Vizsla |
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The Vizsla is a hunting dog that was developed in Hungary to be the elite gun dog of the upper class, combining the skills of pointer with retriever. It is known not only for its hunting ability, but for its unique suitability as house pet and family companion. It has a beautiful "golden-rust" coat that is its hallmark physical characteristic. The Vizsla (VEESH-la) is robust and powerful, but light and lean. This dog stands about 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder; its medium size as a hunting dog is considered a particularly appealing trait. It has a well-defined musculature. The back is a little longer than the height. The skull is domed and muscular, with a pronounced medial line down the middle; the medium eyes are wide-set and amber in color. The muzzle is as long as the skull and tapered. The nose is pinkish-red. The ears of the Vizsla are large and pendulous, dropping to the jawline. The feet of this dog are arched and often described as "catlike." The tail of this dog is normally docked to two thirds its length; this practice is banned in several countries; Vizsla breed clubs now routinely keep documentation of injuries to the dogs whose tails were not docked for hunting. The dewclaws are generally removed. The Vizsla has a fine, single layer coat that is smooth and lays close to the body. It is always a red color that the American Kennel Club calls "golden-rust"; it could also be called a copper-brown. The Vizsla is a very ancient breed that has retained a fair amount of purity through the centuries. It is believed that it shared a common ancestry with other pointers such as the Transylvania Hound and the "Turkish Yellow Dog," which is now extinct. The word "vizsla" means "pointer" in the Hungarian language. This dog was originally the hunting dog of the Magyar tribes and came with them as they moved west from Asia into Europe. Various etchings beginning in the 10th century testify to the Vizsla's early presence; they clearly depict the Magyar hunter accompanied by his falcon and Vizsla. It is mentioned in manuscripts beginning in the 14th century. It is believed that the Vizsla was originally the hunting dog of chieftains and warlords; this elite ownership would have somewhat assured the continued purity of the favored hunting dog's lines. The ravages of the two world wars nearly brought the Vizsla to an end. When the Soviets took control of Hungary, it was feared that there would be no effort to revive the breed and no one to protect its future. So in the 1950's a few Hungarian fanciers collected some remaining Vizslas who were considered pure representatives of the breed, and smuggled them out of the Eastern block in Austria and and then America, where the breed quickly gained popularity. A breed club was established, and the American Kennel Club recognized the Vizsla in 1960. Today the Vizsla is known throughout Europe and North America, and has been instrumental in the development of other breeds such as the Weimaraner and the German Short-haired Pointer. Two other variants of the Vizsla have also been developed: the Wirehaired Vizsla, which is now recognized as a separate breed, and the Longhaired Vizsla. The Vizsla is a high energy hunting dog that requires plenty of exercise. A daily period of hard exercise such as a brisk long walk, is recommended. Without the opportunity to burn off energy the Vizsla, like many high-energy, intelligent dogs, can become bored and resort to undesirable behaviors. The Vizsla should be leashed when not working, or confined within a securely-fenced yard; its strong hunting drive will lead it to wander off. A large, secure yard or area where the dog can exercise off-leash is highly desirable with this breed. The Vizsla enjoys water, and will take any opportunity to splash in a lake, stream or pool. The coat of the Vizsla is a single coat; this dog is not suited for long periods outdoors in cold weather, and it must be kept indoors at night. The coat requires little care. The Vizsla is a moderate shedder; a brushing a few times weekly will keep the coat clean and in top condition, and will remove dead hairs. The Vizsla is naturally a clean dog, and carries little or no "doggie odor" on its coat. The shape of the Vizsla's ears predispose it to developing ear infections. The ears should be checked routinely for signs of mites or infection; neglecting ear infections can result in a very painful condition for the dog and can permanently injure the hearing apparatus. The ears should also be checked whenever the dog has been outdoors running or hunting, for ticks. The Vizsla is considered an unusually hardy breed, and rarely succumbs to hereditary conditions. Occasionally some individuals will present with skin allergies or and food allergies. The average lifespan of this dog is 12 to 15 years. The Vizsla is renowned for being an outstanding hunting dog that is also well-suited to live as a house pet. Although tough in the field, this dog is inherently gentle-mannered in the house. The Vizsla forms close bonds to its family, and in particular children. It needs to be near family and involved in family activities. It is protective by nature and makes a good watchdog, but it rarely barks unless there is good reason. These dogs are known to cry and otherwise vocalize, however, when they want something.The Vizsla is considered a highly trainable dog; eager to please and intelligent, it is a quick learner. Not only are they simple to train for life in the house, but these dogs are excellent dogs for competitive obedience, water dog sports, scenting and tracking, and search and rescue. For an owner who desires an excellent working dog that is also a great household companion, the Vizsla is the perfect choice.
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