The Vizsla is a popular hunting dog from Hungary, available in both short-haired and wire-haired versions. Here in the profile, you’ll learn everything about the origin, nature, and care of these sensitive dogs.

History of the Vizsla

The origin of the beloved pointing dogs dates back to Hungary in the 18th century. The direct ancestors of the Vizsla were the dogs of the Magyars, a Eurasian equestrian people. The golden-yellow color of the dogs was ideal for camouflage in the steppes and grain fields. The dogs mixed in Hungary with the Pannonian Hound, the Sloughi, and the Turkish pointer. They were mainly used for hunting pheasants or hares, as well as waterfowl.

With the emergence of other pointing dogs in Europe, Vizslas became increasingly rare. In November 1916, breeders called for the rescue of the yellow pointing dog. The FCI officially recognized the breed as early as 1936. To preserve the breed, breeders crossed the Hannoverian Bloodhound, the English Pointer, and the German Shorthaired Pointer. The wire-haired Vizslas were created by crossing with the German Wirehaired Pointer, recognized by the FCI in 1965. Both variants of the breed belong to FCI Group 7 “Pointing Dogs” in Section 1.1 Continental Pointing Dogs – Type ‘Braque.’

Nature and Character

The Vizsla is a sensitive and intelligent dog that seeks closeness to its owner. A well-socialized representative of the breed can be fond of children and family-friendly. At home, these beloved hunting dogs don’t like to be alone and prefer to follow their owner everywhere. Nevertheless, the spirited hunting dog enjoys working and needs meaningful activities.

He is particularly happy when he can run and play off-leash in the woods. His hunting instinct is strongly developed. With consistent training, however, you can control him. A well-exercised Vizsla is a cheerful and affectionate four-legged partner.

Appearance of the Vizsla

The Hungarian pointer is elegant, athletic, and has a harmonious physique. The back is straight, and the proportions are balanced. The straight nose of the tracking dog is equipped with wide nostrils, which help him pick up the scent of prey more easily. The lively brown eyes appear alert, and the large V-shaped ears lie close to the head.

The wiry or short, smooth coat of the Vizsla is varying shades of golden-yellow. Some individuals have small white spots. The texture of the coat is dense and shiny in the short-haired variety. In contrast, the wire-haired Vizsla has straight, wiry hair.

Puppy Training

The education of the sensitive but confident Hungarian pointing dog requires finesse. Gentle yet consistent training of the Vizsla puppy is essential. Under no circumstances should you be aggressive or shout at the dog. He startles easily and does not forgive violence quickly. Nevertheless, you should appear confident and serve as a strong leader to the young dog.

Good socialization in early years is equally important. Therefore, it’s best to attend a puppy school where the puppy can make contacts with other dogs and train his social behavior. This way, the affectionate hunting dog becomes a lovable and loyal family pet.

Activities with the Vizsla

The most important thing for the Vizsla is meaningful and demanding activity. In hunting, the dog is in his element and assists his owner professionally. The so-called “pointing” comes naturally to him. When sniffing out game, he remains motionless, often with a raised front leg, while pointing his nose in the direction of the prey.

When not in the hands of a hunter, he consequently needs a worthy substitute activity. You can best engage the demanding dog with dog sports such as tracking work, agility, or mantrailing. Training as a rescue dog would also be great. Since the breed has a strong affinity for water, you should go swimming more often, especially in summer.

Health and Care

The short-haired Vizsla has easy-to-care-for fur that cleans itself almost naturally. Moreover, these dogs belong to robust breeds and do not require special care. Nonetheless, you should check the dog’s condition daily and search for pests after walks. The breed’s diet is uncomplicated. However, you should naturally ensure a healthy and balanced diet. Vizsla Myositis is known as an inherited disease. Here, the biting muscles are severely weakened, eventually causing swallowing problems in affected dogs.

Is the Vizsla Right for Me?

If you are considering getting a Vizsla, you should consider a few things beforehand. With a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, you will be committed to the four-legged friend for a long time. The agile pointing dog is very demanding and requires good physical as well as mental stimulation. Therefore, he is not suitable for a small city apartment but needs plenty of space to romp and play.

Ideally, you should have a house with a secure garden where he can let off steam. Additionally, you must take daily long walks with him. You should be as sporty and adventurous as the dog. An ideal situation would involve hunting activity or alternatively, a lot of time for sports. The affectionate four-legged friend wants to be part of the family and is not suitable for novice owners.

If you ultimately decide on the Hungarian pointing dog, you should contact a local breeder. It’s best if they are affiliated with the Hungarian Pointer Association and have experience in breeding. For a purebred and vaccinated Vizsla puppy, you’ll pay around $1000. You can also find pointing dogs or mixed breeds looking for new homes in animal shelters.

Interesting and Worth Knowing

Today, the Vizsla is popular all over the world. There are 21 Vizsla clubs in the USA alone. Their pretty and elegant appearance makes them great photo subjects. On the Instagram account @mywhiskeygirl, over 100,000 subscribers follow the life of Vizsla lady Whiskey. The dog from Vancouver embarks on exciting trips with her owners. Another famous Instagram star is the dog Ruby (@rubythetraildog). Together with her owner Tom, she conquers mountain bike trails in Great Britain.

Do you have a Vizsla or are you considering getting one? Share with us in the comments what makes them special in your opinion!