Vizslas

Author

Revision History:

Nov 1995, Vizsla mailing list updated
Feb 1998, Rewritten

History
Description
Characteristics and Temperament
Health
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources

History

The Vizsla, or Hungarian Pointer, is thought to be one of the oldest sporting breeds - a hunter and companion to the Magyar (Hungarian) people. The Vizsla, whose name means alert and responsive, was prized by the land-owning aristocracy for its hunting abilities, its regal appearance, and its warm personality. The Vizsla's habitat was the Hungarian plains - a warm and fertile region where partridge and other game birds flourished. Between World War I and World War II, the Vizsla nearly became extinct. Hungarians who fled the Russian occupation in 1945 smuggled their beloved dogs out of the country. The Vizsla first appeared in the United States in the early 1950s and was admitted to AKC registry in 1960.

Description

The Standard is the physical "blueprint" of the breed. It describes the physical appearance and other desired qualities of the breed otherwise known as type. Some characteristics, such as size, coat quality, and movement, are based on the original (or current) function for the dog. Other characteristics are more cosmetic such as eye color; but taken together they set this breed apart from all others. The Standard describes an ideal representative of the breed. No individual dog is perfect, but the Standard provides an ideal for the breeder to strive towards. Because of copyright concerns over the collection of all the Standards at any single site storing all the FAQs, AKC Standards are not typically included in the Breed FAQs. The reader is referred to the publications at the end of this document or to the National Breed Club or to the AKC for a copy of the Standard.

Characteristics and Temperament

Vizslas are very friendly, affectionate, loyal dogs that make wonderful family pets and hunting dogs. They need to be treated like a member of the family, preferring to sleep inside and being close to their people. Most Vizslas are lap dogs - with males weighing 55 to 65 pounds and females 45 to 55 pounds - be prepared! They do not make good "kennel" dogs. They should be active, but not hyper. They require daily exercise and will get into mischief if bored. Vizslas are very easy to train, being both intelligent and eager to please. They are sensitive and should not be severely disciplined, but are not "soft." Vizslas love warmth and are frequently found basking in the sun.

Vizslas are outstanding hunters and will both point and retrieve. They have very sensitive noses, good eyesight and a natural enthusiasm for the hunt. It's fantastic to watch a Vizsla lock up on point - it's hard to find words to express their grace, beauty and intensity. Field trials are a large part of most Vizsla club's activity schedules. Although Vizslas are primarily known for their skill in hunting upland game birds such as pheasant, quail and grouse, they are also used for hunting waterfowl and even small fur animals. Most Vizslas are strong swimmers and should be introduced to water when they're young.

Vizslas have beautiful, soft, rust-colored coats that require very little maintenance. They do shed, which especially shows up against black clothes. They're clean dogs and have very little odor. There is a wirehaired Vizsla, more common in Europe, but rare in the United States and not recognized by the AKC.

Vizslas are commonly known by their owners as "velcro-dogs". They are very touch-oriented and prefer to be in contact with their people at all times. They will accompany their people everywhere, including into the bathroom and shower. If you do not appreciate constant canine companionship, the Vizsla is not the dog for you.

Health

In general, Vizslas are an extremely healthy breed and it is common for them to have a life span of over 14 years.

Some Vizslas are prone to skin and/or food allergies. They can be sensitive to anesthesia used during surgeries and it is recommended that owners consult their veterinarian regarding the use of a special anesthesia, such as isofluorine gas, during surgery. Vizslas may be sensitive to other drugs as well, consult your veterinarian for more information.

Vizslas are susceptible to hip dysplasia, although careful breeding has kept this problem to a minimum in the breed. All Vizslas that are going to be bred should be x-rayed and certified clear of hip dysplasia by the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). X-rays must be taken after the age of 24 months, when a definitive diagnosis can be made. If you are purchasing a puppy, make sure that both parents have been OFA certified.

Less common genetic diseases in Vizslas include hemophilia, von Willebrand's Disease, tail defects, and epilepsy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Vizslas hyper?

As in any active sporting breed, Vizslas are energetic and enthusiastic. However, the Vizsla should not be hyper. Good breeders take care to breed for a good disposition, intelligence and personality - as well as conformation and hunting skills. Vizslas do require daily exercise, which should include running, not just walking, and they should have companionship and toys so that they do not become bored. A bored Vizsla can become a destructive Vizsla.

Can Vizslas jump fences?

Vizslas are extremely agile and can easily clear fences over six feet (and some Vizslas may be even more "talented"). They do require a securely fenced yard. Usually, a Vizsla will not jump high fences to leave his yard unless he is bored or lonely.

Can a Vizsla live in an apartment?

Vizslas can live in any environment if they have enough exercise, a warm, dry place to stay, and love and attention.

Do Vizslas get along well with children, cats and other dogs?

Like most dogs, Vizslas who are well socialized will get along very well with children, cats, and other dogs. They love affection and companionship. In general, the more people and animals that are around them, the happier they are.

Do Vizslas "mouth" a lot? Do they retrieve well?

Many Vizslas are known for their "mouthing." They are very soft-mouthed and like to gently hold a hand in their mouth. Many like to carry articles of clothing and shoes around, like a retriever. Most Vizslas love to retrieve.

Are there Vizsla rescue agencies?

Yes, almost every Vizsla Club has a rescue committee. Please check for Breed Clubs using the Resources below to contact a club nearest you.

Resources

On the Web

Check out the website http://www.vizsladogs.com/ for all types of Vizsla information, including Vizsla Club contacts world-wide, photographs, owner profiles, articles on health, humor and training, Vizslas of Merit (title-holders in hunting, conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, canine good citizen, etc.), discussion groups, the Vizsla Listserv, links to other Vizsla sites and much more. From the main page, select Vizsla Home Page for a detailed list of information.

Books

Coffman, Marion. Versatile Vizsla. Illustrated, 272 pages, 1992. $34.95. ISBN 0-931866-54-5. Alpine Publications Inc.

Gottlieb, Gay. The Complete Vizsla. Illustrated, 160 pages, 1992. $25.00. ISBN 0-87605-377-0. Howell Book House.

Newsletters

The Vizsla News, published bimonthly by the Vizsla Club of America. Get information on membership and subscription rates via www.vizsladogs.com under Vizsla Home Page, select Clubs then Vizsla Club of America.

Many local and regional Vizsla Clubs publish regular newsletters - contact clubs for information.

Email List

There is a very active Vizsla Listserv, with over 500 members world-wide, including everyone from new owners to people interested in learning about the breed to people with decades of Vizsla experience. Subjects include Vizsla characteristics, behavior, health, training, hunting, showing, obedience, humor, rescue and more. Both serious and light-hearted discussion is encouraged. The list may have 50 or more messages daily and there is a digest option available if you choose to receive one consolidated e-mail message per day. In order to subscribe, send a message in the following format:

To: owner-vizsla@tradesrv.com.au
Subject:

In the body of the message include:

subscribe vizsla

The server gets your e-mail address from the system when it is sent. You will receive a welcome message with information about the list, how to receive the digest version and send messages. You can also subscribe to the Vizsla Listserv online via www.vizsladogs.com by selecting Vizsla Listserv and following the instructions.

Breed Clubs

Check out the website http://www.vizsladogs.com then go to the Vizsla Home Page and select Clubs to find an updated list of Vizsla Clubs world-wide. There are also links to clubs and organizations, such as the American Kennel Club, which list specific Vizsla standards for their country.

Rescue

Check out the website http://www.vizsladogs.com then go to the Vizsla Home Page and select Clubs or select Rescue to get contact information on Vizslas needing rescue in your area. Also, the Vizsla Listserv is a wonderful resource to find Vizslas needing homes all over the world or to offer your services to assist in Vizsla rescue.

Other

If you need more Vizsla information or do not have access to the world-wide web, feel free to contact me directly at lisacc@ix.netcom.com.

Vizsla FAQ
Lisa Clowdus, lisacc@ix.netcom.com