Welcome to Breed Basics where each week we will highlight a breed of dog to assist clients in finding the canine companion best suited to their lifestyle. We encourage potential pet owners to responsibly research dog breeds prior to purchase or adoption. If there is a breed you are considering, or are simply curious about, and would like our assistance in your research, please let us know, we would be happy to help!
This week’s featured breed – Vizsla
The Vizsla is an ancient breed thought to have first been bred in Hungary by the Magyars for hunting. Pictures of them can be seen in etchings dated from the 10th century. The Vizsla probably descended from several different types of pointers as well as the Transylvanian hound and the Turkish yellow dog. Vizsla actually means “pointer” in Hungarian. They have an excellent sense of smell and an almost endless supply of energy, which is why they made, and still make, such excellent hunting dogs. After World War II, the Vizsla almost became extinct, so a few Hungarians smuggled some of the dogs into America. The Vizsla actually has two cousins; one is the wirehaired Vizsla and the other one is the rare longhaired Vizsla. The shorthair variety is most common, however. They are still used today for hunting, retrieving, pointing, obedience, and agility. Vizsla’s are actually very healthy dogs and are only prone to hip dysplasia. They usually live around 12 – 15 years. The males are 22 – 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh 45 – 60 pounds whereas the females stand 20 – 24 inches and weigh 40 – 55 pounds. The Vizsla is a very active, working dog and needs plenty of exercise everyday including vigorous walks, runs, or you can even bike with them beside you! If they do not get enough exercise, they can become destructive. The Vizsla is intelligent, very trainable, gentle, and very athletic. They would make a great dog for an extremely active family!
Ask us at Animal Central for more information on the Vizsla or visit: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/vizsla.htm
Dr. George Stroberg, DVM and Staff
