HareHill breeds beautiful, healthy, sound Ibizan Hounds that excel in both the show ring and on the field. More important, our hounds are part of our family and live with us in our home. We do not raise “kennel” dogs.
Breeding
Prior to any breeding, we review the conformation of all dogs and bitches being considered. This helps identify who “appears” to be the best match. Pedigrees are then thoroughly researched. What types of dogs are behind the planned breeding? Which qualities might be passed along to the litter? Are there any health issues that should be considered?
The health of the breed is our primary concern. The Ibizan Hound community has a small gene pool. So any health issue that can be inherited could really hurt the future of the breed. It is the responsibility of the breeder to exercise due diligence in researching the history of each pedigree to make a well informed breeding decision.
Finally, we look for good pet-homes. Yes, many of our dogs are champions and “show” quality. But a good home is paramount. Dogs are social. They should be part of the family and not live their life in a kennel.
Bunny was bred twice. Her first litter produced 4 champions and included Zipper, who won 4 National Specialties and 1 Best In Show. HareHill can now brag that we are breeders of Best in Show Ibizan Hounds. Bunny’s second litter produced 2 champions out of 3 pups.
Josie (from Bunny’s 1st litter) was bred in 2008 and whelped 15 pups and in 2012 and whelped 4 pups. Josie won Best Brood Bitch at the 2010 IHCUS National Specialty. Her 2008 litter (12 surviving) produced:
- (9) U.S. AKC champions
- (2) Canadian CKC champions
- (4) AKC dual champions
- (4) AKC field champions
- (4) ASFA field champions
- (3) Best In Field winners
- (2) Canadian National Specialty winners
- Multiple group winners/placers in U.S. and Canada
From this litter, Jasmine finished as the #1 Ibizan Hound in 2011 in Canada and is the first Ibizan Hound to achieve a Grand Championship in both the U.S. and Canada.
Jackie finished as the #1 Ibizan Hound in 2010 & 2011 in the U.S. She is also a multiple group winner and won 2011 Best of Breed at Westminster. Jackie is also the first Ibizan Hound Grand Champion as well as the first Ibizan Hound to reach bronze, silver and gold Grand Champion achievement levels.
Reese was breed twice in 2011. Once to Brody and once to Bryce (both boys are out of Josie’s 2008 litter). Brody produced one girl and Bryce produced three boys.
Roxy was bred in 2012 to O.P. and produced 2 boys and 2 girls.
Conformation
Wendy showed Basenjis in conformation for many years and collected many Reserve ribbons. In 1999 she acquired her first Ibizan Hound, Bunny, who became her first champion. Wendy handled her through her first group placements. Under professional handlers, Clint Livingston and Janice Hayes, Bunny went on to win 43 Best In Shows, back-to-back Westminster Hound Group Firsts, and become one of the top hounds in the nation.
Lure Coursing
These dogs love to “chase the bunny”. Which is good as that’s what they are bred to do. HareHill has produced several dual champions (conformation and field) and three (3) of our dogs are Best In Field coursers, Roxy (with 4 BIFs), Brody (with 1 BIF) and Bryce (with 1 BIF). We attend as many field trials as possible.
Supporting The Breed
Both Wendy and Kurt are registered AKC Breeders of Merit. Active members of IHCUS, the Ibizan Hound Club of the United States, Kurt was treasurer and is currently their webmaster, and Wendy participates on several committees. Wendy is one of the founders of Beezerfest and also a long-time member of BCOA, the Basenji Club of America. She served as president and board member of BCOSW (Basenji Club of Southeastern Wisconsin) for several years.
Our Kennel Name
HareHill is our registered kennel name with the AKC. The name is in honor of Bunny (hare) and because our home is situated on a hill. We think the name has a nice ring to it.
