The Vizsla
Of the Vizsla it's assumed that it is one of the oldest breeds of hunting dogs. There was some oversight on the development of the Vizsla at the beginning of the second century, when the "Magyarians" themselves permanently settled in the lowland of the Carpathians. Initially the dogs were used for hunting under the net and were therefore dogs for birdhunting. During the development of the rifle the Vizsla was selected for hunting under the gun.
For centuries it was a national dog and they only bred with the Vizsla, partly because the governant structure in Hungary was held by the country nobles. The dogs were bred for the terrain circumstances in Hungary, large puszta's with little water seperations and terrain fences. The dog was also bred on speed and now belongs to one of the fastest hunting dogs.
At the end of the 19th century there were more international contacts and then it appeared that the Vizsla in this international environment was not entirely satisfactory. So they used other races to cross-breed with them, so they would be able to compete with the German hunting dog races, who were accustomed to various types of terrain fences. Just before the 1st World War a group of people was created, who believed that the variety of the Vizsla was neglected and therefore they began to build a new bloodline with twelve dogs.
Before the 2nd World War the bloodline had grown to approximately 5000 dogs. In 1944 the Russians invaded Hungary and the nobility and the senior officers fled abroad. Because they couldn't bring all the dogs with them, some dogs were shot, another way was to simply let the dogs loose to give them a change to survive on their own, or the dogs were abandoned. At the end of the war the number of Vizsla's had shrunk to between 500 and 1000 dogs, partly because the Vizsla belonged to the nobility and the Russians had a great dislike for noble people. In the first instance the nobility fled to Austria, to emigrate from there to other countries.
Like most breeds the true origin is unclear. Considering the fact that it is assumed that the ancestors of the Hungarians belonged to one of the hurdes of the Huns, Magyeri and Oguri included. It is suspected that they have taken Sloughi's from North-Africa. From there they migrated eastwards and they we're stopped by the Chinese Wall. Then they went back to the west and we're led by King Stephan and settled under his command.
The Hunt
One of the oldest and primitive instincts in humans has not yet disappeared, namely, the hunting instinct; lust for the hunt. In civilized countries nobody has the necessary for its livelihood to go hunting. But many people still like to do it. One can think about it differently, but although it seems a contradiction, it is the hunting that keeps the wild alive in cultivated countries.
During the hunt, the man is still using the dog. There are a large number of hunting dog races with various branches of huntingcustoms on the whole world. For every branch of the hunt there are also specially bred hunting dogs available. By preventing equal prey's in widely separated countries they created many hunting dogs with a similar instance. Accordingly , the standing Hungarian hunting dog, the "Magyar Vizsla" was created.
In the large group of different kinds of hunting dogs, we can find the original hunting dog back. The task of the drifting dogs is the game to drift the wild from the vegetation and chase it with loud barking. The drifting dog follows the wild tracks with the nose along the ground, he doesn't need to see the animal that he is tracking.
He needs to drift it to the hunter or he needs to hold it still untill the hunter comes to shoot the prey. Originally, they we're only packs. Because they have been crossing with a.o. sheepdogs they have made it more balanced and cooperative to handle. Thus arose the standing dogs.
Standing dogs, the collection of their tasks is enormous.
The following is required:
1. Methodical search.
2. Fixed standing; meaning that the dogs must stand and not chase the wild,
but they must stand quietly and point the hunter to the prey.
3. They must fetch the wild that has been shot out of the water and then they have to apport it to the hunter.
4. They have to follow wild that has been shot and apport it to the hunter.
These are not all assignments listed, but they are the main things which the standing dog should be able to do.
Standing dogs remain deadlocked for the wild, after searching the country with their heads against the wind to pick up a scent of the wild to catch. He drifts the wild after the orders of the hunter and works, unlike the drifting dogs, in close cooperation with the hunter.
There are few people left who hunt in order to survive. The desire to hunt, however, remained alive for all civilizations. There is therefore no country in the world where is not being hunted. The hunt has in our society contribute to his task the wild and the green space in which the wild lives to maintain. It is therefore an important part to focus on active nature. The modern hunter, is a wildlife expert and wildlife protector.
Characteristics
General:
The Vizsla has a strong, muscular yet elegant body. The hull is longer than the shoulder height, the spine is short and right and loin are slightly rounded. The chest extends at least up to the elbows. the ribs are moderate bent. the hind legs are mediocre angled. The medium sized neck is slightly curved and has no throatskin.
Head and skull:
The head is dry and noble, with a slightly arched head and a slight middle line which runs from the moderate backhead knob up to the forehead. A moderate stopper and a straight noseridge.The lips do not overhang. The medium-sized ears are low and somewhat placed to the back. They are hanging against the cheeks. The eyes are oval in shape with a lively and intelligent expression. The hungarian hunting dog has scissorteeth.
Feet:
Slightly oval in shape, with closed toes.
Color and coat:
The coat is a golden-rust color, and can be very red in some individuals.
The coat could also be described as a copper/brown color, russet gold and dark sandy gold. Small areas of white on the fore-chest and on the toes are permissible but undesirable.
The Vizsla is a medium-sized dog, and fanciers feel that large dogs are undesirable. Wirehaired Vizslas are normally slightly taller than smoothhaired Vizslas. The average height and weight:
- Males
- Height: 56 - 63.5 centimetres
- Weight: 20 - 29 kilograms
- Females
- Height: 53 - 61 centimetres
- Weight: 18 - 25 kilograms
Temperament:
The Vizsla is a very intelligent dog with a balanced and obedient character. He is very athletic and friendly.
Vizslas are very energetic, gentle-mannered, loyal, caring, and highly affectionate. They quickly form close bonds with their owners, including children. Often they are referred to as "velcro" dogs because of their loyalty and affection. They are quiet dogs, only barking if necessary or provoked.
Care:
The short haired Vizsla has little care. A rubber brush can be used during the ruiperiode. Keep nails short and regularly check and clean the ears.
Education:
The Vizsla is not very difficult to educate. He understands well what is asked from him.
Yet you have to give the Vizsla a consistent upbringing that is very clear. It is usually not necessary to have to call the dog. Your voice is already enough for the dog to call to order.
As I have already mentioned the Vizsla is an intelligent and obedient dog.
Social construction
The Vizsla can get along with other dogs and animals.
Strangers are announced by the dog, but he doesn't do more then barking.
When your dog is well socialized from the beginning you can get him used to other pets like cats, rabbits and so on.
The dogs are very good with children. But that is no reason to leave a dog alone with children, you don't do that to any dog. Not every dog can stand the pulling of the tail or ears, or eyes stabbing, and after a certain time even the friendliest dog will react.
Movement
They are hunting dogs so they require a lot of movement. It is important that you can give them a lot of movement. So unleashed walks. If you give him the movement he needs, he will be quietly at home.
Whatever you can do to loose a large part of its energy is going hunting. You can also do apporting work. The dog will find it fantastic. You can always try agility. If this does not appeal to you, you can also do an obedience training. Keep in mind that it is a hunting dog and remains this way.
