Vizsla
The Vizsla is one sporting dog that not only enjoys hunting all day, but his physical attributes make him look the part. Always poised and ready to run, this breed makes an excellent close-working gun dog and a talented pointer.
Vizsla dogs are on the never-ending mission to sniff out birds and if left alone for long periods of time without room to run and play, they can become quite upset and destructive. Not all Vizslas have the same personality – some are on the shy side, others are overly-anxious, while many have a stubbornness character.
A Brief History Of The Vizsla
Our research leads to writings on Falconry from the Middle Age period that describes dogs that very closely resemble the Vizsla. It is said that the breed were from groups of canines that were collected by the Magyars, people who traveled across Europe before landing and setting up villages in Hungary, over 1000 years ago.
The plains of Hungary were abundant with game and the local hunters needed a dog that was fast, could be a close-working dog, point and retrieve, and trail mammals over rough terrain. The breed further increased in popularity through the 18th century but declined in numbers by the end of the 19th century.
The Vizsla breed was then revived by dog enthusiasts through careful breeding. During World War II the dogs were seen in countries all over the globe. This was largely due to the Hungarians fleeing Russian occupation and had brought their dogs with them.
When the breed showed up in United States it did not take long for the Vizsla to become popular with American dog lovers. Their talented hunting abilities were quickly noticed, as well as the dog’s strikingly handsome appearance. The Vizsla was officially recognized by the AKC in 1960.
Upkeep Requirements For The Vizsla
These canines were bred specifically to be a close-working dogs so the Vizsla has enough energy to literally run all day long. Therefore, they cannot be expected to be content with only a few short walks on the leash. It needs a large open field to roam during the day. Small apartment living is not meant for this dog.
Grooming the Vizsla is minimal due to its close-cut coat. The occasional brushing every couple of weeks to remove dead hairs will suffice. These dogs can live outside if the climate is warm but prefers to sleep inside with its family, especially if the weather is cold.
Health Concerns
The average lifespan of the Vizsla dog can last anywhere from ten to fourteen years. The only major health concern reported in the breed is epilepsy. Minor issues include lymphosarcoma and CHD. Rarely seen is hypothyroidism, dwarfism, PRA, tricuspid valve dysplasia, and persistent right aortic arch. Veterinarians suggest that Vizsla dogs get tested for potential hip and thyroid problems.
History
This is an ancient breed. A Hungarian scribe that worked under King Adelbert the Third during the 13th century penned a history of the Magyars. He wrote of their dogs called Vizsla. In the 14th century some Carmelite Friars drew illustrations of the Vizsla.
Though this bred was mated to hounds, the Magyars would bred them to come back to the original dog of the Russian Steppes. This is evidenced in the nose of the Vizsla, which is flesh or brown, whereas, the hound has a black nose. The coat of the Vizsla still resembles that of wild dogs living in the Russian Steppes.
General Looks
It is a medium build dog. Its muscles are tight. The ears are lengthy, silk-like, and thin. The face is hound looking.
Is This Your Breed?
The Vizsla needs exercise each day. It is very trainable. The coat sheds, but needs spare care. It is a hunting canine and likes the outdoors a lot.
Coat
It is short, thick, land lies to the body.
Color
The general description of the coat's color is reddish-brown. It varies from coppery to cinnamon to golden rust.
Locomotion
The movement is graceful, and light-stepping with good reach.
Personality
It is affectionate, faithful, brave, gentle, and protective. It is good around children It should not be with small pets as its hunting instinct is strong.
Vizsla video:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSm5-e7uga4
Tags: Hungary, United States, Vizsla, Europe, long periods of time, General Looks, breedvisla hound, vizsla, vizsla description, part vizsla part bassett hound, vizsla hound, vizsla hounds?, vizsla hounds
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I am trying to convince my vizsla dogs to join twitter!!!
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