| Vizsla Quick
Facts |
| The Vizsla is
also called the Hungarian Pointer. At the end of World War I, the Vizsla
was all but extinct. The importation of the breed into the United
States began in the 1950s. The breed was admitted into the American
Kennel Club in 1960. |
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| About
Vizslas |
If you're looking for a dog that is affectionate, energetic, sensitive,
and demanding of your time and energy, a Vizsla may be the right dog
for you.
History
The Vizsla breed originated in Hungary as a sporting dog owned by the
aristocracy. The Hungarian aristocrats who hunted with their Vizslas
always brought them in before the fire after the hunt. Present-day
Vizslas must have gotten wind of this history because Vizslas require a
home where they can be indoors with their family. They do not make good
kennel dogs.
Velcro Dogs
Vizsla owners have given the breed the nickname "Velcro Dog" because of
the Vizsla's need to cling to its owners and be with them at all times.
Your Vizsla will follow you from room to room as you change activities
around the house, settling down on a comfortably soft surface--like a
couch or soft chair or--in a pinch-- a dog bed. If you don't close the
bathroom door tightly you will surely have company in there, too.
People Lovers
Vizslas who have been properly socialized adore people. Most of them
love to lick your face, if allowed, and most will give a "Vizsla hug"
around your neck while doing so. Like most breeds, Vizslas are good
with children, cats, and other dogs if they have been introduced to
them early on. The breed standard for Vizslas says that they must be
"demonstrably affectionate". This means that Vizslas in the show ring,
especially the younger ones, will frequently try to lick the hands or
face of the judge.
Not Good Loners
The down side to all this love and affection is that Vizslas hate to be
alone, and many are prone to separation anxiety. If you have long
working hours and feel that you MUST have a Vizsla, at least provide a
companion dog so that those long hours of being alone won't be spent in
destruction of property, barking, or jumping fences to go looking for
you. It also helps if you give your Vizsla a good run BEFORE you leave
for work. An exercised Vizsla with chewing toys and a comfortable bed
will usually settle down after you leave.
Hunters/Prey Chasers
Vizslas were selectively bred for hunting, and their good eyesight,
sensitive nose, and energetic enthusiasm in the field make them an
excellent hunting companion. This same instinct means they will chase
anything with fur and feathers that they consider prey. Acquainting
them with the family cat, therefore, needs to be done at an early age.
Need Exercise
Be sure that your Vizsla gets lots of exercise (a good run every day)
and lots of extra play (ball retrieving is a favorite), attention and
love from your family. An unexercised Vizsla left to its own devices
can become destructive.
Coat
Vizslas have a beautiful short-haired russet coat which sheds very
little. When you pat them on top of the head, it feels like velvet. Not
only is this short coat attractive, but it's also practical. Vizslas
are the original "wash-and-wear" dog.
Is a Vizsla the right breed for
you? The answer is "yes" if:
- You like constant companionship. If you like your own space, forget
it.
- You're willing to commit to exercising your Vizsla on a daily basis.
This doesn't mean a walk around the block. It means a good run every
day to wear off your dog's energy. A properly exercised Vizsla will
then settle down and be a "couch potato".
- You like to involve your dog in ALL your activities.
- The Vizsla will not be left alone for long periods of time.
- You like a dog to be inside with you where it can be a part of the
family.
- You give your dog obedience training. Puppy classes, as soon as your
Vizsla has received all of its puppy shots, are definitely advised. Be
sure that your obedience instructor understands that Vizslas require
"soft" discipline. They want to please and will try hard to make you
happy. Some of the heavy-handed choke-collar jerking that might work
well with a more insensitive breed will simply turn your Vizsla off and
make it not want to try. For older Vizslas who have just been adopted,
I always advise obedience classes. It creates a bond between you and
your new Vizsla and firmly establishes you as "top dog". The
socialization of the class situation is also good for Vizslas who are
starting out life afresh.
Some of the Vizslas we receive into Rescue are given up because their
owners didn't teach them, when they were puppies, how to walk on leash,
come when called, and not jump on people . Once a Vizsla has matured
into a powerful, energetic one-year-old, these training landmarks
become increasingly important. A 9-weeks-old puppy who jumps up to try
to lick you is charming. A 50-65 lb. adult Vizsla who jumps up on you
can knock you over.
To summarize
If you like a dog who sticks to you like Velcro, demands that it be
given exercise, loves you intensely, and takes over your life
completely, a Vizsla is the right dog for you.
Source: Diane Shearer, Legacy Vizslas
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| Photos Wanted! |
| CVC members are
invited to submit photos of their Vizslas to our photo
gallery. Contact Webmaster. |
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| Vizsla Mantras |
"Lack of a blanket and pillow is serious abuse." - ROMEO
Source: VizslaTalk
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