can be left for long hours.

This breed is truly a living piece of history. The Ibizan Hound dog breed can trace its roots back to 4,000BC and beyond. Mostly associated with the time of the Great Pharaohs, the breed is depicted on many friezes, with the most notable icon being the Anubis. It would be true to say that the breed has not really changed in many thousands of years. Phoenician traders took the Ibizan Hound to the Balearic Islands, and to this day they can be found still working in Spain and its surrounding islands.

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape, and remember to feed him at least twice daily in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

These dogs require lots of exercise – a couple of hours daily for adults. Once on the scent of game, they will run and run, so a reliable recall is essential and they should be exercised in safe areas with no traffic risks or other dangers.

Health and common issues

The Ibizan Hound dog breed is generally hardy with few widely recognised health problems. Some neurological conditions are reported but do not appear to be common.

Best family dog breeds

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.