Once bred exclusively for the use of royal hunters, the vizsla (figure A), or Hungarian gun dog, remains a born hunter but is now accessible to the rest of us. This breed, which can trace its lineage back 2,000 years, was unknown outside Europe until after World War II -- and is still somewhat rare. In fact, reputable breeders of vizslas are working hard to keep the breed free of defects; consequently, the numbers remain lower than those of some of the more popular breeds. Today the breed's physical characteristics show up in such breeds as the Weimaraner and the German shorthaired pointer, both of which owe part of their genetic makeup to interbreeding with the vizsla. Characteristics - Fond of hunting
- Easy to train
- Playful
- Loyal
- Intelligent
- Loving
- Dignified
- Methodical
- Precocious
- Healthy (except tendency to hip dysplasia and skin allergies, especially to soybean meal)
Physical traits - Medium size
- Golden-rust color
- Eyes same color as coat
- Regal head
- Lean, muscular body
The vizsla makes a great indoor pet but is best appreciated outdoors, where many of the breed's characteristics are most apparent. Vizslas need a good amount of exercise (count on about 45 minutes a day), and on walks a vizsla will keep her human in sight, running off to check out the surroundings but returning quickly to make sure the person is still there. Vizslas arevery easily trained and require only the most basic discipline; in fact, about a week's worth of basic commands usually result in a trained animal. Housebreaking is fairly simple -- just keep in mind that it's your job to understand and rechannel your pet's pack behavior to help her comprehend what you expect of her, and she will prove an eager and willing pupil.
RESOURCES :
Vizslas
Model: 0764103210
Author: Chris C. Pinney
Barrons Educational Series
October 1998
Barron's Educational Series, Inc.
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Versatile Vizsla
Model: 0931866545
Author: Marion I. Coffman
Alpine Pubns
January 1992
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