Hungarian Vizsla

Hungarian Vizsla
Group: Gundog
Size: Large
Coat length: Short
Grooming required: Once a week
Coat sheds: No
Home size: Large House
Garden size: Large
Lifespan: Over 10 Years
Exercise: More than an hour per day
The Hungarian Vizsla makes an outstanding gun dog and a good family pet as long as their body and brain are given plenty to do.

They are a long-legged, medium sized hunting dog, lean and muscular with a short, smooth, rust-coloured coat. There are two main coat types, the Hungarian Vizsla has a short, smooth coat whereas the Hungarian Wire Haired Vizsla has a longer harsh coat. There is also a long-haired version but they are extremely rare and not registered anywhere in the world. The wire-haireds, with their tough coat and bushy eyebrows, are making something of a comeback.

They originate from Hungary where they have been used as a hunting dog for many years, for prey like game-birds and rabbits. The word "Vizsla" means "pointer". They are affectionate, highly trainable and highly intelligent. They have great scenting ability, too, and are happy to work in all weather but they need to be kept occupied and have a tendency to chew. They are people friendly and would be good for older children with lots of energy but may be too much for small children. They get along well with other dogs and can be trained to accept family cats but may not be trustworthy around wildlife and small mammals. They are a breed with enormous mental and physical energy and stamina and need plenty of opportunity to expend this.

The short coat is easy to maintain, the wire-haireds would need stripping. They are generally healthy but are prone to hip dysplasia.