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Vizsla

Description:

The Vizsla is a medium sized hunting dog most commonly recognized for its golden rust coat. The head is wide between the ears, with a moderate stop and a muzzle that is deep and square. The eyes and nose should match the coat, and should not be any color other than brown; the Vizsla’s expression is keen and inquisitive. Ears are long and silky, and hang near the cheeks. The neck and body are lean and muscular, giving the dog’s body a light but powerful appearance. The legs are strong and sturdy: forequarters are straight and hindquarters are well developed with angulated hocks and stifles. The tail is carried level and docked one third off; feet are compact and catlike. The coat lies close to the body and is dense, smooth and short. The coat is solid in various shades of golden rust; occasionally, one will see some white markings on the dog’s chest. 

Temperament:

The Vizsla’s temperament is similar to that of most hunting dogs: playful, alert, social, and active. The Vizsla’s hunting roots are undeniable, and nothing makes it happier than a day in the field. The dog will retrieve and point naturally, and it also enjoys following the various scents it detects. Around the house, the Vizsla is gentle and affectionate, and thrives on the love and attention of its family. These dogs are well mannered in the house when given the chance to exercise properly, but if left inactive they will become neurotic and destructive. The Vizsla is intelligent and takes well to training, but it can be stubborn at times; consistent, firm training should overcome this. 

Caring for a Vizsla:

The Vizsla is a naturally active breed that needs vigorous exercise every day. A brisk walk is good but not ideal; allowing your Vizsla to run at full gallop around a field for 30 minutes to an hour every day is preferable. The Vizsla’s innate friendliness toward people means aggression should not be an issue, but proper socialization is still a must. Introduce your Vizsla pup to strangers, children and other dogs as much as you can in order to cultivate the sweet personality the breed is known for. The Vizsla is able to live outdoors in moderate climates, though this is certainly not encouraged as the dog is much happier indoors with its family. The dog is not terribly cold resistant, however, and should always be kept inside on chilly nights. Coat care is an afterthought; an occasional brushing and an as-needed bath should do the trick. The Vizsla is moderately susceptible to epilepsy; less common problems include canine hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and lymphosarcoma.