Vizsla

[mara]

Germanshepards asked for a bit about the Vizsla. I will try and be as brief as possible, but I tend to be long winded, as you have probably already noticed!! Mara is my first Vizsla and I've only really gotten to know the breed over the past 3 years. I saw one years ago in Seattle and thought it was one of the most beautiful dogs I had ever seen. Then I kind of forgot about the breed because you really don't see that many around. I was lucky to find a Canadian Kennel Club registered breeder within a couple hours of home so when I decided to get to know the breed it was quite easy to go and spend time with them. Doglady has more experience with the breed than I do so if I get anything wrong or miss anything, Doglady, please help me out. So, first of all it's pronounced either "Vishla" or "Veeshla". They are also known as "Hungarian Pointers". The translation of the word Vizsla is "alert and responsive". Their nickname is either "versatile Vizsla" or "Velcro Vizsla" (the velcro part is particularly true with Mara!!) They are sporting dogs--gundogs--that can find, point, and retrieve game. They have both wonderful eyesight and sense of smell. They are primarily used as pointing and retrieving dogs when bird hunting but are also used to flush rabbits. They will readily retrieve birds from thick marshy areas or water. I am not a hunter but am told by hunters that I meet while walking that they can tell by the way Mara moves in the thickets and marshes that she would be a great hunting dog. Vizslas are also wonderful companions. They love to be with people all the time and love to learn and please. Mara can run for hours but is also happy with just being a couch potato. Last winter she loved curling up in front of the fire!! They are versatile in that they are able to compete in conformation shows, obedience trials, field trials, agility...I think Mara would also make a good visiting dog for Retirement homes but not for a couple more years (very "high energy" right now!!)
They are a very old breed. It is thought that they accompanied the Magyars from the east to central Europe as far back as 895!! The Vizsla is thought to be the dog drawn in Magyar tribal art discovered in caves. The first mention of the Vizsla in writing has been found as far back as the mid 1300's. Vizslas almost became extinct during WW1 when the Russians invaded Hungary but a few people who fled the country managed to take their dogs with them. After the war the breed slowly regained it's numbers. It is thought the first Vizsla came to North America in the 1950's and they were officially recognized by the AKC in 1960.
Vizsla's are considered a medium sized dog 22-24 inches at the shoulders and 50-60 pounds. They have very short hair usually rust in colour but can range to a cinamon colour. They should not have any white but a small amount on their chest is acceptable. Their nose, lips and the area around their eyes is a brownish red and their nails are brown. The breed standard is a 2/3 docked tail. Their eye colour blends with the colour of their hair. When their eyes first open until they are about 4 months old their eyes are bright blue.
Mara has at times been quite a challange. She dug up most of the back lawn by the time she was 6 months old. She even uprooted rhododendren brushes that were 5 times her size. She had a tunnel system throughout the back yard too. It seemed as soon as I turned my back she was in to something. I'm lucky that with my work schedule I can exercise her for about 4 hours a day otherwise I'm sure there would be more damage than just a dug up lawn!! She chewed the wood trim on the outside of the house and even chewed a couple holes in the cedar fence. She has destroyed a few cushions and many many toys, socks, anything I'm careless enough to leave lying around. I don't have children and am single so I can devote most hours in the day to Mara. I absolutely adore her and can't even imagine life without her.
The process of being chosen to be able to purchase Mara was quite involved and included several interviews with the breeders and a 40 question questionaire and a written contract to spay her and to return her to the breeder if for any reason I am unable to care for her or if she out lives me.

So, that's it for me, hope you were able to stay awake through my story. Mara's mom, Sue

[Blaze]

Wow thanks for telling us all about the Vizsla! It was very interesting to read! I didn't really know much about them but I always thought they were beautiful dogs and they certainly sound like a great breed!

[mara]

I love learning about all the different breeds. It fascinates me how each breed has/had a purpose--makes it easier to understand their behaviours.

[GermanShepherds]

Thanks Mara!! I read it all, very fasicnating!
Thanks for sharing, i never heard of the breed before, very cool.

[doglady]

Originally Posted by mara

. Doglady has more experience with the breed than I do so if I get anything wrong or miss anything, Doglady, please help me out.

Look's like you covered it well. One thing I also learned about V's that is sooo true.....A happy V is a tired out V. I never had problem with Roo chewing things up. From 8 weeks on I taught him to chew rawhide chips and used bitter apple on furniture to deter him from chewing on them. An when it came to digging I had a large sand pile in the backyard. When he felt the urge to dig he jumped into the sand pile and had at it. My main problem I have with him is that he can't be trusted in the house alone. He just loves to counter surf...one thing I just can't seem to train out of him.

Here is some more info I taken from Ingle & Mead's Vizsla Homepage.....
http://www.vizsladogs.com/home.htm

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Vizslas hyper?

As in any active sporting breed, Vizslas are energetic and enthusiastic. However, the Vizsla should not be hyper. Good breeders take care to breed for a good disposition, intelligence and personality - as well as conformation and hunting skills. Vizslas do require daily exercise, which should include running, not just walking, and they should have companionship and toys so that they do not become bored. A bored Vizsla can become a destructive Vizsla.

Can Vizslas jump fences?

Vizslas are extremely agile and can easily clear fences over six feet (and some Vizslas may be even more "talented"). They do require a securely fenced yard. Usually, a Vizsla will not jump high fences to leave his yard unless he is bored or lonely.

Can a Vizsla live in an apartment?

Vizslas can live in any environment if they have enough exercise, a warm, dry place to stay, and love and attention.

Do Vizslas get along well with children, cats and other dogs?

Like most dogs, Vizslas who are well socialized will get along very well with children, cats, and other dogs. They love affection and companionship. In general, the more people and animals that are around them, the happier they are.

Do Vizslas "mouth" a lot? Do they retrieve well?

Many Vizslas are known for their "mouthing." They are very soft-mouthed and like to gently hold a hand in their mouth. Many like to carry articles of clothing and shoes around, like a retriever. Most Vizslas love to retrieve.

[mara]

Thanks Doglady--Ingle and Meads is a great resource for Vizsla info.

[pitbullgrl]

Originally Posted by mara

I love learning about all the different breeds. It fascinates me how each breed has/had a purpose--makes it easier to understand their behaviours.

yep me too.. i simply love vizslas.. i know someone who has a friend that rescuses these dogs.. very cool

[barnjess]

WOW what a great read and breed! i am looking for a new dog so i can show after long hours researching i narrowed it down to two breeds the german short haired pointer and the vizsla, the vizsla is my favourite and there are lots of breeders near me, I have never even meet a vizsla where would be the best place to start? Would it be contacting a local breeder and asking if i can meet help with her dogs? as i am looking for a dog for show, what age do you know if they are going to be of show quality? Also any advice of the questions to ask the breeder and what to look for would be great. Do most breeders have a spay contract or does it depend?

[mara]

I live in Canada and I don't think show dogs are allowed to be spayed here. I spent a lot of time at the breeders before getting Mara. They are a very high energy breed and need quite a bit of work, in my experience, but I just love the breed. There is a new dog in agility class--a Wirehaired Pointer. That's sure a cool dog. I don't show Mara. Doglady on this forum has a Vizsla and a GSP.

[barnjess]

I think that the AKC doesnt let you show is the nog is spayed, the in the UK it doesnt matter as long as you inform them. Whats the adverage price for a show quality pup?