Vizsla

{{short description|Dog breed}} {{About||the Wirehaired Vizsla|Wirehaired Vizsla|use of the name Vizsla in ''Star Wars''|List of Star Wars characters||}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}  {{Infobox Dogbreed | image =Wyżeł węgierski gładkowłosy 500.jpg | altname = Hungarian Vizsla<br/>Magyar Vizsla<br/>Hungarian Pointer | name = Vizsla | maleweight = {{convert|45|-|66|lb|kg|abbr=on}} | femaleweight = {{convert|40|-|55|lb|kg|abbr=on}} | maleheight = {{convert|22|-|25|in|cm|abbr=on}} | femaleheight = {{convert|21|-|24|in|cm|abbr=on}} | country = {{flag|Hungary}}  | kc_name = | kc_std = | fcistd = http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/057g07-en.pdf }}

The '''Vizsla''' ({{IPA|hu|ˈviʒlɒ|lang}}),{{efn|Sources report various pronunciations in English, with some closer approximations of the Hungarian original like {{IPAc-en|ˈ|v|ɪ|ʒ|l|ɔː}},<ref name=dictionary>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dictionary.com/browse/vizsla|title=Definition of vizsla | Dictionary.com|website=www.dictionary.com}}</ref> {{IPAc-en|ˈ|v|iː|ʒ|l|ə}}, or {{IPAc-en|ˈ|v|ɪ|ʒ|l|ə}},<ref name=mw>{{Cite web|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vizsla|title=Definition of VIZSLA |website= merriam-webster.com|date=22 January 2024 }}</ref> and others more influenced by the spelling like {{IPAc-en|ˈ|v|iː|z|l|ə}}<ref name=mw/> or {{IPAc-en|ˈ|v|iː|s|l|ə}}.<ref name=mw/>}} also known as '''Hungarian Vizsla''', '''Magyar Vizsla''' or '''Hungarian Pointer''', is a dog breed from Hungary and belongs to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) group 7 (Pointing Dogs),<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 29, 2020|title=Pointing dogs|url=http://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/7-Pointing-Dogs.html|website=Federation Cynologique Internationale}}</ref> the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) group 1 (Sporting group),<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sporting dogs|url=https://www.ckc.ca/en/Choosing-a-Dog/Choosing-a-Breed/Sporting-Dogs|access-date=October 29, 2020|website=Canadian Kennel Club}}</ref> and the American Kennel Club (Sporting group).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sporting dogs|url=https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/sporting/|access-date=October 29, 2020|website=American Kennel Club}}</ref> The Hungarian or Magyar Vizsla or Smooth-Haired Vizsla are sporting dogs and loyal companions. The Vizsla's medium size is one of the breed's most appealing characteristics. As a hunter of fowl and upland game, the Vizsla has held a prominent position among sporting dogs – that of household companion and family dog.

The Hungarian Vizsla is a versatile hunting dog that was traditionally and is currently used to hunt, point, and retrieve, referring to the dog's natural ability in tracking, pointing, and retrieving game, including in water.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/gundogs/gundog-breeds/hunt-point-retrieve-58450/|title=Shooting UK: Hunt, point and retrieve – truly versatile dogs|date=June 2016 |access-date = 15 Oct 2023}}</ref> Although they are lively, gentle-mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive, they are also fearless and possess a well-developed protective instinct.<ref name="vca">{{cite web|url=http://clubs.akc.org/vizsla/history.htm|title=Vizsla Club of America|access-date = 16 June 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080417005637/http://clubs.akc.org/vizsla/history.htm  |archive-date = 17 April 2008}}</ref>

==Description== ===Appearance=== The Hungarian Vizsla is a short-coated hunting dog of distinguished appearance and bearing.<ref name="akc">{{cite web|url=http://www.akc.org/breeds/vizsla/|title=AKC Vizsla Breed Standard|access-date = 16 June 2008}}</ref> Robust, but rather lightly built, they are lean dogs that have defined muscles.

Various breeds are often mistaken for Vizslas and vice versa. Redbone Coonhounds, Weimaraners and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are most commonly mixed up. The body structure of a Vizsla is very similar in appearance to a Weimaraner and a Redbone Coonhound, though the Vizsla is typically leaner with a more defined musculature. Weimaraners and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are generally larger than Vizslas.

The nose of the Vizsla will usually be a reddish color that blends with the coat color. Black, brown, light pink, or another color nose is an indication of another breed. A Vizsla's eye and nail color usually also blend with the coat color.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coloradovizsla.org/|title=Colorado Wyoming Vizsla Rescue Group|access-date = 16 June 2008}}</ref>

====Color and coats==== thumb|Five-month-old Vizsla with the standard "golden rust" coat The standard coat is French-row yellow in several shadings.<ref name="akc"/> The coat could also be described as a yellow, orange, copper-brown color, russet gold, and dark sandy gold. Solid, dark, mahogany red and pale yellow are considered faults and a disqualification in competitions. Small areas of white on the fore-chest, neck, or tail are permissible<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akc.org/breeds/vizsla/index.cfm|title=Vizsla Dog Breed Information|work=akc.org|access-date=2 April 2005|archive-date=4 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904230727/http://www.akc.org/breeds/vizsla/index.cfm|url-status=dead}}</ref> but not preferred. Some variations in the Vizsla coat color along their back (saddle-type marks) are typical.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standards for the Vizsla states that the coat should be short, smooth, dense, and close-lying, without a woolly undercoat. The Vizsla is not suited to being kept outside since, unlike most other breeds, it does not have an undercoat. They are self-cleaning dogs and rarely need to be bathed, if ever. They have little noticeable "dog smell" detectable by humans. After several forays into lakes and streams they will develop an aroma that is a weaker version of the 'wet dog' smell. A quick bath and this odor will vanish.

==== Grooming and cleaning ==== Maintaining a Vizsla's coat is relatively simple because of its short hair. When wet, a quick towel pat-down dries the dog fast, and for mud or dirt, letting it dry makes brushing it off easy. Using a velvet brush not only keeps their coat shiny but also helps in removing much of what they shed. Unlike most dogs, vizslas shed during all seasons, so it is important to keep up with brushing. Aside from their fur, keeping their claws trimmed prevents injury due to excessive length, and chewing on hard items like raw marrow bones prevents plaque buildup and ensures clean teeth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Managing Your Vizsla |url=https://www.hungarianvizslaclub.org.uk/managing-your-vizsla/. |access-date=11 December 2023 |website=Hungarian Vizsla Club|date=15 March 2015}}</ref>

====Size==== The Vizsla is a medium-sized dog, The average height and weight: *Males **Height: {{convert|23|-|27|in|cm|abbr=on}} **Weight: {{convert|45|-|66|lb|kg|abbr=on}} *Females **Height: {{convert|20.5|-|24|in|cm|abbr=on}} **Weight: {{convert|40|-|55|lb|kg|abbr=on}}

====Tail==== thumb|Vizsla pointing The Vizsla holds its tail horizontal to the ground and wags it vigorously while charging through rough scrub and undergrowth.

The American breed standard calls for the tail to be docked to two-thirds of its original length,<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.ukcdogs.com/vizsla|title=Breed Standards : Vizsla|website=United Kennel Club}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Vizsla.pdf|title=Official Standard for the Vizsla|website=American Kennel Club}}</ref> though docking for cosmetic reasons is opposed by the American Veterinary Medical Association,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/ear-cropping-and-tail-docking-dogs|title=Ear cropping and tail docking of dogs|website=American Veterinary Medical Association}}</ref> the American Animal Hospital Association,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aaha.org/about-aaha/aaha-position-statements/ear-croppingtail-docking|title=Ear cropping and tail docking|website=American Animal Hospital Association|date=June 2021}}</ref> and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.<ref name="canadianveterinarians.net">{{Cite web |url=https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/cosmetic-alteration |title=CVMA | Documents | Cosmetic Alteration – Position Statement|website=Canadian Veterinary Medical Association|date=January 27, 2014|access-date=10 July 2020 |archive-date=19 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819092623/https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/cosmetic-alteration |url-status=dead}}</ref> UK's Kennel Club breed standard permits both a docked tail or a natural tail;<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/gundog/hungarian-vizsla/ |title=Hungarian Vizsla | Breed Standards |website=The Kennel Club}}</ref> this accommodates laws in England & Wales and in Scotland which outlaw docking for cosmetic reasons but exempt docking in newborn working dogs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media-centre/2016/october/kennel-club-welcomes-new-scottish-laws-to-protect-dog-welfare/|title=Kennel Club Welcomes New Scottish Laws To Protect Dog Welfare|website= The Kennel Club}}</ref>

The docked tail of the Vizsla is significantly longer than that of other dogs with traditionally docked tails such as the Weimaraner, Dobermann, Boxer, and Australian Shepherd. Since the tail is docked when the puppy is less than three days old, this longer dock can result in some variation in tail length among Vizsla dogs from different breeding programs.

===Temperament=== thumbnail|Vizslas are excellent swimmers. thumb|13-month old male Vizsla taking a rest They are natural hunters with an excellent ability to take training.<ref name="akc"/> Not only are they great pointers, but they are excellent retrievers as well. They will retrieve on land and in the water making the most of their natural instincts. However, they must be trained gently and without harsh commands or strong physical correction, as they have sensitive temperaments and can be easily damaged if trained too harshly.<ref name="gottlieb">{{cite book |last = Gottlieb |first = Gay |title = The Complete Hungarian Vizsla |publisher = Ringpress |year = 2002 |isbn = 0-948955-32-5}}</ref>

Vizslas thrive on attention, exercise, and interaction. They are intelligent dogs and need a lot of mental stimulation when young. If left alone for long hours, they can be bored and become destructive.<ref>{{cite web|title=The VIZSLA|url=http://www.hungarianvizslaclub.org.uk/owning/the-vizsla/|access-date = 15 September 2015}}</ref> With proper socialization and training, Vizslas are very gentle dogs that can be great around children. The Vizsla wants to be close to its owner as much as possible, and it is commonly observed that Vizslas insist on sleeping under the covers in their owner's bed at night.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hungarian Vizsla: Puppy Facts, Dog Breed Information and More|url=https://www.dogslife.com.au/dog-breeds/hungarian-vizsla|access-date=13 October 2020|website=DogsLife|date=31 December 2016}}</ref>

==Health== thumb|Vizslas that live in cold weather climates often need protection from the harsh conditions. A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13.5 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.<ref>{{cite journal | last=McMillan | first=Kirsten M. | last2=Bielby | first2=Jon | last3=Williams | first3=Carys L. | last4=Upjohn | first4=Melissa M. | last5=Casey | first5=Rachel A. | last6=Christley | first6=Robert M. | title=Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death | journal=Scientific Reports | publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC | volume=14 | issue=1 | date=2024-02-01 | issn=2045-2322 | doi=10.1038/s41598-023-50458-w | page=| pmc=10834484 }}</ref> The Vizsla is considered to be a robust dog but some localized breeding programs using a small number of dogs have led to heritable illnesses in some offspring including: * Hip dysplasia is very rare but possible.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.offa.org/hipstatbreed.html|title=Orthopedic Foundation for Animals|access-date = 19 June 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080614195118/http://www.offa.org/hipstatbreed.html  |archive-date = 14 June 2008}}</ref> * Canine epilepsy * Cancer (mast cell tumors, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma) * Sebaceous adenitis Responsible breeders do not select dogs for breeding if they have such inherent problems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.offa.org/purpose.html|title=Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: Purpose|work=offa.org|access-date=9 May 2013|archive-date=31 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831142751/http://www.offa.org/purpose.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Vizslas can also suffer from hypothyroidism, dwarfism, persistent right aortic arch, tricuspid valve dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy. Major risks include epilepsy and lymphosarcoma. Vizslas can also be prone to skin and food allergies.

There is also the possibility of diseases and cancer developing in Vizslas that are spayed or neutered. According to the Veterinary Medical DataBases, lymphoma is most likely to occur in gonadectomized Vizslas (4.3x) compared to sexually intact Vizslas. However, this is due to the fact that there is a 1.1% chance of illness in dogs neutered 12 months after birth compared to the 0.3% chance in dogs neutered before 12 months, and the 0.1% chance in those that are sexually intact.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Howe |first=Lisa M |date=2015 |title=Current Perspectives on the Optimal Age to Spay/Castrate Dogs and Cats. |url=https://www.dovepress.com/current-perspectives-on-the-optimal-age-to-spaycastrate-dogs-and-cats-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-VMRR |journal=Dove Medical Press Limited |volume=6 |pages=171–180 |via=College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University}}</ref> thumb|Vizsla puppies (about 2 months old). Vizslas can be prone to various bleeding-related conditions such as hemophilia A and Von Willebrand's disease, leading to significant bleeding even from minor wounds due to a lack of blood clotting. Additionally, they may experience hypothyroidism, necessitating lifelong medication to support their thyroid in producing essential hormones for their survival.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Dearth |first=Kim D R |date=October 2000 |title=The Venerable Vizsla |url= |journal=Dog World |volume=85 |pages=18 |via=PJS Publications}}</ref>

=== Breeding === A Vizsla will begin puberty on average 8–10 months after birth. Though for Vizslas and most other breeds, they should not be bred during their first heat; instead, the second or third heat cycle is when they should be bred if desired. But even these measures can vary depending on the dog's mental and physical maturity.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Pinney |first=Chris C |title=Vizslas : Everything about Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Grooming, Behavior, and Training. |publisher=Barron’s |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-7641-0321-6 |location=Hauppauge, New York |pages=64}}</ref>

==History== thumb|A Vizsla puppy with a toy The first written reference to the Vizsla dog breed has been recorded in the ''Illustrated Vienna Chronicle'' prepared on order of King Louis I of Hungary by the Carmelite Friars in 1357.<ref name="boggs">{{cite book |last = Boggs |first = Bernard C |title = The Vizsla |publisher = Behi Publishing Company |year = 2000 |isbn = 0-9700978-0-8}}</ref>{{page needed|date=January 2021}}

The Vizsla has survived the Turkish occupation (1526–1696), the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, World War I, World War II and the Hungarian People's Republic. However, Vizslas faced and survived several near-extinctions in their history, including being overrun by English Pointers and German Shorthaired Pointers in the 1800s (Boggs, 2000:19) and again to near-extinction after World War II.<ref name="boggs"/> A careful search of Hungary and a poll of Hungarian sportsmen revealed only about a dozen Vizslas of the true type still alive in the country. From that minimum stock, the breed rose to prominence once again. The various "strains" of the Vizsla have become somewhat distinctive as individuals bred stock that suited their hunting style. Outside Hungary, Vizslas were commonly bred in Romania, Austria, Slovakia, and Serbia.

The Vizsla started arriving in the United States at the close of World War II. As interest in and devotion to the breed began to increase, owners formed the Vizsla Club of America in order to gain American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition. As a result of registering foundation stock with the AKC, Vizsla owners were able to obtain official recognition on 25 November 1960, as the Vizsla became the 115th breed recognized by the American Kennel Club.<ref name="vca"/>

The Vizsla was used in development of other breeds, most notably the Weimaraner, Wirehaired Vizsla and German Shorthaired Pointer breeds.<ref name="boggs"/> There is much conjecture about those same breeds, along with other pointer breeds, being used to reestablish the Vizsla breed at the end of the 19th century.<ref name="boggs"/>

=== Vizsla in the UK === Approximately 4,520 Vizsla puppies are registered with the Kennel Club of Great Britain (KC) each year, making the breed one of the top 50 most popular. The number is steadily rising year after year as more people recognize the breed.<ref name="KC">[http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=926&d=pg_dtl_art_news&h=242&f=0 KC Registration Statistics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070628220058/http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=926&d=pg_dtl_art_news&h=242&f=0 |date=28 June 2007}}. Accessed 28 May 2007.</ref> There are two breed clubs for the Vizsla in Britain; The Hungarian Vizsla Club<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hungarianvizslaclub.org.uk/|title=Hungarian Vizsla Club – Kennel Club registered – founded 1968}}</ref> and The Hungarian Vizsla Society.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vizsla.org.uk/|title=Hungarian Vizsla Society|website=Hungarian Vizsla Society}}</ref> The winner of the Best In Show award at Crufts 2010 was a Vizsla named Hungargunn Bear It'n Mind.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8567343.stm|title=Crufts 2010 won by Hungarian Vizsla called Yogi |date=14 March 2010|publisher=BBC News|access-date=14 March 2010}}</ref>

=== Vizsla in the US === About 2,500 Vizslas are registered in the U.S. every year. According to the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association,<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association |url=https://www.navhda.org/ |access-date= |website=North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association}}</ref> Vizslas are the 7th highest annually registered dog, and this popularity has remained over the past 10 years. Other clubs in the U.S. include the Vizsla Club of America<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=THE VIZSLA CLUB OF AMERICA, INC. |url=https://vcaweb.org/ |website=The Vizsla Club of America}}</ref> (breeding club) and The American Kennel Club (AKC).<ref>{{Cite web |title=The American Kennel Club |url=https://www.akc.org/ |website=The American Kennel Club}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Koshyk |first=Craig |date=16 June 2023 |title=Vizsla: Dog Breed Information, Form, Function, History, and More. |url=https://projectupland.com/hunting-dogs/vizsla/ |access-date=11 December 2023 |website=Project Upland}}</ref>

The Vizsla Club of America is a club dedicated to the health, betterment, and rescue of the purebred Hungarian Vizsla. Established in the year 2000, this club partners with the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation<ref>{{Cite web |title=The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation |url=https://www.akcchf.org/ |website=The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation}}</ref> to further research in the field of Vizsla health, specifically health related issues such as hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, mast cell cancer, canine epilepsy, brucellosis, diet-related DCM and temperament studies. They also partner with independent rescue organizations in creating a rescue fund for Vizslas as well as The Frank Lacko Memorial Cancer Research Fund to research and eventually end cancer in the Vizsla breed.<ref name=":0" />

==In popular culture== * ''Kubrick the Dog'', a 2011 photography book by British fashion photographer and film maker Sean Ellis as a tribute to his Vizsla dog named Kubrick.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vogue Photog Sean Ellis' Book About His Best Friend: Kubrick the Dog|date=18 October 2010|url=http://racked.com/archives/2010/10/18/vogue-photog-sean-ellis-book-about-his-best-friend-kubrick-the-dog.php|publisher=Racked|access-date=13 December 2012}}</ref> * Comedian Drew Lynch had a Vizsla, Stella, as a service dog, until 2022. They hosted a YouTube series called "Dog Vlog".<ref>{{cite web |last=Gutelle |first=Sam |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2017/08/24/youtube-millionaires-drew-lynch/ |title=YouTube Millionaires: Drew Lynch Uses His Dog Vlog To "Make Fun Of Myself And Our Experiences" |date=August 24, 2017 |publisher=Tubefilter |quote=My dog would say it's because she's there that we even get views. I try to give every video my all, but it's really the team that surrounds me, including Stella, that makes ''Dog Vlog'' look good. We've been doing videos for about two and a half years, which is about 18 years in dog time. So according to her, she's put in WORK. |access-date=May 17, 2018}}</ref> * NBA player Kevin Love owns a Hungarian Vizsla named Vestry, who is frequently featured on social media and accompanies him to games and events.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 22, 2024 |title=Kevin Love's Dog Vestry Is 'Just the Best': Meet the NBA Star's Hungarian Vizsla |url=https://people.com/pets/kevin-love-hungarian-vizsla-dog-vestry-loves-basketball-milkbone-exclusive/ |access-date=May 23, 2025 |website=People}}</ref> * The 1972 Hungarian animated series ''Frakk, a macskák réme'', created by Ágnes Bálint and produced by Pannonia Film Studio, features Frakk, a Hungarian Vizsla in humorous conflicts with two house cats.

==See also== * Dogs portal * List of dog breeds * National symbols of Hungary * Wirehaired Vizsla, a breed developed in the 1930s by interbreeding Vizsla and German Wirehaired Pointer * Hungarian dog breeds

==References== {{notelist}}

==Further reading== * Boggs, B. C. ''The Vizsla''; Glenbrier Publishing Company; Revised Edition, 1972. {{ISBN|0-9608838-0-0}}. * Coffman, Marion I. ''Versatile Vizsla''; Alpine Blue Ribbon Books; 2nd edition (May 2004). {{ISBN|1-57779-056-1}}. * Hart, Ernest H. ''Vizslas''; TFH Publications, 1990. {{ISBN|0-86622-436-X}}. * Pinney, Chris C., D.V.M. ''Vizslas: A Complete Owner's Guide''; Barron's, 1898. {{ISBN|0-7641-0321-0}}. * White, Robert L. ''Hungarian Vizsla''; PetLove Books (Published in UK by Interpret Books). {{ISBN|1-903098-59-9}}.

==External links== {{commons}}

Category:FCI breeds Category:Dog breeds originating in Hungary Category:Gundogs Category:Pointers Category:Hungarian words and phrases