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About the Vizsla
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Background:
The Vizsla (VEE-shla) is also known as the Hungarian Vizsla. It is one of the
continental breeds of hunter, pointer, retrievers. It's primary use in the U.S.
is to point upland game birds, but it is not a specialist. It will hunt any fur or
feather game that it has been trained to find. This is where the term
"versatile" comes from.
The Vizsla was originally developed by the Magyars over one thousand years
ago, and retains many of those original breed traits. Some of those traits
include the versatility to hunt all types of fur and feather game, yet still be
a devoted companion at home.
There is not a huge division between the "show Vizsla" and the "field Vizsla" that you see in almost every other breed in the
sporting group. Vizsla breeders today have worked very diligently to maintain the duality and versatility of the breed through
carefully planned breeding programs. The pedigree of a well bred Vizsla will contain both Field and Show titles.
Description:
The Vizsla is a medium sized , short haired, hunting dog most commonly recognized for its golden rust coat plus distinguished
appearance and bearing. The head is wide between the ears, with a moderate stop and a muzzle that is deep and square. The eyes
and nose should match the coat, and should not be any color other than brown; the Vizsla’s expression is keen and inquisitive.
Ears are long and silky, and hang near the cheeks. The neck and body are lean and muscular, giving the dog’s body a light but
powerful appearance. The legs are strong and sturdy: forequarters are straight and hindquarters are well developed with
angulated hocks and stifles. The tail is carried level and docked one third off; feet are compact and catlike. The coat lies close
to the body and is dense, smooth and short. The coat is solid in various shades of golden rust; occasionally, one will see some
white markings on the dog’s chest.
Everything about the Vizsla's appearance should be strong, smooth, lean and muscular, giving the impression of regal bearing.
The ideal size for adult male Vizslas is between 22 and 24 inches at the highest point over the shoulder blades. Females should
be between 21 and 23 inches. Any Vizsla measuring 1 1/2 inches above or below these measurements is not within standard. The
Vizsla will also have it's tail docked 1/3 off, leaving 2/3 intact, to prevent injuries while hunting.
Temperment:
The Vizsla's temperament should be lively, gentle-mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive though fearless with a
well developed protective instinct. Vizslas are a very high energy breed with a very high intelligence. This can turn to
destruction if he is not given a "job" and at least 30 minutes of off lead running on a daily basis. They like to be "busy" so make
it productive. This is a dog of drive and power in the field yet a tractable and affectionate companion in the home.
Some of the different activities that Vizslas participate in besides hunting and lounging around the house are field trials,
hunting tests, conformation (show), obedience, agility, tracking, search and rescue, therapy dogs, assistance dogs, and fetch.
Caring for a Vizsla
The Vizsla is a naturally active breed that needs vigorous exercise every day. A brisk walk is good but not ideal; allowing your
Vizsla to run at full gallop around a field for 30 minutes to an hour every day is preferable. The Vizsla’s innate friendliness
toward people means aggression should not be an issue, but proper socialization is still a must. Introduce your Vizsla pup to
strangers, children and other dogs as much as you can in order to cultivate the sweet personality the breed is known for. The
Vizsla is able to live outdoors in moderate climates, though this is certainly not encouraged as the dog is much happier indoors
with its family. The dog is not terribly cold resistant, however, and should always be kept inside on chilly nights. Coat care is
an afterthought; an occasional brushing and an as-needed bath should do the trick. The Vizsla is lightly susceptible to canine hip
dysplasia.
Selecting a Vizsla
It is of the utmost importance that you select a reputable breeder. Pet shop puppies are bred in puppy mills and lack the proper
socialization to become a healthy lifelong companion. "Back Yard Breeders" do not charge as much for their puppies, but you are
also not given a lifelong "no questions asked" return policy, the sire and dam are not tested for genetic defects (hip dysplasia,
etc.) and they're usually not "proven" with any titles themselves. The AKC is only a registry, and nothing more. Just because a
puppy comes with AKC papers doesn't mean it is a great dog or that it should be bred. It only means that both of the puppy's
parents were pure bred dogs.
It is also important to understand that the Vizsla's temperament and intelligence come from the "field side" of it's pedigree.
The ability to reason, remember, learn, acclimate to surroundings, and be responsive to it's owners are all traits of an
excellent hunting dog, equally alongside the ability to find and locate game birds. Even if all you want is a companion Vizsla, it
should have a solid hunting background, this is most of what makes a Vizsla a Vizsla.
Health, Temperament, Hunting Ability, and Conformation are the key elements your breeder should strive to achieve in their
breeding program.
The Vizsla (VEE-shla) is also known as the Hungarian Vizsla. It is one of the
continental breeds of hunter, pointer, retrievers. It's primary use in the U.S.
is to point upland game birds, but it is not a specialist. It will hunt any fur or
feather game that it has been trained to find. This is where the term
"versatile" comes from.
The Vizsla was originally developed by the Magyars over one thousand years
ago, and retains many of those original breed traits. Some of those traits
include the versatility to hunt all types of fur and feather game, yet still be
a devoted companion at home.
There is not a huge division between the "show Vizsla" and the "field Vizsla" that you see in almost every other breed in the
sporting group. Vizsla breeders today have worked very diligently to maintain the duality and versatility of the breed through
carefully planned breeding programs. The pedigree of a well bred Vizsla will contain both Field and Show titles.
Description:
The Vizsla is a medium sized , short haired, hunting dog most commonly recognized for its golden rust coat plus distinguished
appearance and bearing. The head is wide between the ears, with a moderate stop and a muzzle that is deep and square. The eyes
and nose should match the coat, and should not be any color other than brown; the Vizsla’s expression is keen and inquisitive.
Ears are long and silky, and hang near the cheeks. The neck and body are lean and muscular, giving the dog’s body a light but
powerful appearance. The legs are strong and sturdy: forequarters are straight and hindquarters are well developed with
angulated hocks and stifles. The tail is carried level and docked one third off; feet are compact and catlike. The coat lies close
to the body and is dense, smooth and short. The coat is solid in various shades of golden rust; occasionally, one will see some
white markings on the dog’s chest.
Everything about the Vizsla's appearance should be strong, smooth, lean and muscular, giving the impression of regal bearing.
The ideal size for adult male Vizslas is between 22 and 24 inches at the highest point over the shoulder blades. Females should
be between 21 and 23 inches. Any Vizsla measuring 1 1/2 inches above or below these measurements is not within standard. The
Vizsla will also have it's tail docked 1/3 off, leaving 2/3 intact, to prevent injuries while hunting.
Temperment:
The Vizsla's temperament should be lively, gentle-mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive though fearless with a
well developed protective instinct. Vizslas are a very high energy breed with a very high intelligence. This can turn to
destruction if he is not given a "job" and at least 30 minutes of off lead running on a daily basis. They like to be "busy" so make
it productive. This is a dog of drive and power in the field yet a tractable and affectionate companion in the home.
Some of the different activities that Vizslas participate in besides hunting and lounging around the house are field trials,
hunting tests, conformation (show), obedience, agility, tracking, search and rescue, therapy dogs, assistance dogs, and fetch.
Caring for a Vizsla
The Vizsla is a naturally active breed that needs vigorous exercise every day. A brisk walk is good but not ideal; allowing your
Vizsla to run at full gallop around a field for 30 minutes to an hour every day is preferable. The Vizsla’s innate friendliness
toward people means aggression should not be an issue, but proper socialization is still a must. Introduce your Vizsla pup to
strangers, children and other dogs as much as you can in order to cultivate the sweet personality the breed is known for. The
Vizsla is able to live outdoors in moderate climates, though this is certainly not encouraged as the dog is much happier indoors
with its family. The dog is not terribly cold resistant, however, and should always be kept inside on chilly nights. Coat care is
an afterthought; an occasional brushing and an as-needed bath should do the trick. The Vizsla is lightly susceptible to canine hip
dysplasia.
Selecting a Vizsla
It is of the utmost importance that you select a reputable breeder. Pet shop puppies are bred in puppy mills and lack the proper
socialization to become a healthy lifelong companion. "Back Yard Breeders" do not charge as much for their puppies, but you are
also not given a lifelong "no questions asked" return policy, the sire and dam are not tested for genetic defects (hip dysplasia,
etc.) and they're usually not "proven" with any titles themselves. The AKC is only a registry, and nothing more. Just because a
puppy comes with AKC papers doesn't mean it is a great dog or that it should be bred. It only means that both of the puppy's
parents were pure bred dogs.
It is also important to understand that the Vizsla's temperament and intelligence come from the "field side" of it's pedigree.
The ability to reason, remember, learn, acclimate to surroundings, and be responsive to it's owners are all traits of an
excellent hunting dog, equally alongside the ability to find and locate game birds. Even if all you want is a companion Vizsla, it
should have a solid hunting background, this is most of what makes a Vizsla a Vizsla.
Health, Temperament, Hunting Ability, and Conformation are the key elements your breeder should strive to achieve in their
breeding program.
| About the Vizsla |
 |
 |
 |
 |