<C>Height:</C> 22 to 24 inches (male); 21 to 23 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> averages 50 pounds.
<C>Size:</C> Medium.
<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> The Vizsla is a Hungarian hunting dog, probably descended from the dogs of the Magyars, the Transylvanian hound, Turkish yellow dog (now extinct) and several types of pointer. After World War I, the breed was nearly extinct. Hungarians saved some individuals and built the breed up again. After World War II, when Russians took control of Hungary, the native Hungarians feared all the Vizslas would be killed by the Russians, because owning a Vizsla was a symbol of aristocracy. Some devotees smuggled Vizslas out into Austria and to other countries, including America. The name Vizsla, in Hungarian, means "pointer". The Vizsla is a fine retriever with an excellent nose, and is a good small game and bird hunter and pointer even on marshy terrain. He has also been a successful obedience competitor. The breed's gentle, friendly disposition makes him well suited to his role as a family companion dog.
<b>Description:</> A sleek, muscular hunting dog with a beautiful rusty gold short coat. The front legs are straight. The head is lean, chiseled and aristocratic, with a long tapering muzzle. The muzzle is neither pointed like a Dachshund nor square like an English Pointer. The slightly domed skull is broad between the ears and has a line up the middle of the forehead. The round tipped ears are pendant and rather long. The tail is docked to 2/3 its original length. The eye color blends in with the coat color and the nose is brown.
<b>Notes:</> Known as a chewer. Beware of hip dysplasia; buy only from OFA-certified stock. There is also a wire-haired variety of Vizsla recognized in Europe and England.
<b>Personality:</> Loving, demonstrative and gentle. Somewhat willful and distractible, but smart and trainable--this breed needs a patient, firm hand. Energetic and athletic, the Vizsla must receive sufficient exercise or he may become destructive or neurotic. Socialize this dog well, and get him used to noises at an early age. Look for breed lines that are not high- strung or shy.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Good with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Loves everyone.
<C>Trainability:</C> Easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Needs people a lot.
<C>Dominance:</C> Low.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Friendly with other dogs.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Very little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Short coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Docking:</C> The tail is customarily docked.
<C>Exercise:</C> Vigorous daily exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> An excellent jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Moderately active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Not recommended for apartments.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with at least an average-size yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, tracking, retrieving, pointing, watchdog, and competitive obedience.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> VIZSLA
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
