Vizsla Club of Eastern Iowa
Pronunciation: (VEEZH-la)
The correct sound in English for "Vizsla" the hungarian letter "ZS" is
pronounced like the middle of the English words: "measure", "leisure",
"pleasure" and "usual".
Background:
The Vizsla is also known as the Hungarian Vizsla. It is one of the
continental breeds of hunter, pointer, retrievers. It's primary use in the U.S.
is to point upland game birds, but it is not a specialist. It will hunt any fur or
feather game that it has been trained to find. This is where the term
"versatile" comes from.
The Vizsla was originally developed by the Magyars over one thousand years ago, and retains many of those
original breed traits. Some of those traits include the versatility to hunt all types of fur and feather game, yet still be
a devoted companion at home.
There is not a huge division between the "show Vizsla" and the "field Vizsla" that you see in almost every other
breed in the sporting group. Vizsla breeders today have worked very diligently to maintain the duality and versatility
of the breed through carefully planned breeding programs. The pedigree of a well bred Vizsla will contain both Field
and Show titles.
Description:
The Vizsla is a medium sized , short haired, hunting dog most commonly recognized for its golden rust coat plus
distinguished appearance and bearing. The head is wide between the ears, with a moderate stop and a muzzle that
is deep and square. The eyes and nose should match the coat, and should not be any color other than brown; the
Vizsla’s expression is keen and inquisitive.Ears are long and silky, and hang near the cheeks. The neck and body
are lean and muscular, giving the dog’s body a light but powerful appearance. The legs are strong and sturdy:
forequarters are straight and hindquarters are well developed with angulated hocks and stifles. The tail is carried
level and docked one third off; feet are compact and catlike. The coat lies close to the body and is dense, smooth
and short. The coat is solid in various shades of golden rust; occasionally, one will see some white markings on the
dog’s chest.
Everything about the Vizsla's appearance should be strong, smooth, lean and muscular, giving the impression of
regal bearing. The ideal size for adult male Vizslas is between 22 and 24 inches at the highest point over the
shoulder blades. Females should be between 21 and 23 inches. Any Vizsla measuring 1 1/2 inches above or below
these measurements is not within standard. The Vizsla will also have it's tail docked 1/3 off, leaving 2/3 intact, to
prevent injuries while hunting.
Temperment:
The Vizsla's temperament should be lively, gentle-mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive though
fearless with a well developed protective instinct. Vizslas are a very high energy breed with a very high intelligence.
This can turn to destruction if he is not given a "job" and at least 30 minutes of off lead running on a daily basis.
They like to be "busy" so make it productive. This is a dog of drive and power in the field yet a tractable and
affectionate companion in the home.
Some of the different activities that Vizslas participate in besides hunting and lounging around the house are field
trials, hunting tests, conformation (show), obedience, agility, tracking, search and rescue, therapy dogs, assistance
dogs, and fetch.
It is important to be the pack leader and be in control of your environment such that to no let your dog dominate any
situation. A Vizsla without anything to do and no leadership will set out to define his/her boundaries on their own.
Caring for a Vizsla
The Vizsla is a naturally active breed that needs vigorous exercise every day. A brisk walk is good but not ideal;
allowing your Vizsla to run at full gallop around a field for 30 minutes to an hour every day is preferable. The Vizsla’s
innate friendliness toward people means aggression should not be an issue, but proper socialization is still a must.
Introduce your Vizsla pup to strangers, children and other dogs as much as you can in order to cultivate the sweet
personality the breed is known for. The Vizsla is able to live outdoors in moderate climates, though this is certainly
not encouraged as the dog is much happier indoors with its family. The dog is not terribly cold resistant, however,
and should always be kept inside on chilly nights. Coat care is an afterthought; an occasional brushing and an as-
needed bath should do the trick. The Vizsla is lightly susceptible to canine hip dysplasia.
Selecting a Vizsla
It is of the utmost importance that you select a reputable breeder. Pet shop puppies are bred in puppy mills and lack
the proper socialization to become a healthy lifelong companion. "Back Yard Breeders" do not charge as much for
their puppies, but you are also not given a lifelong "no questions asked" return policy, the sire and dam are not
tested for genetic defects (hip dysplasia, etc.) and they're usually not "proven" with any titles themselves. The AKC
is only a registry, and nothing more. Just because a puppy comes with AKC papers doesn't mean it is a great dog or
that it should be bred. It only means that both of the puppy's parents were pure bred dogs.
It is also important to understand that the Vizsla's temperament and intelligence come from the "field side" of it's
pedigree.The ability to reason, remember, learn, acclimate to surroundings, and be responsive to it's owners are all
traits of an excellent hunting dog, equally alongside the ability to find and locate game birds. Even if all you want is a
companion Vizsla, it should have a solid hunting background, this is most of what makes a Vizsla a Vizsla.
Health, Temperament, Hunting Ability, and Conformation are the key elements your breeder should strive to achieve
in their breeding program.
AKC Breed Standard
The correct sound in English for "Vizsla" the hungarian letter "ZS" is
pronounced like the middle of the English words: "measure", "leisure",
"pleasure" and "usual".
Background:
The Vizsla is also known as the Hungarian Vizsla. It is one of the
continental breeds of hunter, pointer, retrievers. It's primary use in the U.S.
is to point upland game birds, but it is not a specialist. It will hunt any fur or
feather game that it has been trained to find. This is where the term
"versatile" comes from.
The Vizsla was originally developed by the Magyars over one thousand years ago, and retains many of those
original breed traits. Some of those traits include the versatility to hunt all types of fur and feather game, yet still be
a devoted companion at home.
There is not a huge division between the "show Vizsla" and the "field Vizsla" that you see in almost every other
breed in the sporting group. Vizsla breeders today have worked very diligently to maintain the duality and versatility
of the breed through carefully planned breeding programs. The pedigree of a well bred Vizsla will contain both Field
and Show titles.
Description:
The Vizsla is a medium sized , short haired, hunting dog most commonly recognized for its golden rust coat plus
distinguished appearance and bearing. The head is wide between the ears, with a moderate stop and a muzzle that
is deep and square. The eyes and nose should match the coat, and should not be any color other than brown; the
Vizsla’s expression is keen and inquisitive.Ears are long and silky, and hang near the cheeks. The neck and body
are lean and muscular, giving the dog’s body a light but powerful appearance. The legs are strong and sturdy:
forequarters are straight and hindquarters are well developed with angulated hocks and stifles. The tail is carried
level and docked one third off; feet are compact and catlike. The coat lies close to the body and is dense, smooth
and short. The coat is solid in various shades of golden rust; occasionally, one will see some white markings on the
dog’s chest.
Everything about the Vizsla's appearance should be strong, smooth, lean and muscular, giving the impression of
regal bearing. The ideal size for adult male Vizslas is between 22 and 24 inches at the highest point over the
shoulder blades. Females should be between 21 and 23 inches. Any Vizsla measuring 1 1/2 inches above or below
these measurements is not within standard. The Vizsla will also have it's tail docked 1/3 off, leaving 2/3 intact, to
prevent injuries while hunting.
Temperment:
The Vizsla's temperament should be lively, gentle-mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive though
fearless with a well developed protective instinct. Vizslas are a very high energy breed with a very high intelligence.
This can turn to destruction if he is not given a "job" and at least 30 minutes of off lead running on a daily basis.
They like to be "busy" so make it productive. This is a dog of drive and power in the field yet a tractable and
affectionate companion in the home.
Some of the different activities that Vizslas participate in besides hunting and lounging around the house are field
trials, hunting tests, conformation (show), obedience, agility, tracking, search and rescue, therapy dogs, assistance
dogs, and fetch.
It is important to be the pack leader and be in control of your environment such that to no let your dog dominate any
situation. A Vizsla without anything to do and no leadership will set out to define his/her boundaries on their own.
Caring for a Vizsla
The Vizsla is a naturally active breed that needs vigorous exercise every day. A brisk walk is good but not ideal;
allowing your Vizsla to run at full gallop around a field for 30 minutes to an hour every day is preferable. The Vizsla’s
innate friendliness toward people means aggression should not be an issue, but proper socialization is still a must.
Introduce your Vizsla pup to strangers, children and other dogs as much as you can in order to cultivate the sweet
personality the breed is known for. The Vizsla is able to live outdoors in moderate climates, though this is certainly
not encouraged as the dog is much happier indoors with its family. The dog is not terribly cold resistant, however,
and should always be kept inside on chilly nights. Coat care is an afterthought; an occasional brushing and an as-
needed bath should do the trick. The Vizsla is lightly susceptible to canine hip dysplasia.
Selecting a Vizsla
It is of the utmost importance that you select a reputable breeder. Pet shop puppies are bred in puppy mills and lack
the proper socialization to become a healthy lifelong companion. "Back Yard Breeders" do not charge as much for
their puppies, but you are also not given a lifelong "no questions asked" return policy, the sire and dam are not
tested for genetic defects (hip dysplasia, etc.) and they're usually not "proven" with any titles themselves. The AKC
is only a registry, and nothing more. Just because a puppy comes with AKC papers doesn't mean it is a great dog or
that it should be bred. It only means that both of the puppy's parents were pure bred dogs.
It is also important to understand that the Vizsla's temperament and intelligence come from the "field side" of it's
pedigree.The ability to reason, remember, learn, acclimate to surroundings, and be responsive to it's owners are all
traits of an excellent hunting dog, equally alongside the ability to find and locate game birds. Even if all you want is a
companion Vizsla, it should have a solid hunting background, this is most of what makes a Vizsla a Vizsla.
Health, Temperament, Hunting Ability, and Conformation are the key elements your breeder should strive to achieve
in their breeding program.
AKC Breed Standard
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About the Vizsla
© Copyright 2009 - 2010
All Rights Reserved -
Vizsla Club of Eastern Iowa
All Rights Reserved -
Vizsla Club of Eastern Iowa