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History
The Hungarian Vizsla is a hunting dog, probably descended from the dogs of the Magyars, the Transylvanian hound, Turkish yellow dog (now extinct) and several types of pointer. After World War I, the breed was nearly extinct. Hungarians saved some individuals and built the breed up again. After World War II, when Russians took control of Hungary, the native Hungarians feared all the Vizslas would be killed by the Russians, because owning a Vizsla was a symbol of aristocracy. Some devotees smuggled Hungarian Vizslas out into Austria and to other countries, including America. The name Vizsla, in Hungarian, means "pointer". The Hungarian Vizsla is a fine retriever with an excellent nose, and is a good small game and bird hunter and pointer even on marshy terrain. He has also been a successful obedience competitor. The breed's gentle, friendly disposition makes him well suited to his role as a family companion dog.
Description
A sleek, muscular, medium-sized hunting dog with a beautiful, rusty-gold, short coat. The head is lean, chiseled and aristocratic, with a moderate stop. The muzzle is square and deep, with a brown nose. The skull is fairly broad between the ears and has a line up the middle of the forehead. The eye color blends with the coat color. The round tipped ears are pendant and rather long, thin and silky. The front legs are straight. The tail is docked to 2/3 its original length. The coat is golden rust. A little white on the chest and toes is permitted.
Talents
Hunting, tracking, retrieving, pointing, watchdog, and competitive obedience.
Personality
Loving, demonstrative and gentle. Has a protective instinct. Somewhat willful and distractible, but smart and trainable—this breed needs a patient, firm hand. Energetic and athletic, the Hungarian Vizsla must receive sufficient exercise or he may become destructive or neurotic. Socialize this dog well, and get him used to noises at an early age. Look for breed lines that are not high-strung or shy.
Behavior
Children: Good with children.
Friendliness: Loves everyone.
Trainability: Easy to train.
Independence: Needs people a lot.
Dominance: Low.
Other Pets: Generally good with other pets.
Combativeness: Friendly with other dogs.
Noise: Average barker.
Notes
Known as a chewer. Beware of hip dysplasia; buy only from OFA-certified stock. There is also a wire-haired variety of Vizsla recognized in Europe and England.
Grooming
Grooming: Very little grooming needed.
Trimming & Stripping: No trimming or stripping needed.
Coat: Short coat.
Shedding: Average shedder.
Docking: The tail is customarily docked.
Exercise: Vigorous daily exercise needed.
Jogging: An excellent jogging companion.
Indoors: Moderately active indoors.
Apartments: Not recommended for apartments.
Outdoor Space: Best with at least an average-size yard.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Owner: Not recommended for novice owners.
Longevity: Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
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