Vizsla
General
The ancestors of todays Vizsla were favoured hunting dogs of the Magyar bribes that lived in the Pannonian Basin as long ago as the 10th century. Ancient stone drawings estimated to be at least 100 years old, show the Magyar hunter with both his Vizsla and also his falcon which was used for hunting.
Vizslas nearly became extinct over the year, having been overrun by English Pointers and the German Shorthaired Pointers in the 1800's. Vizslas faced and survived several near-extinctions in their history, including being overrun by English Pointers and German Shorthaired Pointers in the 1800s, and again after World War 11, when it was found that there were only about a dozen of pure breeding left. Further breeding was undertaken from this stock and the breed once again became popular. In addition to Hungary, they were bred in Slovakia, Servia, Romania and Austria.
The Vizsla is registered in both UK and USA. In addition to being a suberb hunter, this dog makes a wonderful family dog provided it is in the right home.
This dog breed excels in retrieving game on all sorts of terrain, including water, as they are excellent swimmers. Not only are they great pointers, but they are excellent retrievers as well. No hunter could wish for a better companion.
The ancestors of todays Vizsla were favoured hunting dogs of the Magyar bribes that lived in the Pannonian Basin as long ago as the 10th century. Ancient stone drawings estimated to be at least 100 years old, show the Magyar hunter with both his Vizsla and also his falcon which was used for hunting.
Vizslas nearly became extinct over the year, having been overrun by English Pointers and the German Shorthaired Pointers in the 1800's. Vizslas faced and survived several near-extinctions in their history, including being overrun by English Pointers and German Shorthaired Pointers in the 1800s, and again after World War 11, when it was found that there were only about a dozen of pure breeding left. Further breeding was undertaken from this stock and the breed once again became popular. In addition to Hungary, they were bred in Slovakia, Servia, Romania and Austria.
The Vizsla is registered in both UK and USA. In addition to being a suberb hunter, this dog makes a wonderful family dog provided it is in the right home.
This dog breed excels in retrieving game on all sorts of terrain, including water, as they are excellent swimmers. Not only are they great pointers, but they are excellent retrievers as well. No hunter could wish for a better companion.
Is this the right dog for you?
These are true working dogs and need a lot of exercise. People that jog, take long walks, hike, hunt, or have a very outdoor lifestyle will be perfect for them. They also love to run. Not giving this dog enough exercise can result in a bored/frustrated dog, which could easily translate into behaviour problems, and they are noted to be chewers when they are bored.
They are very intelligent, and quick to learn, but can be very independent and due to this not always easy to train - they like to do things 'their' way and a more experienced owner is definitely preferable. Teaching methods should be of the positive reinforcement methods and of short duration, during the day.
Although these are known to be naturally social dogs, if they do not receive sufficient early socialization at puppy schools and continued socialization they can be a bit fearful in strange situations. They also tend to be 'velcro' dogs and will 'cling' to their owners, both when they are nervous and in everyday life.
This is due to them been trained to be pointers and retrievers and work very closely with the hunter. They can become overly dependent on their owner, so very important that Alone Time Training is done and that the dog, in general, is taught to be confident.
This dog tends to 'talk' and will bark, whine and make various noises to get their opinion across! Due to this it is recommend that the Bark & Shush exercise is taught when a pup. Remember that when a dog is 'talking' like this, the more you pay attention to it, the more the behaviour is likely to occur, so rather ignore and walk away, if you dont want to interact, or if the 'talking' is becoming extreme.
Should you have 2 of the same, or 2 pups together?
On average this breed gets on well with its own breed, however you must make sure that your dog has been well socialized so that it will accept another dog into the home.
When it comes to which sex get on better, your best bet is one male and one female (both sterilized), or 2 males together. Never two females. The vast majority of the time two females will get on well until about 8 - 9 months of age and thenm fighting for position tends to occur. When males have the odd altercation, it tends to be over quickly, but with females, it just intensifies and often the only solution is for one of the females to be rehomes. This is not just for this breed, but in general.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family.Your pup should be at least 5 months old, before you consider bringing in another pup. This allows the pups to grow to their full potential and not become over dependent on one another. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
On average this breed gets on well with its own breed, however you must make sure that your dog has been well socialized so that it will accept another dog into the home.
When it comes to which sex get on better, your best bet is one male and one female (both sterilized), or 2 males together. Never two females. The vast majority of the time two females will get on well until about 8 - 9 months of age and thenm fighting for position tends to occur. When males have the odd altercation, it tends to be over quickly, but with females, it just intensifies and often the only solution is for one of the females to be rehomes. This is not just for this breed, but in general.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family.Your pup should be at least 5 months old, before you consider bringing in another pup. This allows the pups to grow to their full potential and not become over dependent on one another. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Do they get on with other dogs?
As above, it is known to be friendly, but having early socialization is very important to build a solid social foundation.
Do they get on with other animals?
There are a lot of owners who say that this breed is great with cats, as long as introduced to them when a pup. However, that does not mean that the cat next door is safe, and definately not good for a home with small animals such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs etc.
There are a lot of owners who say that this breed is great with cats, as long as introduced to them when a pup. However, that does not mean that the cat next door is safe, and definately not good for a home with small animals such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs etc.
Are they good with children?
They are known to be very good with children and love playing games with them, however, there is no harm, and only positive rewards for socializing them with children or all ages and sizes when pups, and keeping up the socialization. Children must always be taught how to approach and interact with a dog, and to treat them with respect.
They are known to be very good with children and love playing games with them, however, there is no harm, and only positive rewards for socializing them with children or all ages and sizes when pups, and keeping up the socialization. Children must always be taught how to approach and interact with a dog, and to treat them with respect.
Health
Some of the health problems that they can be prone to are von Willebrands disease, eye problems such as cataracts, entropion and PRA (progessive retina atropy), HD and various cancers including
including lymphosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Some of the health problems that they can be prone to are von Willebrands disease, eye problems such as cataracts, entropion and PRA (progessive retina atropy), HD and various cancers including
including lymphosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Do’s and Dont’s
Do’s
Don’t
Do’s
- Do get your pup from a KUSA registered breeder and do read the articles on Breeders and also choosing a pup
- Sterilize at approximately 6 months of age.
- Do take your pup for socialization - pups should start at 8 weeks of age and this should not be missed - lays the foundation for future social interactions.
- Do continue the socialiazation - keeps solid social skills in place
- Give daily, regular exercise which this breed really needs.
- Supply chew toys and mental stimulation when left alone.
- Allow your dog to be part of the family
- Give regular brushing and annual vacs.
- Supply mental games such as behaviour games, scenting games etc in the garden to mentally stimulate this breed.
- Take your dog for basic training and keep simple house rules in place
Don’t
- Don't use aversive training methods.
- Leave this breed outside alone – behaviour problems will develop