Origin and Brief History:
The etchings of what are believed to be Vizslas are traced back to the 10th century. The breed originates from Hungary, where they were used as hunting dogs. Vizsla translated from Hungarian to English means “pointer.” It is believed that the Vizslas are descendants of the Transylvanian Hound. After World War II, the breed faced extinction. Russia was able to take of Hungary, but Hungarian owners snuck the dogs to nearby Austria, and even to America. The breed has produced two cousins, the Wirehaired Vizsla and the longhaired Vizsla. While the longhaired Vizsla does exist in Europe, the actual breed is not recognized by any organization.
Vizslas are very trainable. They are known to be gentle and extremely loving. Their gentle nature requires a calm and patient owner, but a strong one as well. If an owner is not strong, the Vizsla can become stubborn. They are very good with children and can play for hours. However, it may not be the perfect breed for very young children, as without exercise, they can prove to be too energetic. If an owner is someone who loves the outdoors, the Vizsla may be the perfect companion. Without training, a Vizsla can become hard to own. They are also known to be good with other dogs.
Since Vizslas have shorthaired coats, they are easy to groom and maintain. The coat should be brushed with a strong bristle brush, and only given dry shampoo occasionally. They are considered to be average shedders.
Specification of Breed:
Male Vizslas can grow anywhere between 22 and 26 inches. They will weigh from 45 to 65 pounds. Females grow to be a bit smaller, growing to be around 20 to 24 inches. They will weigh anywhere between 40 and 55 pounds. Vizslas are expected to live between the ages of 12 and 15.
If an owner is looking for a calm dog, a Vizsla is not the breed to choose. Without proper exercise, they can become too difficult to handle and become destructive. It is because of this that Vizslas are not recommended to keep in an apartment. They are required to be too active. An owner has to be willing to walk a Vizsla for a long period of time. The Vizsla should not be trusted around smaller animals. If an owner already has a small pet, such as a hamster, he or she should consider another breed. Vizslas are also known to develop hip dysplasia. This problem will cause the hip socket to form abnormally, causing joint pains.
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