As Vizslas are gaining popularity day by day, owners now want to know more about Vizslas. So, the researchers are digging deeper into the past to learn about the history of the Vizsla dog. Where did the Vizsla dog originate from? What two breeds make a Vizsla? When did vizslas come to America?
When we look into the history of the Vizsla dog, we will learn some interesting facts about this breed. Initially, Vizslas are from Hungary, so it’s no surprise they are many breeds popular in North America. The Vizsla dog is excellent for people who love to be active and enjoy being outside with their dogs. Not only are they great hunting dogs but also wonderful family pets.
This article will explore the origin and history of the Vizsla dog in detail. We’ll examine where they came from, when they first arrived in America and what makes them so unique.
Vizsla Dog History
This breed is among the oldest of Hungary’s hunting dogs. People initially used the Vizsla breed for hunting big game such as deer, boar, and bears. Researchers believe that both the Transylvanian hounds and Turkish yellow dogs are Vizsla ancestors.
Vizslas have a long history that you can trackback to 9th century Europe. Most people believe the origination of Vizsla dates back to the 9th century. So, this breed has a long history of being a hunting dog for nobles who wanted something in the deer family that was better than hounds.
Initially, Vizslas used to hunt big game like deer, wild boar, and bears. But now, owners prefer to breed them as sport dogs with an emphasis on hunting ability. Owners primarily use Vizslas for hunting and retrieving dogs, but some use them in other roles, such as service animals or therapy dogs.
Where Did The Vizsla Dog Originate From?
Their name can tell the tale about their origin. Vizsla is a Hungarian word that means pointer in English.
We may not find the traces of their origin, but there is a belief and a theory that their history supposedly began in the ninth century.
Some researchers also believe that they came along with Magyar peoples when the Magyar peoples migrated from the Steppes of Asia to settle in Hungary, The Carpathian Basin (Old name of Hungary) to be precise.
That’s why Vizsla is also the national dog of Hungary. So, you can contemplate the history yourself.
What Two Breeds Make A Vizsla?
Usually, there is a widespread belief that Vizslas come from two of the ancient breeds of dogs that are already extinct.
The two breeds that make up the Vizsla are the Transylvanian Hounds and Turkish Yellow Dogs. Unfortunately, the Yellow Turkish dogs are no longer present on this earth.
When Did Vizslas Come To America?
The Vizsla, a Hungarian dog, came to the US in the 1970s via Communist Hungary, who probably wanted to show off this dog to his countrymen.
In 1950, during the post-war era, an American diplomat smuggled a vizsla named Sari and two puppies into America.
The other two puppies were Shasta and Tito, who then debuted in classes along with Sari with the help of Frank Tallman. Then, the first national vizsla club was formed in America on June 3rd, 1951.
What Are Vizslas Popular For?
The Vizsla breed is famous for its easy-going nature with people and other animals, intelligence, excellent hunting ability, and friendliness towards children.
Why Are Vizslas Popular As Velcro Dogs?
A name like the “Velcro Dog” may seem unfounded, but it’s not. Most researchers consider Vizslas prefer bonding with their owners, just like Velcro, where they can’t seem to get enough of them.
In some countries, Vizslas are popular Golden Arrow Hounds and Hungarian Short-haired Pointing Dogs. In Australia, people refer to them as Hungarian Vizsla.
Are There Different Types Of Vizsla?
Yes, there are two types of Vizsla dogs. The American and European type vizsla. Owners bred American-bred dogs for hunting games while the European bred their European counterparts to compete in field trials. The American type is taller and heavier than the European type.
The differences between them are that the American types have larger heads, bodies, and tails than their counterparts, who look lighter in weight with smaller heads, legs, and ears.
What Are The Characteristics Of A Vizsla?
The Vizsla breed is brilliant, alert, active, and athletic. They are one of the most trainable breeds, which makes them easy to train too. It’s not an overstatement to say that Vizslas are a “thinking” breed of dog.
Vizslas can be stubborn at times, but they will try their best if you have the patience and reward them with praise or treats for obeying your commands.
Is Vizsla A Good Companion For Children?
Yes, Vizslas are famous as gentle with children and love their attention. They would want to play with them for hours together.
Their easy-going nature allows them to interact well with small kids too. However, you should never leave Vizsla alone, even if you have older children, because of their propensity towards hunting games, especially when it comes to cats.
What Are The Likes And Dislikes Of Vizsla’s?
Breeders typically breed Vizslas for hunting. Moreover, they love the outdoors. So you can take them out on walks or hikes where they can run free without any leashes attached. They also enjoy swimming if their owners have a pool in the backyard.
The one thing Vizslas do not like is being alone or in a kennel for long periods. They can feel depressed and become destructive if they spend extended periods without their favorite family members.
How Much Exercise Does A Vizsla Require?
Vizslas need an active lifestyle, which means they will need at least an hour of exercise a day. It’s not just enough to take them for daily walks but also engage in some form of mental stimulation.
Vizslas can become destructive if left alone and bored without any activities to keep their active minds engaged, so you must find ways to keep them entertained.
How Have Vizslas Change Over The Past Few Years?
Vizslas have evolved tremendously over the past few years. They are no longer just hunting dogs, but they can participate in many other dog sports like agility and obedience training.
Vizslas also make excellent family pets with their friendly and gentle demeanor, perfect for spending time indoors or outdoors on walks or hikes. The good news is that Vizslas are one of the most adaptable breeds in the world, so that you can take them anywhere without much fuss.
FAQs
How To Classify Vizsla Based On Color?
You can generally find Vizslas in golden rust color, red, or even pale yellow. Sometimes you can see the dogs with black markings too. Moreover, the original color of Vizsla is a golden rust color.
What Is The Average Size Of A Vizsla?
The average height of a male vizsla is twenty-three to twenty-seven inches, while the females are smaller at twenty to twenty-two inches. They usually weigh around fifty pounds on average. However, in some cases, they can be overweight too.
How Much Does A Vizsla Weigh?
A male vizsla dog weighs around 50 pounds, while a female is about 45 pounds on average. These dogs have medium-sized bodies, and they stand 24 to 26 inches tall. Therefore, the weight of a vizsla varies from forty pounds to sixty pounds.
How Much Does A Vizsla Cost?
Usually, Vizslas do not have an average cost. But it can range anywhere between $500 -$5000 depending on the breeder and location.
Conclusion
Nobles initially used Vizslas as hunting dogs since they were better than hound breeds in that area. But now, their use is primarily for sports-type hunting where hunters want to test their skills against these usually gentle animals. Along with this, you can also teach your dog to retrieve games from holes or water. Thus, they can be a great companion in research works.
Overall, Vizslas are one of the friendliest dog breeds out there that love to spend time with their owners and enjoy playing games and getting plenty of exercise outdoors. You can train Vizslas quickly, too, so they make reliable companions for all ages.
So, feel free to bring one home and see how much fun you can have with them! We hope this article helped you to give some insight into the history of the Vizsla dog. Moreover, for other information related to Vizsla’s care, please read other articles in our website.
