HUNGARIAN VIZSLA
"Vizsla" means alert and responsive in the Hungarian language. They have become popular work,
show and companion dogs in the past few years. Robust but lightly built, they are great jumpers and
if bored will try to escape from a yard that does not have a sufficiently high fence. Vizslas are the
happiest when they have something to do. The Vizsla will adapt to city living, but will require long
walks and human companionship as they have enormous stamina. Somewhat sensitive, they need to
be handled gently. They are reliable with children and will quickly adapt to family life. Vizslas are
medium sized dogs which usually have short, fine hair all over. There is a variation of the breed
which has wirehair. Vizslas have long thin ears that are rounded on the ends, and somewhat
wrinklable skin. They are almost completely solid gold rust to sandy yellow in color, but sometimes
may have patches of white on the chest and feet. They often have a docked tail, and they are lean
muscular dogs. The Vizsla makes an attractive pet, both inside and out!
Hungarian Vizsla
I need a treat!

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Click to go: A Guide to Breeds > Sporting Dogs > Hungarian Vizsla
A Guide To Breeds - Sporting Dogs
Kennel Club Group
 Sporting
    
General Size
 Medium
 Exercise requirements
 Medium
Adult Height
 Female: 21 -23.5 inches
Males 22.5 - 25.5
 Suitability for Children
 High
Adult Weight
 48.5 - 66 lbs
 Compatibility other pets
 High
Average Lifespan
 12 - 15 years
 Grooming Requirements
 Low
Description
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.
Breed Origins
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.

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]
Temperament
Vizsla's are gentle, responsive, and alert. They are good natured, lively, and affectionate. They can be sensitive
but they are excellent hunters. They are quite versatile and trainable, making them an ideal gundog, hunting dog,
whatever dog you want! They are good with children, get along with other animals, and are quite obedient.
Vizsla's, although versatile, do not adapt to dramatic changes easily.

Vizsla's 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 Vizsla's 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. Vizsla's 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." Vizsla's love warmth and are frequently found basking in the sun.
Care
Brush the Vizsla's shorthaired coat with a firm bristle brush regularly and dry shampoo them occasionally. Keep
the nails trimmed and in good condition. It is best to give them plenty of opportunity to run off leash and regular
daily walks as they are an energetic breed that needs exercise to feel both physically and mentally happy. They
need plenty of exercise, and owners are warned not to create a lazy dog out of your Vizsla pup.
Exercise and Feeding
Basic training should be introduced as a puppy. Early contact with people is needed. Vizslas are easy to train as
they try to please their owners. Harsh training techniques can ruin the Vizsla, as they can be sensitive.
Consistency in training is best for this breed.
Potential Health Problems
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.  
 
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Select from the following links to view Hungarian Vizsla Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Shows and
Events: Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and Merchandise specific to the Vizsla breed.

Breed Description & Information / Clubs / Breeders /  Rescue Organizations / Books & Merchandise
Breed Registries:
 - American Kennel Club - Sporting Group
- Canadian Kennel Club - Terriers
- United Kennel Club - Terriers
- The Kennel Club (U.K) - Terriers
- Federation Cynologique Internationale - * Standard Number 7
Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized of all-breed registries.  The breed may also be recognized by
other registries not indicated here.

* The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees
and train their own judges.  The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country.  The FCI is not a
breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.