AbbyDabaDo Vizsla Breeder - All About Vizslas

Abby Daba Doo Kennels
Vizsla Breeders of Boston

Table of Contents

* History
* Characteristics and Temperament
* Health
* Frequently Asked Questions

All About Vizsla's

Vizsla, Hungarian Short-Haired Pointing Dog Rövidszörü Magyar

History

The Hungarian vizsla is one of the ancient breeds of Hungarian dogs. It developed independently of
all the other vizsla breeds, and its origin likely dates back to the Magyars conquering the Carpathian
Basin at the end of the 9th century. Dogs coming here with the Hungarian tribes settling in the
Carpathian Basin most likely mixed with hunting dogs of the Slav people living in this territory at that
time. Those dogs used by the Slavs probably included the descendants of hunting dogs of the era
when the Romans occupied what is now the Western part of Hungary.
It is likely that the populations that evolved this way were the ancestors of today’s Hungarian hunting
dog breeds, that is, the Hungarian vizsla and the Transylvanian hound. This ancient type is nowadays
called a Pannon hound.

Separation among these breeds came about as a result of a selection caused by different uses,
presumably during the 12th-14th centuries. The world “vizsla” appears in written material dating back
to the 1300s. Early in the 16th century, people in mansion houses were involved in breeding vizsla –
which is proven by several documents found in different archives. Therefore, we know that a vizsla
type dog was used to hunt small game even before the time of Turkish occupation of Central Hungary
in the 16th-17th centuries. During this Turkish occupation, the vizsla most probably also mixed with
the Turks’ dogs, including the sloughi. The practical importance of the vizsla increased with the
spreading of firearms in the 18th century. Of the ancient Hungarian noble families, many included
passionate hunters, who also bred vizsla. Worth mentioning in this respect were the Zay, the
Batthyány, the Nádasdy, and the Komlóssy families. In the 19th century, the Hungarian vizsla was
widespread in northern Hungary (today southern Slovakia), Transdanubia, as well as in Szabolcs and
Bihar counties in the East. Unfortunately, its number substantially decreased by the end of the
century.The purposive, sports-like dog breeding saw prosperity in the 1860s Europe-wide. It was then
that the English and German types of vizsla appeared in Hungary – to the detriment of the ancient
Hungarian vizsla. The number of Hungarian vizsla was greatly reduced. In 1916, Tibor Thúróczi wrote
an article in the Hungarian dog journal “Nimród” with the title “The old Hungarian yellow vizsla”. This
article evoked a lot of response, with many people voicing their opinion in favour of the old Hungarian
yellow vizsla. The movement was headed by Dr. Kálmán Polgár, Károly Bába and Béla Kerpely. It was
in 1920 that – under the auspices of the Hungarian Kennel Club – the Association of Hungarian Vizsla
Breeders was formed, and operated as a section of the National Vizsla Club.

A dog could get into the book of pedigree kept by the Hungarian Kennel Club only after judgement by
a special commission, if that particular dog proved to be suitable by its look and at a hunting test. The
first registered vizsla included Witti (see picture) Honvéd, Laura and Pax…

Following an extensive debate, the standard was developed with the leadership of Loránd Morvay, Dr.
Emil Raísits, Jenő Puntigám and Béla Kerpely, which was accepted by the National Vizsla Club in
1928. The FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale - World Canine Organisation) recognised this
breed in 1936, and registered the standard under number 57.

The working features of the vizsla were characterised like this: ... the most obedient and teachable of
all the vizsla types ... it follows instructions very well ... it is due to its unconditional obedience that it
searches as wide of an area as we want... there is hardly a Hungarian vizsla that must be forced to
retrieve ... with regard to tracking, considering its origin as a bloodhound, it is a real master. (Gyula
Csizmadia ) The working conditions were set by the Competition Regulations and accepted in 1936.
The first large breeds were the Végvár, Gyöngyöspuszta and Kapos kennels. The famous vizsla
trainers, who were also recognised abroad, like Endre Félix or Balázs Ötvös, did a lot for the
popularisation of this breed. The creation of the breeding farm in Hévíz in 1937 produced a great
boost in breeding. The owner of the farm was Duke György Festetics.

In 1936, the book of pedigree was closed. Therefore, only the pure blood descendants of dogs
admitted into the book until that time were allowed into breeding. By the early 1940s, there were
approximately five thousand thoroughbred Hungarian vizslas in the country.
Unfortunately, by the end of World War II, much of the Hungarian vizsla population was destroyed, a
few of these dogs were taken to Western Europe or America. The original, central book of origin was
also lost in fire, thus the origin of some of the remaining entities found was unknown. The National
Vizsla Club re-launched the book of pedigree and began to reconstruct the breed. In this, great
assistance was also provided by the state breeding farm established in Gödöllő, east of Budapest in
1947. In 1956, the Hungarian Kennel Club was recreated with the leadership of Mihály Kende, and it
managed to settle its membership problems with the FCI in 1963. It was in 1966 that the FCI accepted
the modification of the Hungarian vizsla standard.

In parallel with the improvement of the economic and political situation, in the seventies, the dog
hobby began another development process that has not abated since. A perceivable change came
about in the history of the Hungarian vizsla, as well. More and more hunting dog competitions of
higher and higher standards were organised, and that had a favourable effect on breeding, too.
Instead of the bulkier, bonier, skinny Hungarian vizslas with much tissue under the skin of the head,
widespread after the War, it was the easy-build, dynamic Hungarian vizsla of galloping type similar to
the ones dreamed up by Dr. Kálmán Polgár and his associates that came to the foreground, and
which perfectly fulfil the hunting and competition requirements of our modern era.
[EXCERPTS FROM THE BREEDING REGULATIONS
OF THE HUNGARIAN VIZSLA KLUB]

Characteristics and Temperament

Vizslas are very friendly, affectionate, loyal dogs that make wonderful family pets and hunting dogs.
They need to be treated like a member of the family, preferring to sleep inside and being close to
their people. Most Vizslas are lap dogs - with males weighing 55 to 65 pounds and females 45 to 55
pounds - be prepared! They do not make good "kennel" dogs. They should be active, but not hyper.
They require daily exercise and will get into mischief if bored. Vizslas are very easy to train, being
both intelligent and eager to please. They are sensitive and should not be severely disciplined, but
are not "soft." Vizslas love warmth and are frequently found basking in the sun.

Vizslas are outstanding hunters and will both point and retrieve. They have very sensitive noses,
good eyesight and a natural enthusiasm for the hunt. It's fantastic to watch a Vizsla lock up on point -
it's hard to find words to express their grace, beauty and intensity. Field trials are a large part of most
Vizsla club's activity schedules. Although Vizslas are primarily known for their skill in hunting upland
game birds such as pheasant, quail and grouse, they are also used for hunting waterfowl and even
small fur animals. Most Vizslas are strong swimmers and should be introduced to water when they're
young.

Vizslas have beautiful, soft, rust-colored coats that require very little maintenance. They do shed,
which especially shows up against black clothes. They're clean dogs and have very little odor. There is
a wirehaired Vizsla, more common in Europe, but rare in the United States and not recognized by the
AKC.

Vizslas are commonly known by their owners as "velcro-dogs". They are very touch-oriented and
prefer to be in contact with their people at all times. They will accompany their people everywhere,
including into the bathroom and shower. If you do not appreciate constant canine companionship, the
Vizsla is not the dog for you.

Health

In general, Vizslas are an extremely healthy breed and it is common
for them to have a life span of over 14 years.

Some Vizslas are prone to skin and/or food allergies. They can be
sensitive to anesthesia used during surgeries and it is recommended
that owners consult their veterinarian regarding the use of a special
anesthesia, such as isofluorine gas, during surgery. Vizslas may be
sensitive to other drugs as well, consult your veterinarian for more
information.

Vizslas are susceptible to hip dysplasia, although careful breeding
has kept this problem to a minimum in the breed. All Vizslas that are
going to be bred should be x-rayed and certified clear of hip
dysplasia by the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). X-rays must
be taken after the age of 24 months, when a definitive diagnosis can
be made. If you are purchasing a puppy, make sure that both parents
have been OFA certified.

Less common genetic diseases in Vizslas include hemophilia, von
Willebrand's Disease, tail defects, and epilepsy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Vizslas hyper?

As in any active sporting breed, Vizslas are energetic and enthusiastic. However, the Vizsla should
not be hyper. Good breeders take care to breed for a good disposition, intelligence and
personality - as well as conformation and hunting skills. Vizslas do require daily exercise, which
should include running, not just walking, and they should have companionship and toys so that they
do not become bored. A bored Vizsla can become a destructive Vizsla.

Can Vizslas jump fences?

Vizslas are extremely agile and can easily clear fences over six feet (and some Vizslas may be even
more "talented"). They do require a securely fenced yard. Usually, a Vizsla will not jump high fences
to leave his yard unless he is bored or lonely.

Can a Vizsla live in an apartment?

Vizslas can live in any environment if they have enough exercise, a warm, dry place to stay, and
love and attention.

Do Vizslas get along well with children, cats and other dogs?

Like most dogs, Vizslas who are well socialized will get along very well with children, cats, and other
dogs. They love affection and companionship. In general, the more people and animals that are
around them, the happier they are.

Do Vizslas "mouth" a lot? Do they retrieve well?

Many Vizslas are known for their "mouthing." They are very soft-mouthed and like to gently hold a
hand in their mouth. Many like to carry articles of clothing and shoes around, like a retriever. Most
Vizslas love to retrieve.

Are there Vizsla rescue agencies?

Yes, almost every Vizsla Club has a rescue committee. Please check for Breed Clubs using the
Resources below to contact a club nearest you.