6 min read · May 13, 2023
The Vizsla dog breed is the national dog of Hungary and is considered one of the oldest hunting dogs around. In fact, the name “Vizsla” means “pointer” in Hungarian. This stems from the Vizsla being a gundog who typically points with their body freezing into a lengthened straight line with one paw up while hunting game.
These dogs are known for being originated in Hungary but where did they come from before then? It can be difficult to trace the history of early origins however, it is said that the Vizsla likely began in the ninth century. There have been etchings found in stone that showcase a dog who looks like a Vizsla, along with a hunter and a falcon. During this time, Magyar tribes (nomadic pastoral people) migrated from Asia into the Carpathian Basin. The Carpathian Basin is what we know today as, Hungary.
The Magyars brought hunting and herding dogs with them while migrating which are the dogs that the Vizsla are thought to have evolved from. The Magyars needed a strong breed with speed and intelligence to accurately hunt game big and small which led to the descendant of the Vizsla. Throughout time this breed almost became extinct not only once but twice! From 1848–1849, a Hungarian poll proved that there were roughly 12 true Vizsla still around in the country but the breeding commenced and once again the Vizsla dog breed was saved.
Once they made their way to the United States, the breed increased as interest peaked for them as hunting dogs and sporting dogs. By 1960 the love of this dog grew, and they were officially brought on as the 115th breed to be recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club).
As a dog having a short coat, Vizsla dogs do shed and require the occasional brushing to help cut down on this issue. Luckily, they do not have an undercoat which keeps the fur from matting and keeps the fur from coming out in clumps. With their sleek coat, this dog breed proves to be easy to bathe as they don’t have much fur to wash through. Vizsla’s should be bathed about once every three months. Be careful not to over-bathe them as it could cause dry skin and irritation.
The Vizsla has floppy ears which can hold in dirt and bugs after playing around outside. Be sure to check for earwax as well and keep their ears clean regularly to prevent ear infections. Just as with any dog breed, Vizsla’s need their nails to stay trimmed to keep them from becoming overgrown and prevent potential infections. If your dog digs around outdoors a lot, there is a chance that their nails are already kept at a shorter length but keeping them clean is just as important.
Many breeds were bred solely to become working dogs and the Vizsla happens to be one of them. They are known for being active hunting dogs since the beginning of their lifetime and therefore, there were high standards in the personality needed to continuously get the job done. Remember, the Magyar’s bred Vizsla’s specifically to work for them and hunt animals such as pheasants, geese and ducks, rabbits, deer, and boar. This particular breed has even been known to hunt bears and wolves in times of need. The Vizsla breed is highly intelligent, quick to learn, strong, and has lots of energy. However, this breed requires consistent training from an early age in order to fully live up to its potential. Without proper training, they can become harder to work with. Vizsla’s have been hunting game for centuries and are dedicated in the field.
Not only have they been used as a hunting dog but people all around have relied on this breed to take on dog sporting events as well. Between their keen senses and their will to please, the Vizsla has proven worthy in both areas.
Aside from the hunting and sporting events, there have been more and more Vizsla’s working for the American airports’ security services. Their friendly appearance and drive to work make them the perfect candidate. As rumors have it people feel less uncomfortable when they come across a friendly-looking dog such as the Vizsla.
There’s no doubt that the Hungarian Vizsla breed as a whole has been famous a time or two for their dedicated work, the growing love of this breed in the US, and from surviving near extinction. So, are there any Vizslas that individually stood out among the breed that became what we would call… famous?
In short, yes, there are a few Vizsla’s that are well-known but the reasons are all uniquely different from one another. Starting with Matka whose role is to guard the Minnesota Capitol. In 2016 she was chosen for the job to join this security team because of her friendliness and her undeniable sense of smell. In this role, Matka is responsible for detecting bombs or any other threats that may be present in or around the building. Whiskey and Murray are two other Hungarian Vizsla’s that have somewhat become famous. Whiskey, a Vizsla living in Canada, has had her time to shine as an Instagram star while traveling the world with her owners.
They go on all sorts of trips together that often lead to them sleeping in tents in the Mountains. With Whiskey having the common Vizsla personality, she is able to keep up along any journey and enjoy herself as well. Murray, on the other hand, is a Vizsla who decided to take welcoming his owner’s home to a whole new level. In 2018 there was a picture circulating that showed Murray on the roof of their home. According to the owners he made the climb to the roof every day to welcome them home.
Because of their highly energetic personalities, Vizslas require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. This breed should get at least two hours of physical activity a day to keep from getting bored and destructive. As a big dog, they love being outdoors and it is best to take them on several walks each day to split up their exercise. Playing fetch or other outdoor games can be a fun way to replace having to take them on several walks.
As mentioned, Vizslas also need mental stimulation. They are very intelligent and when they aren’t properly using their mental capacity this could also lead to boredom which could lead to destruction. Providing fun games or hunting simulations can be a great way to let them use their mental capacity to its fullest and therefore, keep them happy and healthy.
As you can see, Vizsla’s have been used for their best qualities from the initial breeding that brought them into this world. They have the energy and strength to get any job done while also being ready to please their owner at any time. Vizsla’s typically come in very few colors such as golden, golden rust, and red golden. These brown-like colors make their coat appear shiny making them stand out among other breeds. According to the American Kennel Club, this breed falls into the sporting category and as anyone can see, for good reasons!
It’s no secret that the Hungarian Vizsla is one of the most hardworking dog breeds. They were bred to be working and hunting dogs and since then have taken on many jobs that have helped in several ways. Their friendly demeanor makes them great family dogs and the sleek coat you see makes them easy to care for. When the time comes to find a new dog, choosing a Hungarian Vizsla can be rewarding and will quickly make the best companion that you bring into your home.
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