The Hungarian dog breed, Vizsla, is popularly known as an elite type of sporting dog and as a dependable animal companion. During Eighth century, this breed has been depicted as a hunting companion on wall paintings of the Magyar tribe, people who once roamed parts of Hungary. From those times until now, the Vizsla is still the same breed that’s recognized by a lot people as an excellent sporting dog.

The Vizsla is a distinguished hunter and has been accompanying legions of hunters during hunting trips for centuries. These fanciers discovered that not only does this breed have a great skill in smelling but in retrieving and pointing as well. So together with the fact that it is the smallest breed of its type, the Vizsla is being recognized as the smallest of all all-round pointer breeds.

In terms of body build, the Vizsla is robust, light and lean with defined musculature; and stately in posture and bearing. However, this breed is often mistaken for a Weimaraner, Redbone Coonhound or Rhodesian Ridgeback since they all seem to share similar body build and coat colors. So in order to point out the real Vizsla, remember that it must possess a nose that is of reddish shade, which blends with the coat color.

Moreover, the nails and eyes of a real Vizsla should also blend with the coat color. The standard coat color for this breed is solid golden-rust but there are some litters that are born solid rust-colored. Copper or brown, gold and dark sandy gold are some shades that are acceptable for this breed.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the coat of the Vizsla “should be short, smooth, dense and close-lying, without woolly undercoat”. The lack of an undercoat also makes this dog susceptible to cold and thus it shouldnt be left hanging out in the open for too long. This condition also suggests that the Vizsla is less of a threat to people who are allergic to dog hair.

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.

In the dog sporting world, this breed is considered outstanding but inside the house as a pet, it is considered as magnificent as it is caring, affectionate, lively and loyal. It is the type of companion that always feigns for the master’s love and affection. Because of this, the breed was named as 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.

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