Newark Dog Boarding

Since I work in a Newark dog boarding facility I like to get online and find out about strange and exotic dog breeds so that if anyone ever comes in with one I will be prepared. One breed that I have been studying lately is the Ibizan Hound. Here is a little of its history. In early times, the same ancient Middle Eastern, prick-eared dogs that created the Pharaoh Hound were brought by trading ships to the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain. One of these islands, Ibiza, gave this breed its name. Despite their isolated development, far from Malta, the dominance of their ancient characteristics allowed these two independently developed breeds to look very much alike even after many centuries. Ibizan Hounds were said to have ridden atop Hannibal's elephants when he invaded Italy; the fact that this Carthaginian general was actually born on Ibiza gives weight to the story. Ibizan Hounds have been known in their present form on the islands of Ibiza and its neighbor, Formentera, eight miles to the south, for more than 5,000 years. The Ibizan was welcomed as an admirable hunter of rabbit and other small game on this poor island, where these prizes supplemented the diet of inhabitants whose food was scarce. Owners couldn't afford to feed many puppies, and often the weaker pups and most of the males were drowned in the sea. The survivors were easy keepers who could stay healthy and spirited on a diet of a few fish heads, an occasional bit of goat meat, and whatever game they could scrounge for themselves. So far no one has brought a Ibizan Hound into our Newark dog boarding facility, but who knows maybe one day I will get lucky and be able to take care of one of these fascinating dogs myself.