Getting To Know The Smallest All-Round Pointer, The Hungarian Vizsla

The Vizsla is a Hungarian breed of dog that is well-known as an elite sporting dog and reliable household companion. As early as the 8th century, the Vizsla has been mentioned in some early wall paintings of the Magyar tribe, a group that lived in ancient Hungary. Centuries later, this prized sporting breed is still adored by legions of fanciers and breeders from different countries around the world.

Known in the sporting field as a superb hunter, the Vizsla has been used by some of the world’s famous people as a companion during hunting expeditions and small game hunting. People also discovered that not only does this dog has superb smelling qualities but excellent retrieving and pointing abilities as well. Because of this, together with the fact that he is the smallest of his kind, people dub him as the smallest all-round pointer retriever.

The Vizsla has a body that is robust, light, and lean; with a pronounced dignified posture and bearing. It is always mistaken as a Weimarener, a Redbone Coonhound and a Rhodesian Ridgeback because they all seem to share similar traits such as body build and coat color. However, what makes the Vizsla distinct is the fact that its nose is of reddish shade that blends in with its coat color.

The nails and eyes of the Vizsla also uniquely combine with its coat color. According to the breed standard, the Vizsla’s coat should be colored in solid gold-rust; however, there are some that are colored in solid rust. Copper, brown, gold and dark sandy gold are also acceptable colors of the Vizsla.

As the American Kennel Club dictates, the Vizsla’s coat “should be short, smooth, dense and close-lying, without woolly undercoat”. Because of the lack of undercoat, this breed tends to get cold easily so it mustnt be left outside for a very long time. Moreover, this condition also suggests that the Vizsla sheds less compared to other breeds.

The Vizsla also gives off a distinct “smell” that’s easily recognizable by humans and that it is a self-cleaning dog that’s why bathing is only required as once in a while. Additionally, the breed standard requires this dog’s tail to be docked by 2/3 of its original length for safety issues. If left undocked, this breed’s tail tends to split and bleed, eventually leading to a more painful amputation later in life.

Aside from being a superb hunter, the Vizsla is also considered as a wonderful companion because it is energetic, gentle, loving and sensitive. It is a loyal dog to the master and tends to want constant attention and affection. It goes where the master goes and because of this, it is called the “Velcro dog”.

The Vizsla should not be provoked or threatened because, even though it is sweet and caring, it will fight back without second thoughts. It is also an intelligent and highly biddable breed but also very sensitive so as to not be handled with harsh criticisms or negative reinforcements. It is also a superb swimmer making him not only an excellent land retriever but in water as well.