# Vizsla

Also known as: Hungarian Vizsla, Magyar Vizsla, Hungarian Pointer, Smooth-Haired Vizsla
- **Group:** Pointer (FCI group 7)
- **Size:** Medium
- **Origin:** Hungary
- **Height:** 52–69 cm
- **Weight:** 18–30 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 12–14 years
- **Temperament:** Affectionate, Energetic, Sensitive, Gentle, Loyal
- **FCI standard:** No. 57

A lean, russet-gold Hungarian pointer that is both a versatile gundog and a devoted shadow, happiest close to its people and with plenty to do.

## Overview

The Vizsla is a medium-sized Hungarian gundog that points, tracks and retrieves on land and in water. It is lean, elegant and covered in a short, rust-gold coat.

It is a very affectionate and sensitive dog that wants to be with its family. It thrives with active owners who can give exercise and mental stimulation every day.

## History

Vizsla-type dogs are mentioned in Hungarian records from the 14th century and were kept by nobles for hunting. The breed survived wars and occupations, as well as periods when English and German pointers swamped local stock.

After World War II only a small number of true Vizslas remained, and the breed was rebuilt from them. It reached the United States in the 1950s and was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1960. It helped create breeds including the Weimaraner and Wirehaired Vizsla.

## Appearance

A medium-sized, lightly built but muscular dog with a noble head and a lean outline. Males stand about 58 to 69 cm and females 52 to 61 cm.

The coat is short, smooth and close-lying in shades of golden rust. Nose, eyes and nails blend with the coat colour. The tail is carried level and wagged vigorously.

## Temperament

Vizslas are gentle, affectionate and very people-oriented, often called Velcro dogs. They are sensitive and respond poorly to harsh training.

They are intelligent and need plenty of mental work. Left alone for long periods they can become bored and destructive. With good socialisation they are wonderful with children.

## Care and exercise

This is a high-energy breed that needs vigorous daily exercise, ideally with running room and chances to use its nose. Training sports and retrieving games suit it well.

The short coat is easy to care for with a brush, but it has no real undercoat, so the Vizsla needs to live indoors and may need a coat in cold weather.

## Health

Generally robust, but epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, sebaceous adenitis, allergies and some cancers such as lymphoma and mast cell tumours are reported. Von Willebrand disease can occur. Health-tested parents are advisable.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 5
- Exercise needs: 5
- Grooming: 1
- Shedding: 3
- Trainability: 4
- Barking: 2
- Good with children: 4
- Good with other dogs: 4

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/vizsla
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vizsla · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38819
Photo: Pleple2000 (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wy%C5%BCe%C5%82_w%C4%99gierski_g%C5%82adkow%C5%82osy_500.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.