About Vizslas

Origin

Vizslas are depicted on etchings that date back to the 10th century. They originate from Hungary bred by the Magyars, who used them as hunting dogs. They are thought to have descended from several types of pointers along with the Transylvanian Hound and the Turkish Yellow Dog (now extinct). "Vizsla" means "pointer" in Hungarian. The dogs worked as hunters, their superb noses and endless energy guided them to excel at catching upland game such as waterfowl and rabbit. The breed almost became extinct after World War II. After the war, when the Russians took control of Hungary, it was feared that the breed would disappear from existence. In an attempt to save the breed, native Hungarians smuggled some of the dogs to America and Austria. The Vizsla has two cousins, one with hard-wirehair called the Wirehaired Vizsla and the other a rare longhaired Vizsla. The longhaired can be born in both smooth and wirehair litters, although this is quite a rare occurrence. The longhaired Vizslas are not registered anywhere in the world, but some can be found in Europe. Some of the Vizsla's talents include retriever, pointer, game bird hunter, obedience competitions, agility and watchdog.

Temperament

The Vizsla is expressive, gentle and loving. Keen and trainable to a high degree, it needs daily mental stimulation. It needs a patient, calm, firm hand. If this breed does not see you as a strong authority figure it will become stubborn. Reliable with children, loving to play for hours. Without extensive daily exercise these dogs may be too energetic and excitable for very young toddlers, but are excellent for energetic kids. Able to adapt quickly to family life, and are generally good with other dogs. They are very athletic, and when lacking in exercise they may become destructive or neurotic. Socialize them well to people, places, noises, dogs and other animals. It is very important to obedience train your Vizsla. Without enough exercise, they can be overly eager, prancing around you in sheer excitement. This breed is highly trainable and very willing to please—if you can get them to understand exactly what it is you want of them. If you do not train this breed they may become difficult to handle and control. Vizslas tend to chew. This breed is not for everyone. If you want a calm dog and are not willing to walk a couple of miles or jog at least one mile a day, do not choose a Vizsla. Without proper exercise, they can easily become high-strung. They have many talents such as: tracking, retrieving, pointing, watchdog and competitive obedience. The Vizsla is a hunting dog and may be good with cats they are raised with, but should not be trusted with animals such as hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs etc. Be sure to always be your dog’s pack leader to avoid any negative behaviors such as guarding furniture, food, toys and so on. Well-balanced Vizslas that receive enough exercise and have owners who are true pack leaders will not have these issues. These behaviors can be reversed once the owners start displaying leadership, discipline and provide enough exercise, both mental and physical.

Grooming

This smooth, shorthaired coat is easy to keep in peak condition. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and dry shampoo occasionally. Bathe with mild soap only when necessary. The nails should be kept trimmed. These dogs are average shedders.

Exercise

This is an energetic working dog with enormous stamina. It needs to be taken on daily, long, brisk walks or jogs. It makes a great rollerblading or bike riding companion. In addition, it needs plenty of opportunity to run, preferably off the leash in a safe area. If these dogs are allowed to get bored, and are not walked or jogged daily, they can become destructive and start to display a wide array of behavioral problems.