Hungarian Vizsla

Recommended for: Families with older children

Maintenance Level: Medium

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Temperament:
Active, friendly

Health Risk:
This breed has an around average probability of having health issues in its lifetime, hence it is one of the more affordable breeds to insure.

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Breed Overview

The Hungarian Vizsla (simply referred to as “Vizsla”) is a medium -sized dog originally bred in Hungary for hunting. The Vizsla can often be confused with the Weimeraner due to their similar appearance.

The Vizsla has a strong, lean body covered in a short, smooth coat which is a solid golden/rust colour, and its nose, eyes and nails generally blend in the fur in terms of colour. They shed a little and tend to be relatively low-maintenance, only needing occasional brushing and bathing only when absolutely necessary. However, their nails should be checked weekly and trimmed when needed.

According to the Vizsla Club of America, the average lifespan of the Vizsla is 9.15 years, but their life expectancy can reach between 12 and 15 years. Male Vizslas weigh between 20 and 30 kg and stand at 56 – 64 cm tall, while females weigh around 18 – 25 kg and stand between 53 and 61 cm tall.

Thanks to their hunter instincts, Vizslas have tons of energy and need to be taken for a long, brisk walk or jog each day. They also need a large, safe enclosed area at home to run and play. For this reason people living in apartments should not get a Vizsla. Vizslas who do not receive adequate physical and mental stimulation can become destructive or develop behavioural problems.

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Personality and Temperament

The Vizsla is an exuberant, loyal, affectionate and friendly. They are highly trainable and willing to learn, but if not given a strong, assertive authority figure, the Vizsla may become stubborn.

Though they are not recommended for families with toddlers because of their highly excitable nature and boundless energy, they are great around kids and teenagers. They can also be friendly with other dogs and cats, but should not be trusted around small pets.

Because they have so much energy, some Vizslas may tend to chew, but if given enough chew toys, exercise and mental stimulation, there is no reason why they cannot become well-rounded, gentle and calm dogs.

What do Hungarian Vizsla owners claim for the most?

Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Epilepsy. Possibly inherited, epilepsy is a neurological disorder which causes seizures that can manifest themselves in unusual behaviour, dizziness, rigidity and fainting spells. Though it is frightening to watch, the prognosis for affected dogs is usually quite good, and treatment is available.
Hip dysplasia (common among larger dogs) is a condition in which the thighbone and hip joint do not fit together properly, causing pain and lameness. Arthritis can develop later in life as a result of the condition.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone. Symptoms include epilepsy, loss of hair, fatigue and patchy skin. It is treatable with medication and a special diet.
Lymphosarcoma is the third most common cancer seen in dogs can occur almost anywhere in the body. Treatment includes chemotherapy and in some cases, surgery. The prognosis for affected dogs is generally very good, with 80% of treated dogs going into remission.
Progressive retinal atrophy refers to a family of eye conditions which result in the deterioration of the retina. In the early stages, dogs may lose their sight at night, and then gradually lose their sight during the daytime too. Most dogs, however, adapt to their vision loss very well unless faced with new or changing environments.

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What do Hungarian Vizsla owners claim for the most?

History

It is widely accepted that the Vizsla (also referred to as the “Hungarian Pointer”) probably descends from the hunting dogs of the Magyars over a thousand years ago. These dogs were popular among nobility and warlords for their ability to hunt and retrieve game.

Depictions of the Vizsla’s ancestors date back to the 10^th and 14^th centuries in etchings and manuscripts.

By the late 19^th and early 20^th century, the Vizsla was a distinct breed, known for its excellent sense of smell and hunting abilities. During WWI the Vizsla was used to carry messages, however, like many dog breeds, WWI almost drove the Vizsla extinct. The surviving dogs were bred and began being imported to the USA in the middle of the 20^th century.

Despite only being 60 years ago, this Vizsla was a lot different to the modern breed – they had longer muzzles, both lighter and darker coat colours, longer ears, and a hound-like appearance.

Since 1960, when the Vizsla was first recognised by the AKC, the breed has been standardised to the dog we see today. The AKC reported that in 2013, the Vizsla was the 34^th most popular pure breed in the USA, up from 45^th in 2003.

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