Vizsla Dog Breed Information

General Information:

Height: 21 – 25 in
Weight: 40 -66 lbs
Life Span: 12 – 15 yrs
Coloring: Varying shades of golden rust
Area of Origin: Hungary
Similar Breeds: German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, English Pointer, Weimaraner

History and Origin:

A pointer originating in Hungary, the Vizsla is the smallest pointer breed and has been a beloved working dog and family companion for centuries. It is believed that the ancestors of the Vizsla accompanied the Magyar nomads as they travelled across central Europe, finally settling down in Hungary over a thousand years ago. Wood carvings from the tenth century depict a pointer-type dog, and written record of the breed in a manuscript on falconry dates back to the fourteenth century. The Vizsla remained relatively isolated from the outside world until the twentieth century, resulting in a pointer breed perfected for the pastoral landscapes of Hungary; it is extremely quick and agile, with a fantastic sense of smell and a natural hunting instinct. Nearly pushed to extinction in the nineteenth century with the development of the English and German Pointers, the Vizsla’s worth was proven by World War I where its agility, keen nose, and unusual attachment toward humans contributed to its success as a message carrier. By the end of World War II, however, the breed was once again nearly extinct. American interest in the breed helped in its revival; the first Vizslas set foot on North American soil in 1950, and the breed became recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1960.

Personality and Temperament:

Extremely athletic, loyal, and kind, the Vizsla makes a fantastic companion for an active household. It is a very loving breed, and becomes much more attached to people than other pointer breeds. The Vizsla thrives on human interaction, and is not suited for a lifestyle in which it is left alone for long periods of time. It can get quite vocal if lonely or bored, and may develop behavioral problems. A breed with a sensitive nature, the Vizsla responds best to gentle direction, and may become agitated if it senses stress or anger from its owner. It is a wonderful breed for children; it is playful and tireless, making it a suitable companion for active children. While generally a friendly dog with everyone, the Vizsla’s natural loyal nature makes it a good watch and guard dog if trained for that purpose. The Vizsla can be a good match for a first-time dog owner willing to put in the time to socialize and exercise this boisterous breed; it may be too overbearing for the nervous dog owner.

Exercise & Training:

As a working dog, the Vizsla needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep it happy and healthy. Long, daily walks and runs combined with interactive play time is required to ensure the Vizsla gets the attention it needs. Activities and dog sports that allow dog and owner to work as a team is most beneficial to this breed; agility, fly ball, hunt trials, and competitive obedience are all excellent ways to ensure the Vizsla is constantly challenged. It is an extremely intelligent and intuitive breed, allowing for easy training. The Vizsla’s versatility has allowed it to be used in a professional capacity, including tracking and search and rescue efforts.

Grooming:

The Vizsla is a light shedder with a short, smooth coat requiring only weekly brushings. Bathe only when necessary to avoid drying out the skin.

Similar Breeds:

The Vizsla was used in the development of other pointer breeds, such as the German Short Haired Pointer and the Weimaraner. When the Vizsla’s numbers dropped because of the rise of these breeds in the late nineteenth century, their blood was used to re-establish the Vizsla. It is also related to the English Pointer, likely through shared lineage with Portuguese and Spanish Pointers that were imported to England in the seventeenth century.

Interesting Facts about the Vizsla:

1. The Vizsla is perhaps the largest breed to be considered a “Velcro-dog”; it will attach itself to its owner as much as possible; it craves human contact.

2. The Vizsla was one of the breeds of dogs present at Ground Zero for rescue efforts after the attacks on the World Trade Centre on September 11th, 2001.

3. The Vizsla, along with the Puli and the Komondor, is a symbol of Hungary.