Hungarian Vizsla

Group 3: Gun dogs
Height:
Male: 58 – 64 cm
Female: 54 – 60 cm

Energy Level:  High
Original Function: Pointing, trailing
Lifespan: 10 – 15 yrs

Recommended for: Active people & families.

Hungarian Vizsla

About This Breed

The Hungarian Vizsla served its purpose in Hungary in the gain growing fields; its colour provided it an excellent camouflage when hunting partridge and hare. From the 18th century, their importance as a hunting dog has been increasing steadily.

As early as the end of the 19th century, competitions for pointing dogs were organised in Hungary, in which Hungarian Vizslas participated with great success. In those days, other Gundog breeds most likely played an important part in the development of the breed.

The specific modern breeding started in 1920, as a result of which, the Hungarian Vizsla received recognition by the FCI in 1936.

This handsome, lean well-muscled dog has a good nature and is reliable with children and quickly adapts to family life. Because of their easy going nature and their adaptability, they can easily be kept as a companion dog in the house.

General Characteristics

Appearance: Medium sized, elegant gun dog of noble appearance with a short russet gold coat. The lean structure embodies the harmony of beauty and strength.

Temperament: Lively, friendly, evenly tempered & easily trained. Show outstanding willingness to keep contact with their master while working is one of their essential qualities. They cannot bear rough treatment & must be neither aggressive or shy.

Characteristics: They are a versatile gun dog that must be able to work in field, forest and water.

Colour: Various shades of russet gold and dark sandy gold. The ear leathers may be a little darker, otherwise uniform in colour. Red, brownish or lightened colour is undesirable. A little white patch on the chest or at the throat, not more than 5 cm in diameter, as well as white markings on the toes are not considered faulty. The colour of the lips and the eye rims corresponds to the colour of the nose. The skin is tightly fitting, without folds and well pigmented.

Coat: Short and dense, should be coarse and hard at the touch. On the head and the ear leathers, it should be thinner, silkier and shorter. The hair underneath the tail should be slightly, but not noticeably longer. The coat should cover all if the body with the underside of the belly being a little lighter coated. No undercoat.

Grooming: The coat of the Visla is short and dense making it easy to keep clean after a day out in the field. Any dead or loose hairs can be removed by using a rubber grooming mitt. Coat is greasy to the touch.

Exercise: The Vizsla requires plenty of exercise and needs to be kept active. They are best suited to the active country dwelling family although they will adapt to an urban lifestyle if given plenty of suitable exercise

Health: This breed is generally hardy but some can suffer from hip dysplasia, epilepsy and eye problems.