Meet Vizsla, A Giant Dog
Also called the Hungarian arm, it is a medium to large hunting dog, very active and muscular. In this article we’ll tell you all about the vizsla, a dog with an excellent sense of smell, whose origin dates back to the 10th century.
vizsla history
The ancestors of this breed – including the Braco da Panônia – were hunting dogs of the tribes of present-day Hungary, precisely in the vicinity of the Danube River.
Local farmers wanted to create a dog with a keen sense of smell to hunt waterfowl and rabbits, and also one that could adapt to the region’s climate.
In the 19th century, the crossing of several races, such as the German white and the pointer, began, which resulted in the vizsla we know today; a breed that was recognized by the FCI (International Cynological Federation) in 1924.
The breed came to the brink of extinction during the world wars; however, thanks to its export to the United States in 1950, it was possible to recover it little by little.
vizsla features
For a hunting dog, it is not strange that it is a robust, strong and agile animal, capable of running at great speed. He has an athletic build and his muscles are well defined.
As for his physique, we can emphasize that the vizsla is elegant, his body is longer than he is tall and his back is firm and straight. It has a deep, broad chest and a slightly pronounced curve at the belly.
Its tail is low set and also thick at the base. They don’t have very long legs, but they are well developed and have strong, arched toes.
The vizsla’s head is broad, as are the nose and muzzle. Its eyes are almond-shaped or yellowish and the ears fall to the sides until they reach the line of the cheeks.
The height in an adult male varies between 58 and 64 centimeters and its weight is around 20 to 27 kilos.
Females are a little shorter (no more than 60 centimeters) and thin (on average 25 kilos).
race behavior
The vizsla is a dog that forms a very strong bond with its owners and usually chases them around. Furthermore, it is an intelligent, curious and very dynamic race.
Being a great hunter, when he goes for a walk or is in the garden, he spends hours looking for or pointing out small animals; like rodents and birds.
He loves the water and loves to swim in both the river and the sea… he is the ideal dog to spend your vacation with you!
Another striking feature of the vizsla is that it barely barks. To keep you from getting bored or becoming destructive, it’s essential to stick to a “quota” of exercise every day.
Therefore, it is not a suitable pet for sedentary people or people living in small apartments.
It’s best to take a viszla if you have space at home, a park nearby, or if you like to be outdoors. It is even recommended for those who exercise a lot, as it can be an excellent company.
He has a more than friendly temperament, although he can become a strong defender of his territory.
It is very important that you socialize him as a puppy, so that he can get along with other pets.
And another thing to keep in mind: he doesn’t tolerate screaming. So teach it with positive training.
Vizsla dog health and care
It’s a reasonably healthy breed, so it won’t get too sick. It may present with some hereditary pathologies, such as hip dysplasia, skin allergies, progressive retinal dystrophy, hemophilia A, craniomandibular osteopathy or epilepsy.
When it comes to daily care, only exercise is needed. Occasional bathing and brushing will suffice, as this breed does not shed fur and does not give off much odor.
