The Vizsla is an energetic sporting breed and is a good family dog. This native of Hungary is highly responsive but can be an independent thinker.

Physical Characteristics

• Medium build
• Coat: Short, smooth hair
• Coloring of a rusty-gold
• Pendant ears
• Self-colored nose
• Rust-colored eyes
• Height: 21-24 inches
• Weight: 45-65 pounds
• Average lifespan: 13-15 years

Temperament

• Energetic, affectionate, alert, responsive, loyal
• Interaction with people: Good with mature children; good companion dog; protective of family
• Interaction with animals: Good with other dogs and family cats, but not other small pets
• Training: Intelligent and sensitive but independent. Responds best to gentle but firm training.

At Home

• Not recommended for apartments
• Needs a fenced and secure yard
• Needs long daily walks or jogs
• Needs plenty of opportunity to run off leash in a safe area with close supervision

Grooming

• Easy to groom
• Average shedder
• Brush with firm-bristle brush

Brief History

• Originated in the Middle Ages in Hungary
• Likely originated from the Transylvanian hound and the Turkish yellow dog
• Bred for hunting
• Breed was almost extinct after World War II
• Aristocrats in Hungary owned the breed
• Brought to the U.S. in the1950s

Fido's Facts

• "Vizsla" means "pointer" in Hungarian
• Also called the Hungarian pointer
• After World War II, when the Russians took over Hungary, they viewed the Vizsla as a symbol of the aristocracy
• In response to the Russians and in an effort to save as many dogs as possible, Vizlas were smuggled into other European countries and the U.S.