Although vizsla dogs (also known as Hungarian vizslas) have been around for more than 1,000 years, they aren’t as familiar or common as some of the more recent breeds, like golden retrievers and German shepherds. But according to the American Kennel Club’s 2009 list of most popular dog breeds, vizslas’ popularity is on the rise – and with good reason. This versatile, affectionate canine has much to offer.
Vizslas: Working Dogs at Their Best
The vizsla dog’s consummate hunting ability dates back to its ancestors, who accompanied the Magyar tribes of Hungary on hunting trips for upland game, rabbit, and waterfowl. Hungarian vizslas are especially skilled at pointing and retrieving, thanks to their sharp noses and boundless energy. But they make great therapy dogs, too, because of their knack for sensing people’s moods. No matter how they’re put to use, vizslas were born to work – and they do it with unconditional enthusiasm.
Vizslas Excel at Dog Sports
Besides being top hunters and workers, vizslas excel at dog sports. They have all the traits of a first-rate competitor – athleticism, trainability, liveliness, and intuition. Plus, they like to spend time with their owners. So what are some favorite sports of this increasingly popular dog breed? Canine agility, flyball, rally, tracking, and disc dog, to name a few. But a trip to the local dog park or a long walk or run will suit vizslas fine, too.
The Vizsla Breed Makes a Loyal Family Dog
Probably the number one reason the vizsla has gained popularity is its ever-growing role as a favorite family dog. Vizslas have virtually everything a family could want in a dog. They are eager to please, gentle, loyal, affectionate, protective, responsive, and easy to care for (their short coats with no undercoat require little brushing and infrequent bathing). But this active dog who likes to be with his owners is not for a sedentary, rarely-at-home family. If bored, vizsla dogs can get destructive.
There’s even more to love – and know – about vizslas. Below are some other key traits of this popular dog breed of today:
- a life span of 10-14 years
- a medum-sized dog, averaging 40 to 65 pounds
- little or no “doggy” smell
- good with other pets (but may chase small animals)
- good with children (but supervision is always recommended with small children)
- generally, a healthy breed
- an excellent swimmer
- available in shorthaired and wirehaired (considered a separate breed) varieties
- can be chewers and eaters of anything, especially as puppies
- as protectors, they may be territorial
To know the vizsla breed is to understand why it has gained favoritism over the years and has become one of today’s popular dog breeds. Anyone interested in a vizsla dog can contact a vizsla breeder or rescue group. Information on both is available through the Vizsla Club of America.
Sources:
Fogle, Bruce. The Encyclopedia of the Dog. "Vizsla." New York: DK, 2007.
O’Neill, Amanda. What Dog? New York: Barrons, 2006.
Shields, Vicki. “Point Taken.” Dog Fancy, October 2009, 50-52.
Twin Cities Vizsla Club, www.tcvc.org
Susie Yakowicz - Susie Yakowicz is a Minnesota freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications for children and adults.
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