VIZLA Breed Standards
The Vizsla originated in Hungary during the late Dark Ages, or approximately the 9th century AD. The Magyar tribes who settled in this area had used hunting dogs for centuries, and Hungary’s pastoral fields would greatly influence the evolution of the Vizsla into the breed we recognized today. Hungarian art from this period features dogs resembling the Vizsla, and manuscripts from the 14th century detail the dog’s uses. Throughout the Middle Ages, Hungarian nobles favored the Vizsla for its exceptional nose as well as its ability to point and retrieve in dense groundcover. These desirable qualities made the Vizsla a popular choice for breeders looking to modify other dogs, and traces of the Vizsla can be seen in such modern breeds as the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Weimaraner.
After a thousand years of faithful service in central Europe, the Vizsla began to decline during the 19th century. The breed was seemingly forgotten amid increased use of newer, more specialized breeds, many of which were partially descended from the Vizsla. The breed was teetering on the brink of extinction during the early 20th century but it managed to resurge, thanks in large part to Hungarians fleeing their homes during World War II. The Hungarian exodus introduced the Vizsla to the world, and it was not long before the breed’s numbers were on the rebound. The Vizsla was brought to the United States in 1950 and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1960. Today, the Vizsla is a popular choice for both hunters and families looking to add a loving pet to their home.
SKILLS: That of a medium-sized short-coated hunting dog of distinguished appearance and bearing. Robust but rather lightly built; the coat is an attractive solid golden rust. It is strongly emphasized that field conditioned coats, as well as brawny or sinewy muscular condition and honorable scars indicating a working and hunting dog are never to be penalized in this dog. The qualities that make a "dual dog" are always to be appreciated, not deprecated.
SIZE: The ideal male is 22 to 24 inches at the highest point over the shoulder blades. The ideal female is 21 to 23 inches. Because the Vizsla is meant to be a medium-sized hunter, any dog measuring more than 1-1/2 inches over or under these limits must be disqualified.
COAT: Short, smooth, dense and close-lying, without woolly undercoat. A distinctly long coat is a disqualification.
Color - Solid golden rust in different shadings. Solid dark mahogany red and pale yellow are faulty. White on the forechest, preferably as small as possible, and white on the toes are permissible. Solid white extending above the toes or white anywhere else on the dog except the forechest is a disqualification. When viewing the dog from the front, white markings on the forechest must be confined to an area from the top of the sternum to a point between the elbows when the dog is standing naturally. White extending on the shoulders or neck is a disqualification. White due to aging shall not be faulted. Any noticeable area of black in the coat is a serious fault.
CARE REQUIRED: This smooth, short-haired coat is easy to keep in peak condition. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and dry shampoo occasionally. Bathe with mild soap only when necessary. The nails should be kept trimmed. These dogs are average shedders.
CHARACTER: A natural hunter endowed with a good nose and above-average ability to take training. Lively, gentle-mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive though fearless with a well developed protective instinct. Shyness, timidity or nervousness should be penalized.
TRAINING: This is an energetic working dog with enormous stamina. It needs plenty of opportunity to run, preferably off the leash in a safe area, and a lot of regular exercise. If these dogs are allowed to get bored, they can become destructive.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Vizsla, is not recommended for apartment life. It is moderately active indoors and does best with at least an average-sized yard.
EXERCISE: Energetic and athletic, the Vizsla must receive sufficient exercise or they may become destructive or neurotic. Socialize this dog well and get him accustomed to noises at an early age. It is very important to obedience train your Vizsla.
