The Hungarian Vizsla As The Smallest All-Round Pointer Breed

By Tyler Elliot on July 19, 2009

The Hungarian dog breed, Vizsla, is popularly known as an elite type of sporting dog and as a dependable animal companion. During Eighth century, this breed has been depicted as a hunting companion on wall paintings of the Magyar tribe, people who once roamed parts of Hungary. From those times until now, the Vizsla is still the same breed that’s recognized by a lot people as an excellent sporting dog.

The Vizsla is a distinguished hunter and has been accompanying legions of hunters during hunting trips for centuries. These fanciers discovered that not only does this breed have a great skill in smelling but in retrieving and pointing as well. So together with the fact that it is the smallest breed of its type, the Vizsla is being recognized as the smallest of all all-round pointer breeds.

This dog possesses a robust yet lightly built body, lean and defined muscles, and distinguished expression and bearing. More often, however, this breed is mistaken for a Weimaraner, Redbone Coonhound or Rhodesian Ridgeback because they all seem to share similar qualities, especially in body build. The implication, however, that a breed is a Vizsla is when it has a reddish colored nose that blends with its coat color.

The nails and eyes of a real Vizsla also blend with the coat color. Solid golden-rust is the the standard color for this breed. However, copper, brown, gold and dark sandy gold are also acceptable.

As stated by the American Kennel Club, the Vizsla should have a coat that is “short, smooth, dense and close-lying, without woolly undercoat”. The absence of an undercoat makes this dog susceptible to cold so it is recommended to never leave it alone outside for a very long time. However, this condition also suggests that he is more desirable to people who have allergic reactions to dog hair.

The Vizsla is considered as a “self-cleaning” dog and so it only requires bathing once in a while. Moreover, the breed standard also requires for this dog to be docked as it is more desirable for its safety. An undocked Vizsla tail tends to experience splitting and bleeding that later ends up in more painful amputation.

Aside from being a superb hunter, the Vizsla is also considered as a wonderful companion because it is energetic, gentle, loving and sensitive. It is a loyal dog to the master and tends to want constant attention and affection. It goes where the master goes and because of this, it is called the “Velcro dog”.

The Vizsla should not be provoked or threatened because, even though it is sweet and caring, it will fight back without second thoughts. It is also an intelligent and highly biddable breed but also very sensitive so as to not be handled with harsh criticisms or negative reinforcements. It is also a superb swimmer making him not only an excellent land retriever but in water as well.

Bookmark/Share this Post by:

Readers Comments