The Vizsla is an excellent, versatile hunting dog that will point and retrieve, making it ideal for upland bird hunting as well as hunting waterfowl even on marshy terrain. This is a small but energetic working dog with enormous stamina and excellent nose.
In addition to being a loyal and easy to train hunting companion, the Vizsla is also known as the “Velcro Dog” because it of its tendency to stick very closely to its humans. They are a great dog for active families who enjoy the outdoors.
The Appearance
Height: 20-26 inches
Weight: 40-60 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
The Vizsla is a medium-sized, sleek, muscular dog similar in appearance to the Weimaraner. The head is lean and aristocratic, with a long tapering muzzle and pendant ears that are long and round-tipped. The body is well muscled, lean and robust. The tail is docked to 2/3 its original length.
The distinctive colored coat of the Vizsla is a golden/rust to brown/copper with eyes to match. They often have small areas of white on the toes and the chest. Saddle marks sometimes appear on the back of this dog. The coat on the Vizsla is very smooth and short and does not have an undercoat making this dog unsuitable to be kept outside in cold weather.
Using in the Field
The Vizsla is a natural hunter endowed with a good nose and is one of the smallest of the all-round pointer-retriever breeds. The Vizsla works as well in the water as well as it does in the open field. It excels at swimming and will gladly jump out of a boat to retrieve waterfowl.
The Vizsla is an ideal dog for hunting in warm climates. They are natural hunters with an excellent ability to take training. Because it does not have an undercoat it cannot be kept outside in cold weather.
At Home
Vizslas are high energy, loyal and affectionate. They form close bonds with their owners and are reliable with energetic children. Vizslas are generally good with other dogs and cats but as they are natural hunters they should not be trusted with small animals such as hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs. Although they are gentle, they are also fearless and protective, making them great watchdogs. When they do not get enough attention and exercise they can become destructive or hyperactive.
The Vizsla’s lack of an undercoat makes them easy to clean. They have very little odor and are less likely to cause and allergic reaction.
The History
The Vizsla is a Hungarian dog that likely descended from two ancient breeds: the Transylvanian hound, and the Turkish yellow dog (now extinct). The Vizsla has been lucky to survive several near extinctions throughout history. Most recently, there were only 12 Vizslas still alive shortly after World War II. Careful breeding of those dogs resurrected the breed and Vizslas are now being bred in the United Kingdom and Australia as well as in the United States. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1960.
Related posts: