| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
The Magyar Vizsla perfectly combines the qualities of a pointer dog and a retriever dog.
The Vizsla is an elegant dog from Hungary, back in time it was a hunting and companion dog for the Magyars, a tribe from Eastern Europe. It is said that there are some artworks from the 10th century where you can see the Magyars warriors during battles with their Vizslas by their side.
Before the invention of firearms, this dog breed was very popular and was used for hunting, specifically for falconry. The name Vizsla literally translates as “pointer”; as we mentioned before these dogs are considered pointer and retriever dogs, with the best combination of attributes due to their intelligence and agility.
Let’s remember that pointer dogs “point” with their muzzle and body to the prey so the hunter can aim his firearm in the right position. Retriever dogs are those who fetch and recover the prey softly without damaging it.
The Vizsla sportive and playful personality makes it the perfect companion for families, especially those with children.
Vizsla: Physical Characteristics
The Vizsla is a medium-sized dog with a light build; it has an incredible agility and speed. During adulthood it can reach up to 21 to 23 inches of height and weigh around 44 to 64 lbs (20-29 kg); this beautiful dog has an athletic and elegant figure. In general the Vizsla’s body structure is harmonious and muscular which really makes it a majestic dog.
They have a wide and long head. The muzzle and nose are square-shaped and have a lighter color than the rest of the body; the nostrils are quite big and broad, a real olfactory masterpiece. The ears are soft and semi-long and rest on the dog’s cheeks. The Vizsla has honey-colored eyes and an adorable and cute look.
The Vizsla has a short and silky coat that can be golden-wheat or rusty orange. You can find this dog breed in two varieties:
- Vizsla short-haired hound; with a thick and slightly rough coat.
- Vizsla rough-haired hound; with a waterproof coat.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the Vizsla is its limbs, which are very long for a middle-sized dog; they are muscular and toned without being sturdy.
Vizsla: Temperament
Vizslas are dogs with an active and playful personality, they are very energetic and must be well-trained during puppyhood so they do not develop a destructive behavior or chew things randomly when they get bored. They can be very obedient if they received the proper training at an early stage of their lives.
If you are a sedentary person, we do not recommend adopting this type of dog breed. These dogs require a lot of physical activities, game playing and daily walks; they will be suitable for an athletic and active owner or a family with children where Vizslas can share their time and outdoor activities. It is advised to have other dogs in the family so they can socialize; they also get along well with cats. However, you should have a house with a big backyard or in the countryside so your new friend can develop correctly its hunting instincts.
The Vizsla is very social and attached to its family; it is loyal, smart and will do its best to satisfy its owner’s needs. It is not shy or fearful with strangers; it will give a warm welcome to every person that visits it home, so it is fair to say that it does not have the best qualities of a guardian dog.
Unlike other hunting dogs, the Vizsla does not have an independent personality as their ancestors used to live in groups and surrounded by humans. Even though it can stay alone without any trouble, it requires a lot of attention and affection from its family.
Vizsla: Health
This dog breed could have some hereditary conditions, such as:
- Retinal Atrophy: this disease produces retinal eye cells degeneration.
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy: it affects the jaw, skull and frontal bone, and produces muscular atrophy.
- Hip Dysplasia: It is a genetic condition in which the soft tissues (ligaments and joint capsule) that normally stabilize the hip joint become loose within the first few weeks of life. It produces limping and bone decalcification.
- Skin Allergies.
- Epilepsy.
You can prevent the development of some hereditary conditions, or keep them under control with regular visits to the vet, so your dog can grow up healthy and happy.
Vizsla: Feeding
Vizslas do not have much trouble with food; you can feed them with a dry diet of good quality dog food, or homemade food with the necessary nutrients and proteins they need to be healthy.
The quantity of the meals or portion will directly depend on the amount of physical activities your dog does; you can consult with your vet so he can tell you the correct quantity of food your dog needs.
When dogs are extremely active you should take certain precautions with their food, we recommend that they take a little rest before eating in order to prevent gastric torsion.
Vizsla: Puppies For Sale, Price, and Breeders
We recommend being cautious when browsing online; look for a certified and registered breeding establishment. You can find specialized breeders for this dog breed in these countries: US, UK, Australia, Canada, Scotland, Ireland and New Zealand. A Vizsla puppy can cost around 900–1500 dollars, 800-1300 English pounds.
The cost is due to the dog’s upkeep and care from breeders, this represents a high cost. It is imperative to purchase from a reliable breeder, to make sure that your puppy has been:
- Raised to have good character and good health;
- Carefully selected (its parents were chosen without any genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too aggressive or fearful;
- Vaccinated and well-cared for.
When you adopt a puppy, a reliable breeder provides you with an official veterinarian certificate, in which it is formally stipulated that the animal is in perfect health and dewormed.
You can ask for a pedigree certificate, which allows you to check your dog’s breed purity. An animal with pedigree has certain characteristics that distinguish it among the others.
Now that we have mentioned the most important aspects, you can go to your new 4 legged friend, who is certainly waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Dalmatian
- Caucasian Shepherd
- Bullmastiff
- Newfoundland
- Irish Wolfhound
- Havanese
- English Mastiff
- Scottish Deerhound
- Weimaraner
- Kai Ken
