Did you know?
The name of one of the first Hungarian search engines was created by combining the name of the search engine “AltaVista” and “Vizsla”, and is called Altavizsla.
Vizsla (smooth)
Man himself cannot express love and humility by external signs so plainly as does a dog, when with dropping ears, hanging lips, flexuous body, and wagging tail, he meets his beloved master. – Charles Darwin
Vizslavilla’s puppy
As early as the 13th century, records exist documenting the use of the Vizsla as a hunting dog by the Magyar tribes in Hungary. Sometimes called the Hungarian Pointer, the Vizsla is a retriever and pointer and was once the companion of choice for the early Hungarian warlords, barons, and kings.
After near extinction in World War II, the Vizsla made a comeback due to the efforts of dedicated breeders, and is today, the national dog of Hungary.
The Vizsla excels as an upland bird dog, working equally effectively in fields, forests, or bodies of water. He is sometimes known as the “Yellow Pointer” in Hungary.
Photos displayed courtesy of Irene Balla, Vizslavilla Reg’d, Ontario
The Vizsla is a medium-sized and lightly built dog with an aristocratic appearance.
He stands 23 inches (58 cm) at the shoulder and comes in two coat types, wire-haired and smooth.
The Smooth Vizsla has a short, sleek, golden rust coloured coat that requires minimal grooming. The tail is docked to two-thirds.
The Vizsla should not be kept as an outside dog as he does not have a protective undercoat. He is a very clean animal who only requires an occasional bath. He is blessed with very little, if any, doggy odor.
Ch Vizslavilla’s Rip ASZU, FDX, NAVHDA II
“ASZU”
Ch Vizslavilla’s Rip ASZU, FDX, NAVHDA II
“ASZU”
Affectionate, gentle, and sensitive, the Smooth Vizsla is a wonderful family dog. He bonds strongly with his owners and children, and is a fun-loving and lively and protective companion. Because of his tendency to quickly form these bonds, even with strangers, he is often called the “velcro” dog! Naturally, he will not be happy if kept out of the family circle. Vizslas will cry or whine when they feel neglected or are otherwise unhappy.
The Vizsla is highly intelligent, obedient, and very trainable. Training and socialization are necessary for all dogs to learn good manners.
The Smooth Vizsla is extremely versatile. He excels in the field, obedience, and the conformation ring. He’s got the nose for tracking and the speed and reflexes for flyball and agility competition.
This is an active hunter who requires daily exercise. He shares his love of swimming with the other retrievers and should have access to a safe, enclosed area where he can get a good run.
The Vizsla has been used in pet therapy and as a guide dog for the blind.
CKC Breed Standard
Rescue Organizations