VizslaCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the Vizsla's ancestors came to the Carpathian Basin with the nomadic Magyar tribes. Descriptions and images already appear in documents from the 14th century. From the 18th century, its importance as a hunting dog grew steadily, and at the end of the 19th century the Vizsla took part with great success in pointing dog field trials in Hungary.

The standard says other hunting breeds probably also contributed to its development. Modern breeding began in 1920, and the Short-haired Vizsla was recognised by the FCI in 1936.

How the breed developed

• The Migration Period – Its ancestors arrive with the Magyar tribes.
• 14th century – The first descriptions and images.
• Late 19th century – Success at pointing dog field trials.
• 1920 – Modern breeding begins.
• 1936 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a medium-sized pointing dog, elegant and noble, with a short russet-gold coat and a light, dry, lean build that combines beauty and strength. The AKC says its long, silky ears frame an expression that is gentle and loving at home and intense at work.

General appearance

The coat is short and dense, harsh to the touch, finer and shorter on the head and ears, with no undercoat.

The standard accepts various shades of russet gold and dark sandy gold (“semmelgelb”). The ears may be slightly darker; otherwise the colour is uniform.

The standard describes it as lively, friendly, even-tempered and easy to train, with an outstanding willingness to keep in contact with its owner. It does not tolerate harsh handling.

The AKC says it needs consistent, positive training, started in puppyhood. It is very intelligent, curious and sometimes manipulative; an untrained Vizsla is hard to live with and finds many creative ways to get into mischief if it does not have “a job”.

Tips for effective training

• Start training in puppyhood. An untrained Vizsla is hard to manage.
• Be positive. It does not tolerate harshness.
• Give it a job. Otherwise it will find one itself.
• Do not leave it alone for long. It is very attached to its owner.

The AKC says it was bred as an active hunting dog and needs physical and mental exercise: at least 30 minutes a day of vigorous exercise, and some need even more. As well as walks on the lead and fetch, most need to run free, in safe places.

Tips for a balanced life

• Suited to very active owners.
• Do not leave it alone for long.
• Clean the ears regularly.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the short coat, with no undercoat, needs no complicated grooming. It sheds, and a rubber brush helps. When it gets dirty, it needs a bath with lukewarm water. The ears must be kept clean.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed is generally healthy, and responsible breeders screen their dogs for:

Other care

• Clean the ears often.
• Ask for the parents' hip and eye tests.
• Go for yearly check-ups.

The AKC says most Vizslas are good eaters and that calorie needs vary widely from dog to dog; an active young dog may need much more food.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Adjust the portion to its level of effort.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• It came with the Magyars. Its ancestors arrived with the Magyar tribes.
• “Semmelgelb”. The “bread-roll” colour in the standard.
• No undercoat. Its short coat has no undercoat.
• Sometimes manipulative. The AKC says it is very clever.
• It keeps in contact with its owner. The standard regards this as an essential quality.

Is it good with children?

Yes; the AKC gives it top marks.

Does it need a lot of exercise?

Yes, at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise a day.

What colour is it?

Russet gold.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–14 years.