TEMPERAMENT OF THE (SMOOTH) VIZSLA ~The Vizsla is bred to be a close working gun dog, and has the energy to range all day. He is lightly built, but muscular, giving him power, drive, speed and endurance in the field yet a loving companion in the home. He is a true hunter at heart, a talented pointer and always on the look out for bird scent. He can become frustrated and destructive if not given adequate excercise. The Vizsla needs excercise everyday, and cannot be expected to meet his energy requirements with a short walk or within a small yard. Most can be stubborn, some can be timid and others can be overly excitable. Vizslas are sensitive though fearless, devoted to those who treat them kindly and give them affection. The Vizsla is not very discriminating to who he shows affection, he loves everyone. He is gentle and sensitive, with a well developed protective instinct. The Vizsla makes a good companion for an active owner who spends a lot of time outdoors. The Vizsla has a medium to high energy level with lots of playfulness. He is highly affectionate, friendly towards other dogs, and other pets. The Vizsla loves meeting strangers, and has an above average ability to take training. He has a natural watchdog ability but is not a protection dog. The Vizsla requires very little grooming. He can tolerate shaded heat much better than cold.
HISTORY OF THE (SMOOTH) VIZSLA ~
The Vizsla, also called the Hungarian Vizsla or Hungarian Pointer, originated in Hungary. Writings about dogs of the Vizsla type are found in the Middle Ages. The Hungarian plains were rich in game, and hunters wanted a fast but close-working dog that could not only point and retrieve birds but trail mammals over thick ground cover.
Some of the original breeds in the background of the Vizsla are thought to have come from the Asian or Turkish greyhound and Buffons and Turkish Yellow hounds. Some sources stated that greyhounds of Sloughi type and also a Transylvanian hound may have been in the ancestry tree of the Vizsla or Hungarian Pointer as it is known in Hungary. Most of Europe now calls the Vizsla, the Magyar Vizsla. Hounds were used in the Hungarian region for hunting in the days of the Arpad dynasty from 11th to 14th century and it was most likely the Yellow Turkish Hound and variations of hounds were used to hunt with falcons.
The breed was established by the 18th century, having found special favor with barons and warlords of the time. By the end of World War I the breed had declined in numbers, almost extinct. It was revived through the discovery and careful breeding of about a dozen good specimens. World War II spread the vizsla throughout the world. Hungarians fleeing Russian occupation took their pointing dogs to various other countries, including America, where their handsome appearance and exceptional hunting abilities were soon appreciated. Importation of the breed into the United States began in the 1950's. AKC recognition came in 1960. The Vizsla quickly gained admirers, and the breed is now seen in the field, show ring and home.
Please note that the smooth Vizsla and the Wirehaired Vizsla are not the same breed and therefore cannot be bred together. If such a breeding takes place either on purpose or by accident, the offspring cannot be registered in any registry and are considered mix breeds.
THE (SMOOTH) VIZSLA STANDARD ~ A "stardard" for a breed is the written word of what the parent club VCA (Vizsla Club of America), has developed as a guide for what this breed's correct conformation is. Please click on the link below to see the Vizsla Standard according to The Vizsla Club of America for The American Kennel Club.
About the Vizsla
Vizcaya Vizslas
Bred for Conformation, Temperament and Natural AbilityThis page was last updated: March 31, 2014
