Vizsla Puppies Blog

What is a bird dog? A bird dog is a gun dog or hunting dog used to hunt or retrieve birds. In the southern United States the term bird dog refers to dog breeds such as the English Pointer, Gordon Setter, English Setter, Brittany, and also the Hungarian Vizsla!! With their unparalelled energy, drive, sense of smell and hunting instinct, Vizslas are excellent bird dogs, and any hunter can be proud to have a Vizslas a companion.

The Vizsla is a strong bird dog..or in other words a hunting dog. As with any hunting dog, the Vizsla is also a breed that needs lots of time outside in the open; running around and exercising a lot. They are in their element when they can run around with their boundless energy. Around the house, the Vizsla is gentle and affectionate; playful and lively. These dogs are well mannered in the house (but only) when given the chance to exercise properly. However, if left inactive they will become neurotic and destructive inside! So do keep this in mind when wanting to buy a Vizsla or is you hope to coop them up in a small flat, or home!! That’s a definite no-no!

The Vizsla is best suited for country living as they do not do as well in a city or suburban life. However, they can and will adapt if sufficient exercise is given to them on a dialy basis. It is best to give them plenty of opportunity to run off leash and regular daily walks as they are an energetic breed that needs exercise to feel both physically and mentally happy. Owners are warned not to create a lazy dog out of a Vizsla puppy! This is not a lazy breed in general and lack of exercise and overfeeding will be detrimental to the health of this amazing breed! Happy running around with your Vizsla!

Save money on vet bills! Do the basic health check yourself.

This is measured out of a scale of 1 to 10….

Affection: 10
Energy: 8
Playfulness: 8
Sociability – dogs: 6
Sociability – other pets: 8
Sociability – strangers: 6
Trainability: 6
Exercise needs: 2
Grooming needs: 4
Suitability to cold: 4
Suitability to heat: 6
Watch dog capability: 8
Guard dog capability: 4

The Vizsla’s temperament is much like that of otehr bird dogs or hunting dogs. They are playful, alert, social, and active. The Vizsla?s hunting roots are undeniable, and nothing makes it happier than a day in the field. With its boundless energy, it is difficult to tire out this dog. A Vizsla will retrieve and point naturally, and it also enjoys following the various scents it detects. Around the house, the Vizsla is gentle and affectionate; playful and lively. It thrives on the love and attention it can get from its family. These dogs are well mannered in the house when given the chance to exercise properly. However, if left inactive they will become neurotic and destructive inside. The Vizsla is intelligent and takes well to training, but it can be stubborn at times. Therefore consistent, firm training should be given to Vizsla puppies. With an overall sweet disposition, Vizslas are wonderful dogs.

Lovely video: starring Vincent the Vizsla

Hungary is famous for its sheepdogs. These include the Komondor, the Puli, the Pumi, the Mudi and the Kuvasz. But within the breed group of Vizsla, only 3 sub-categories can be found. Namely, the German Vizsla, the Italian Vizsla ( a.k.a Bracco Italiano) and the Hungarian Vizsla. The Hungarian Vizsla is the most-well known and thus the most well-loved as well. Within the famous Hungarian breeds, the Hungarian Vizsla stands regally next to the Transylvannian Hound (a.k.a Pannon Hound), since it is not a flock guard, but rather a hunting dog – unique to all the Hungarian dog breeds!

It developed independently from all the other Vizsla breeds, and its origin dates back to when the Magyars conquered the Carpathian Basin at the end of the 9th century. Hungarian tribes that settled in the Carpathian Basin brought dogs with them and these in turn mixed with hunting dogs of the Slavic people living in the occupied territory at that time. The dogs that evolved were the ancestors of today?s Hungarian hunting dog breeds, namely the Hungarian vizsla and the Transylvannian hound. Seperation of the two breeds occured in the 11th century and when the Turks conquered Hungary in the 16th centruy, the Vizsla developed further by crossing with the dogs of the Turks: namely with the dog breed called the Sloughi. Unfortunately, by the end of World War II, much of the Hungarian Vizsla population was destroyed. A few of these dogs were taken to Western Europe and America. The original book of origin was also lost in a fire, so the origin of some of the remaining facts became unknown. But top quality European breeders have perpetuated the gene-pool of this beautiful and regal breed that is very much loved outside of its native Hungary as well!

Welcome to the Blog that is dedicated to all the Vizslas and their fans! Regularly postings will be put up, that I hope will not only inform but entertain every Vizsla fan out there! All your comments are welcome, so please do leave your pawprint!