The Hungarian Vizsla, also known as the Hungarian Pointer, is a slender, short-haired hunting dog with a reddish or golden coat. The breed is best known for it’s thin, silky ears, which are set low and hang down close to the cheeks, and they often have a clipped tail carried erect.
Historically, the Vizsla was developed centuries ago in Hungary. They were considered a prized possession of land owners, particularly the aristocracy, due to their hunting abilities and regal appearance.
Vizslas only gained popularity in other parts of the world during the 1960’s, particularly in the United States, but more recently have become a popular choice in Australia. This is for good reason, as you’ll find out below.
Vizsla Pictures
Oh, and a beautiful Vizsla puppy playing with her Mum – you don’t get cuter than this!
Vizsla Skills
Vizslas are outstanding hunters. Being sturdy and light-footed, they are known for their exceptional skill in hunting upland game birds as well as waterfowls and small fur animals. The grace and intensity of their hunt is worth watching as they point and retrieve. They are also strong swimmers.
Vizsla Personality
Having a name whose literal meaning is alert and responsive; Vizslas are true to their name. They make extraordinary family pets or hunting dogs as they are quite friendly, affectionate and loyal. Vizslas prefer to be treated as a member of the family and appreciate being close to their owners. Training a Vizsla is very easy due to its natural intelligence and eagerness to please. They do not respond well to severe discipline as they are quite sensitive by nature.
Exercise Needs
Exercise should be part of the Vizsla’s daily activity. It should include walking and running preferably with companions and toys to avoid boredom. It should be noted that a bored Vizsla is prone to destructiveness. They should be provided with a variety of places to exercise off leash as a small fenced backyard may not be sufficient to their needs.
Living Conditions
Vizslas can live in practically any environment as long as they have enough exercise, a warm, dry place to stay with lots of love and attention. This breed loves warmth as manifested in its frequent basking in the sun.
Grooming Requirements
A Vizsla’s beautiful and soft coat requires little maintenance. It is basically a clean dog with very little odor. However, they do shed but it can be controlled by rubbing the dog with a non-cotton sweater to pick up loose hairs.
Health Issues
Vizslas are considered an extremely healthy breed although some are prone to skin and/or food allergies. They are also susceptible to hip dysplasia. Hemophilia, Von Willebrand’s Disease, tail defects and epilepsy are the less common genetic diseases in Vizslas. Extreme care should be taken with the use of anesthesia during surgery as this breed is particularly sensitive to this drug.
What breeds are similar to the Hungarian Vizsla?
The closest breed would be the Weimaraner, a breed developed to combine the qualities of bird sense, speed, courage and high intelligence – which shows the similarities to a Vizsla. However, a Weimaraner is bigger and heavier than a Vizsla.
Hungarian Vizsla: Quick Facts
Here are some essential quick facts about the Hungarian Vizsla breed:
Life Expectancy:
13-15 years
Energy Level:
Average.
Living Conditions:
Very flexible, but needs outdoor outlet for exercise.
Barking:
Average.
Exercise Needs:
Daily 30 minute walk or 20 minute run.
Breed Group:
Sporting
Size:
Medium
Height:
21-24 inches
Weight:
18 – 27kg (40-60 pounds)
Standard Hair Colors:
Solid golden rust in different shadings.
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