Hungarian Vizsla

From Pet Encyclopedia

Hungarian Vizsla

Origin of Breed

Hungary

Breed Nick Names

Hungarian Pointer, Magyar Vizsla

[edit] Introduction

The Vizsla (pronounced VEESH-luh), is a dog breed originating in Hungary. It is renowned for its working ability in the field as a hunting/gun dog, and a loyal companion to its master.

[edit] Origin and History

Hungarian history mentions the Vizsla from very early times , way back in the 8th Century. It wasn't until the end of WW11 that the Vizsla made its way to the United States, where upon the Vizsla Club of America was formed, and promoted the Vizsla until finally in 1960 the Vizsla was the 115th breed to be recognised by the AKC. Now in the Present day there are over 1000 pups registered by the KC in the UK every year as the breed gains popularity which places the breed within the top 50 most popular dogs. Even the cartoon character 'Clifford the Big Red Dog' is considered to of originated from the Vizsla breed.

[edit] Appearance

The Vizsla is a short haired medium sized dog with a 'Russet' coloured coat, varying in shades. The lighter colours, almost sandy in appearance, are not as desirable as are the darker variety although the really dark mahogany colour is also frowned upon by top breeders. Vizsla's are robust dogs, but rather lightly built, and lean looking, but with very defined muscles, and have similar looks to the bigger Weimaraner Before the new laws were set stating that no dog should have its tail docked, the Vizsla's tail was always docked at birth, but now the un-docked tail is very long and whippy, and becomes a menace, to only to the owners, but to the dog as well. If the tail splits if is very hard to get the injury to heal, and normally ends in amputation.

[edit] Temperament

The Vizsla is a natural hunter and very easy to train, although they are lively and very excitable, there gentle manners, affectionate and sensitive attitude more then make up for there ballistic moments. They are also totally fearless and very protective both towards there owners and there own off spring.

The average height and weight:

Males Height: 22 - 25 inches (56 - 63.5 centimetres) Weight: 45 - 65 pounds (20 - 29 kilograms) Females Height: 21 - 24 in. (53 - 61 cm) Weight: 40 - 55 lb (18 - 25 kg)

[edit] Health

Two main health problems to look out for in the Vizsla are: hip dysplasia (although all KC registered breeders with have hip score records of the parent dogs available) dysphagia-megaoesophagus (difficulty swallowing, drooling and muscle wasting)

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[edit] References