 Hungarian Vizsla
The Hungarian Vizsla is immediately recognisable by his distinctive smooth and shiny russet gold coat together with his elegant balanced outline. His origins are obscure but he has been identified in a 14thC Hungarian manuscript. He belongs to the Hunt, Point, Retrieve group of European gundogs and is good on land and in water; the Vizsla is a fast and intelligent worker and works well in heavy cover.
The Hungarian Vizsla very nearly died out in the period between the two World Wars and was only rescued by a core of dedicated enthusiasts. In appearance he is medium sized, the dogs are between 57 - 64cm, the bitches slightly less and weigh between 48 - 66lbs. Although robust he is not heavily boned and he looks alert and interested. He is an intelligent dog and is easily trained and sees himself as part of the family. In Hungary he is a popular pet and will adapt himself readily to an apartment or a farm. However he does expect to be with his family and objects to being left in the kennel. He can be quite vocal in protection of his family and territory, so excessive barking as a puppy should be firmly discouraged. To read the Kennel Club Breed Standard for the Hungarian Vizsla click here.
Selected Books
The time to make sure that this is the right breed for you is before you bring him home; if you and your Vizsla are to be happy together there is plenty of research to be done. Even if you do not intend to work him, having an appreciation of Gundog Training will help you understand why he behaves as he does.
In addition to learning what kind of behaviour is specific to Gundogs, understanding your dog, and what his motivations are on a more general level can save a lot of confusion and misunderstandings for both you and him. Many mistakes can be avoided, and quick solutions reached if you have the basics of puppy training to guide you through all the early settling in difficulties. It helps, too, to have some idea of basic healthcare so you can make informed judgements about whether a visit to the vet is necessary or if there is a simple remedy. For example, many cases of upset tummies are best cured by 24 hour starvation. The books we have chosen will be able to guide you as to whether your dog can be treated at home, or a visit to the surgery is necessary.
Hungarian Vizsla Breed Clubs
HUNGARIAN WIREHAIRED VIZSLA ASSOC Mr T Pearson 01388 517521
HUNGARIAN VIZSLA CLUB Mrs S E Benson 01908 373097
HUNGARIAN VIZSLA SOCIETY Mrs S Gray 01747 830356
Hungarian Vizsla Rescue and Rehoming
Contact a Breed Club. They should be able to give you information about Vizslas requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own dog, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for him.
Hungarian Vizsla Breeders
If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions. If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.
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