The Hungarian Vizsla
History
The Vizsla is considered one of the oldest-known hunting dogs.
Having faced near extinction twice, the Vizsla has a long and colorful history. The breed is most likely a descendant of eighth-century Hungarian hunting dogs. In primitive stone etchings, the Vizsla is seen alongside a hunter and his falcon. Over a thousand years ago, Magyar warriors, who lived in the Carpathian Basin, bred the ancestors of the modern Vizsla to match their cavalry’s speed and strength. Later, Vizslas were the companion dogs of the early warlords and barons. For centuries, the landowning aristocracy jealously guarded the Vizsla, preserving their pure blood while developing the hunting ability of these “yellow pointers,” identified by the golden-rust coloration from tip to tail.
Selectively bred for hundreds of years by Hungarian noblemen, the breed survived the Turkish Occupation (1526–1696) but suffered a serious decline after the Hungarian Civil War (1848–49). A careful search of Hungary and a poll of Hungarian sportsmen revealed only about a dozen true-type Vizslas still alive in the country. From that minimal stock, the breed recovered. However, after two World Wars and the Russian Occupation, Vizslas once again faced extinction but were saved, in part due to the valiant efforts of Mrs. Elizabeth Mihalyi.
Mihalyi, a noted portrait artist, escaped from Hungary to Austria, saving her family’s Vizsla, Panni XV, from the Russian armies. In Austria, Panni was bred to Betyar, establishing the Panni-Betyar line, which the American Kennel Club recognizes as part of the Vizsla’s foundation stock.
The Hungarian, or Magyar Vizsla, represents one of the best in sporting dogs and loyal companions and has a solid claim to being one of the smallest of the all-round pointer-retriever breeds. Size is one of the Vizsla’s most attractive characteristics. Through centuries, the breed has maintained a unique position for a sporting dog, that of a household companion and family dog. After a hunt, the Vizsla is not content to be put in the kennel with other dogs. Instead, this breed reaches full potential only when accepted as a family member.
The various “strains” of the Vizsla have become somewhat distinctive as individuals have bred stock that suited their hunting style. For many years, the Austro-Hungarian Empire extended its influence over a large area; but frequent border changes reduced Hungary to a mere shadow of its former self. As a result, owners of Vizslas suddenly found themselves living in Czechoslovakia, Romania, the former Yugoslavia, Italy, Germany, Poland, or Russia.
When the Vizsla started arriving in the United States at the close of World War II, interest in and devotion to the breed increased. To gain AKC recognition, owners formed the Vizsla Club of America. As a result of registering foundation stock with the AKC, Vizsla owners were able to obtain official recognition in 1960; and the Vizsla became the 115th breed recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Today, the Vizsla is recognized as a superior canine companion and devoted family member, who is versatile in all areas of canine competition. The breed produced not only the first AKC Triple Champion but also the first Quintuple Champion in AKC history. The Vizsla is one of the top three breeds used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Vizslas worked with Search and Rescue in the aftermath of 9/11, and they enjoy continuing success in Seeing Eye programs
The Vizsla is considered one of the oldest-known hunting dogs.
Having faced near extinction twice, the Vizsla has a long and colorful history. The breed is most likely a descendant of eighth-century Hungarian hunting dogs. In primitive stone etchings, the Vizsla is seen alongside a hunter and his falcon. Over a thousand years ago, Magyar warriors, who lived in the Carpathian Basin, bred the ancestors of the modern Vizsla to match their cavalry’s speed and strength. Later, Vizslas were the companion dogs of the early warlords and barons. For centuries, the landowning aristocracy jealously guarded the Vizsla, preserving their pure blood while developing the hunting ability of these “yellow pointers,” identified by the golden-rust coloration from tip to tail.
Selectively bred for hundreds of years by Hungarian noblemen, the breed survived the Turkish Occupation (1526–1696) but suffered a serious decline after the Hungarian Civil War (1848–49). A careful search of Hungary and a poll of Hungarian sportsmen revealed only about a dozen true-type Vizslas still alive in the country. From that minimal stock, the breed recovered. However, after two World Wars and the Russian Occupation, Vizslas once again faced extinction but were saved, in part due to the valiant efforts of Mrs. Elizabeth Mihalyi.
Mihalyi, a noted portrait artist, escaped from Hungary to Austria, saving her family’s Vizsla, Panni XV, from the Russian armies. In Austria, Panni was bred to Betyar, establishing the Panni-Betyar line, which the American Kennel Club recognizes as part of the Vizsla’s foundation stock.
The Hungarian, or Magyar Vizsla, represents one of the best in sporting dogs and loyal companions and has a solid claim to being one of the smallest of the all-round pointer-retriever breeds. Size is one of the Vizsla’s most attractive characteristics. Through centuries, the breed has maintained a unique position for a sporting dog, that of a household companion and family dog. After a hunt, the Vizsla is not content to be put in the kennel with other dogs. Instead, this breed reaches full potential only when accepted as a family member.
The various “strains” of the Vizsla have become somewhat distinctive as individuals have bred stock that suited their hunting style. For many years, the Austro-Hungarian Empire extended its influence over a large area; but frequent border changes reduced Hungary to a mere shadow of its former self. As a result, owners of Vizslas suddenly found themselves living in Czechoslovakia, Romania, the former Yugoslavia, Italy, Germany, Poland, or Russia.
When the Vizsla started arriving in the United States at the close of World War II, interest in and devotion to the breed increased. To gain AKC recognition, owners formed the Vizsla Club of America. As a result of registering foundation stock with the AKC, Vizsla owners were able to obtain official recognition in 1960; and the Vizsla became the 115th breed recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Today, the Vizsla is recognized as a superior canine companion and devoted family member, who is versatile in all areas of canine competition. The breed produced not only the first AKC Triple Champion but also the first Quintuple Champion in AKC history. The Vizsla is one of the top three breeds used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Vizslas worked with Search and Rescue in the aftermath of 9/11, and they enjoy continuing success in Seeing Eye programs
AKC Breed Standard
GENERAL APPEARANCE
That of a medium-sized, short-coated, hunting dog of distinguished appearance and bearing. Robust but rather lightly built, the coat is an attractive shaded golden rust. Originating in Hungary, the Vizsla was bred to work in field, forest and water. Agile and energetic, this is a versatile dog of power, drive and endurance in the field yet a tractable and affectionate companion in the home. It is strongly emphasized that field conditioned coats, as well as brawny or sinewy muscular condition and honorable scars indicating a working and hunting dog are never to be penalized in this dog. The requisite instincts and abilities to maintain a “dual dog” are always to be fostered and appreciated, never deprecated.
HEAD
Lean and muscular. Skull moderately wide between the ears with a median line down the forehead. Stop between skull and foreface is moderate. Foreface or muzzle is of equal length or slightly shorter than skull when viewed in profile, should taper gradually from stop to tip of nose. Muzzle square and deep. It should not turn up as in a “dish” face nor should it turn down. Whiskers serve a functional purpose; their removal is permitted but not preferred. Nostrils slightly open. Nose self-colored. Any other color is faulty. A partially or completely black nose is a disqualification. Freckles due to aging or sun exposure are not to be faulted. Ears, thin, silky and proportionately long, with rounded-leather ends, set fairly low and hanging close to cheeks. Jaws are strong with well-developed white teeth meeting in a scissors bite. Eyes medium in size and depth of setting, their surrounding tissue covering the whites. Color of the iris should blend with the color of the coat. Yellow or any other color is faulty. Prominent pop eyes are faulty. Lower eyelids should neither turn in nor out since both conditions allow seeds and dust to irritate the eye. Lips cover the jaws completely but are neither loose nor pendulous.
NECK AND BODY
Neck strong, smooth and muscular, moderately long, arched and devoid of dewlap, broadening nicely into shoulders which are moderately laid back. This is mandatory to maintain balance with the moderately angulated hindquarters. Body is strong and well proportioned. Withers high. While the Vizsla may appear square, when measured from point of breastbone to point of buttocks and from the highest point over the shoulder blades to the ground, the Vizsla is slightly longer than tall. A proper proportion of leg length to body length is essential to the desired overall balance of the Vizsla. The Vizsla should not appear long and low or tall and leggy. Backline firm with a slight rise over a short and well muscled loin. The croup is gently rounded to the set on of the tail and is not steep, sunken or flat. When moving at a trot, a properly built Vizsla maintains a steady, level backline. Chest moderately broad and deep reaching down to the elbows. Ribs well-sprung and carried well back; underline exhibiting a slight tuck-up beneath the loin. Tail set just below the level of the croup, thicker at the root and docked one-third off. Ideally, it should reach to the back of the stifle joint and when moving it should be carried at or near the horizontal, not vertically or curled over the back, nor between the legs. A docked tail is preferred.
FOREQUARTERS
Shoulder blades proportionately long and wide sloping moderately back and fairly close at the top. Upper arm is about equal in length to the shoulder blade in order to allow for good extension. Forelegs straight and muscular with elbows close. Feet cat-like, round and compact with toes close. Nails brown and short. Pads thick and tough. The removal of dewclaws, if any, on front and rear feet, is strongly recommended, in order to avoid injury when running in the field.
HINDQUARTERS
Hind legs have well developed thighs with moderately angulated stifles and hocks in balance with the moderately laid back shoulders. They must be straight as viewed from behind. Too much angulation at the hocks is as faulty as too little. The hocks are let down and parallel to each other.
COAT
Short, smooth, dense and close-lying, without woolly undercoat. A distinctly long coat is a disqualification.
COLOR
Golden rust in varying shades. Lighter shadings over the sides of the neck and shoulders giving the appearance of a “saddle” are common. Solid dark mahogany and pale yellow are faulty. White on the forechest, preferably as small as possible, and white on the toes are permissible. Solid white extending above the toes or white anywhere else on the dog except the forechest is a disqualification. When viewing the dog from the front, white markings on the forechest must be confined to an area from the top of the sternum to a point between the elbows when the dog is standing naturally. White extending on the shoulders or neck is a disqualification. White due to aging or scarring must not be faulted. The Vizsla is self-colored, with the color of the eyes, eye-rims, lips, nose, toenails and pads of feet blending with the color of the coat.
GAIT
Far reaching, light footed, graceful and smooth. When moving at a fast trot, a properly built dog single tracks.
SIZE
The ideal male is 22 to 24 inches at the highest point over the shoulder blades and weighs 55 to 60 pounds. The ideal female is 21 to 23 inches and weighs 44 to 55 pounds. Because the Vizsla is meant to be a medium-sized hunter, any dog measuring more than 1 1/2 inches over or under these limits must be disqualified.
TEMPERMENT
A natural hunter endowed with a good nose and above-average ability to take training. Lively, gentle-mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive though fearless with a well developed protective instinct. Shyness, timidity or nervousness should be penalized.
The foregoing describes the ideal Vizsla. Any deviation from this ideal must be penalized to the extent of the deviation. Deviations that impact performance and function should be considered more serious than those that affect only appearance.
DISQUALIFICATIONS
Partially or completely black nose. Solid white extending above the toes or white anywhere else on the dog except the forechest. White extending on the shoulders or neck. A distinctly long coat. Any male over 25 ½ inches, or under 20 ½ inches and any female over 24 ½ inches or under 19 ½ inches at the highest point over the shoulder blades.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
That of a medium-sized, short-coated, hunting dog of distinguished appearance and bearing. Robust but rather lightly built, the coat is an attractive shaded golden rust. Originating in Hungary, the Vizsla was bred to work in field, forest and water. Agile and energetic, this is a versatile dog of power, drive and endurance in the field yet a tractable and affectionate companion in the home. It is strongly emphasized that field conditioned coats, as well as brawny or sinewy muscular condition and honorable scars indicating a working and hunting dog are never to be penalized in this dog. The requisite instincts and abilities to maintain a “dual dog” are always to be fostered and appreciated, never deprecated.
HEAD
Lean and muscular. Skull moderately wide between the ears with a median line down the forehead. Stop between skull and foreface is moderate. Foreface or muzzle is of equal length or slightly shorter than skull when viewed in profile, should taper gradually from stop to tip of nose. Muzzle square and deep. It should not turn up as in a “dish” face nor should it turn down. Whiskers serve a functional purpose; their removal is permitted but not preferred. Nostrils slightly open. Nose self-colored. Any other color is faulty. A partially or completely black nose is a disqualification. Freckles due to aging or sun exposure are not to be faulted. Ears, thin, silky and proportionately long, with rounded-leather ends, set fairly low and hanging close to cheeks. Jaws are strong with well-developed white teeth meeting in a scissors bite. Eyes medium in size and depth of setting, their surrounding tissue covering the whites. Color of the iris should blend with the color of the coat. Yellow or any other color is faulty. Prominent pop eyes are faulty. Lower eyelids should neither turn in nor out since both conditions allow seeds and dust to irritate the eye. Lips cover the jaws completely but are neither loose nor pendulous.
NECK AND BODY
Neck strong, smooth and muscular, moderately long, arched and devoid of dewlap, broadening nicely into shoulders which are moderately laid back. This is mandatory to maintain balance with the moderately angulated hindquarters. Body is strong and well proportioned. Withers high. While the Vizsla may appear square, when measured from point of breastbone to point of buttocks and from the highest point over the shoulder blades to the ground, the Vizsla is slightly longer than tall. A proper proportion of leg length to body length is essential to the desired overall balance of the Vizsla. The Vizsla should not appear long and low or tall and leggy. Backline firm with a slight rise over a short and well muscled loin. The croup is gently rounded to the set on of the tail and is not steep, sunken or flat. When moving at a trot, a properly built Vizsla maintains a steady, level backline. Chest moderately broad and deep reaching down to the elbows. Ribs well-sprung and carried well back; underline exhibiting a slight tuck-up beneath the loin. Tail set just below the level of the croup, thicker at the root and docked one-third off. Ideally, it should reach to the back of the stifle joint and when moving it should be carried at or near the horizontal, not vertically or curled over the back, nor between the legs. A docked tail is preferred.
FOREQUARTERS
Shoulder blades proportionately long and wide sloping moderately back and fairly close at the top. Upper arm is about equal in length to the shoulder blade in order to allow for good extension. Forelegs straight and muscular with elbows close. Feet cat-like, round and compact with toes close. Nails brown and short. Pads thick and tough. The removal of dewclaws, if any, on front and rear feet, is strongly recommended, in order to avoid injury when running in the field.
HINDQUARTERS
Hind legs have well developed thighs with moderately angulated stifles and hocks in balance with the moderately laid back shoulders. They must be straight as viewed from behind. Too much angulation at the hocks is as faulty as too little. The hocks are let down and parallel to each other.
COAT
Short, smooth, dense and close-lying, without woolly undercoat. A distinctly long coat is a disqualification.
COLOR
Golden rust in varying shades. Lighter shadings over the sides of the neck and shoulders giving the appearance of a “saddle” are common. Solid dark mahogany and pale yellow are faulty. White on the forechest, preferably as small as possible, and white on the toes are permissible. Solid white extending above the toes or white anywhere else on the dog except the forechest is a disqualification. When viewing the dog from the front, white markings on the forechest must be confined to an area from the top of the sternum to a point between the elbows when the dog is standing naturally. White extending on the shoulders or neck is a disqualification. White due to aging or scarring must not be faulted. The Vizsla is self-colored, with the color of the eyes, eye-rims, lips, nose, toenails and pads of feet blending with the color of the coat.
GAIT
Far reaching, light footed, graceful and smooth. When moving at a fast trot, a properly built dog single tracks.
SIZE
The ideal male is 22 to 24 inches at the highest point over the shoulder blades and weighs 55 to 60 pounds. The ideal female is 21 to 23 inches and weighs 44 to 55 pounds. Because the Vizsla is meant to be a medium-sized hunter, any dog measuring more than 1 1/2 inches over or under these limits must be disqualified.
TEMPERMENT
A natural hunter endowed with a good nose and above-average ability to take training. Lively, gentle-mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive though fearless with a well developed protective instinct. Shyness, timidity or nervousness should be penalized.
The foregoing describes the ideal Vizsla. Any deviation from this ideal must be penalized to the extent of the deviation. Deviations that impact performance and function should be considered more serious than those that affect only appearance.
DISQUALIFICATIONS
Partially or completely black nose. Solid white extending above the toes or white anywhere else on the dog except the forechest. White extending on the shoulders or neck. A distinctly long coat. Any male over 25 ½ inches, or under 20 ½ inches and any female over 24 ½ inches or under 19 ½ inches at the highest point over the shoulder blades.
Care Requirements
Vizslas are generally a healthy breed. A typical lifespan is about 12 to 15 years.
GROOMING
Vizslas have a short, sleek coat with no undercoat, so they don't require complicated grooming. They do shed, and occasional brushing with a rubber grooming brush is helpful. It is important to keep the toenails short, either with a clipper or with a grinding tool. Ears should be checked frequently for dirt, wax build-up, or signs of irritation. Regular use of a mild ear-cleaning product will help prevent problems. To keep teeth and gums healthy, regular cleaning is recommended.
EXERCISE
Vizslas were bred to be active hunting dogs, and they need both physical and mental exercise. Individual dogs' needs vary, but, in general, owners should plan on a minimum of 30 minutes of active exercise daily'¿and some dogs will need more than that. In addition to leash walks and games of fetch, most Vizslas need opportunities to run hard off-leash on a regular basis. Mental exercise is as important as physical activity, so training should be part of their routine. Vizslas can be excellent running or jogging companions, with the caveat that young dogs should not run long distances until they reach maturity at about 18 to 24 months. Older Vizslas typically remain active and playful.
TRAINING
Vizslas need consistent, positive training, starting in puppyhood. They are highly intelligent, curious, and sometimes manipulative, so owners need to establish solid communication and teach good behavior. Untrained Vizslas are hard to live with. They can find many creative ways get into trouble if they don't have a 'job.' Fortunately, they typically love training and thrive on the attention they receive. This is a sensitive breed, so early and ongoing socialization is important to make sure the dog has the confidence to enjoy various activities. With good socialization and consistent training, there are countless ways to have fun with these versatile dogs, including field trials, hunting tests, conformation, obedience, rally, agility, dock diving, barn hunts, lure coursing, scent work, and tracking.
NUTRITION
The Vizsla should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog's age (puppy, adult, or senior). Most Vizslas are good eaters, and there is considerable variation in individual dogs' caloric needs; a young, active dog may require four or five cups each day of a high-calorie food, while older or less active dogs may need less than half that quantity. Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog's calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Vizslas are generally a healthy breed. A typical lifespan is about 12 to 15 years.
GROOMING
Vizslas have a short, sleek coat with no undercoat, so they don't require complicated grooming. They do shed, and occasional brushing with a rubber grooming brush is helpful. It is important to keep the toenails short, either with a clipper or with a grinding tool. Ears should be checked frequently for dirt, wax build-up, or signs of irritation. Regular use of a mild ear-cleaning product will help prevent problems. To keep teeth and gums healthy, regular cleaning is recommended.
EXERCISE
Vizslas were bred to be active hunting dogs, and they need both physical and mental exercise. Individual dogs' needs vary, but, in general, owners should plan on a minimum of 30 minutes of active exercise daily'¿and some dogs will need more than that. In addition to leash walks and games of fetch, most Vizslas need opportunities to run hard off-leash on a regular basis. Mental exercise is as important as physical activity, so training should be part of their routine. Vizslas can be excellent running or jogging companions, with the caveat that young dogs should not run long distances until they reach maturity at about 18 to 24 months. Older Vizslas typically remain active and playful.
TRAINING
Vizslas need consistent, positive training, starting in puppyhood. They are highly intelligent, curious, and sometimes manipulative, so owners need to establish solid communication and teach good behavior. Untrained Vizslas are hard to live with. They can find many creative ways get into trouble if they don't have a 'job.' Fortunately, they typically love training and thrive on the attention they receive. This is a sensitive breed, so early and ongoing socialization is important to make sure the dog has the confidence to enjoy various activities. With good socialization and consistent training, there are countless ways to have fun with these versatile dogs, including field trials, hunting tests, conformation, obedience, rally, agility, dock diving, barn hunts, lure coursing, scent work, and tracking.
NUTRITION
The Vizsla should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog's age (puppy, adult, or senior). Most Vizslas are good eaters, and there is considerable variation in individual dogs' caloric needs; a young, active dog may require four or five cups each day of a high-calorie food, while older or less active dogs may need less than half that quantity. Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog's calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.