Vizsla dog breed’s history has been hotly debated. One theory is that the breed, also known as the Hungarian Vizsla, is relatively new and is descended from the Weimaraner. The most popular theory is that the breed goes back more than 1,000 years to the hunting dogs used by the Magyar people in central Europe. No matter where these dogs come from, they were and still are talented hunting dogs used primarily for birds but also for larger game.
The Vizsla is a medium-sized dog breed which stands between 21 and 24 inches tall and weighs 45 to 65 pounds. The head is narrow and the muzzle is deep. The eyes are a shade of brown blending in with the coat color. The ears are dropped. The body is strong, chest deep, and tail docked to one-third its natural length. The coat is short and dense and does not have a wooly undercoat. The coat color is distinctive golden rust. The coat requires weekly brushing with a soft bristled brush.
The Vizsla is a high-energy dog who needs vigorous daily exercise. Although walks will be enjoyed and are great for training and socialization, these dogs need a chance to run hard or swim every day. Without enough exercise, Vizslas can and will get into trouble, especially when young. A tired Vizsla is a happy Vizsla! Vizslas are bright and take well to training, although they can be surprisingly sensitive. Training should be fun yet firm and consistent. The Vizsla dog breed has done well in many canine sports, including agility, hunt tests, tracking, and search and rescue.
The Vizsla breed needs an active owner who wants to do things with the dog; this is not a good dog for the backyard. The ideal Vizsla owner would be as athletic as the dog is. These dogs can be great with kids, although Vizsla puppies can be rough and rowdy. The Vizsla is usually good with other dogs but may not be trustworthy with smaller pets. Health concerns include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, von Willebrand disease, and eye problems.