Mary Allen
The Magyar Vizsla is a popular hunting dog from Hungary. It comes in a short-haired and wire-haired version. Here in the profile, you will learn everything about the origin, nature, and attitude of sensitive dogs.
History of the Magyar Vizslas
The origin of the popular pointing dogs lies in Hungary in the 18th century. The dogs of the Magyars, a Eurasian horse-riding people, are considered to be the direct ancestors of the Magyar Vizslas. The golden-yellow color of the dogs was ideal for camouflage in the steppes and cornfields. The dogs interbred in Hungary with the Pannonian Hound, the Sloughi, and the Turkish Pointer. They were mainly used for hunting pheasants or rabbits, but also waterfowl.
With the advent of other pointing dogs in Europe, the Vizslas became increasingly rare. In November 1916, breeders called for the rescue of the yellow pointer. The FCI officially recognized the breed as early as 1936. To preserve the breed, breeders crossed in the Hanoverian scent hound, the English Pointer, and the German Shorthaired Pointer.
Crossing the German Wirehaired Pointer resulted in the Wirehaired Vizslas, recognized by the FCI in 1965. Both variants of the breed are included in FCI Group 7 “Pointers” in Section 1.1 Continental Pointers – Type ‘Braque’.
Essence and Character
The Magyar Vizsla is a sensitive and intelligent dog that likes to be close to its owner. A well-socialized representative of the breed can be fond of children and family. At home, the dear hunting dogs do not like to be alone and prefer to follow their owner at every turn.
Nevertheless, the spirited hunting dog likes to work and needs meaningful employment. He is particularly happy when he can run and walk in the forest without a leash. His hunting instinct is strong. However, with consistent training, you can control it. A well-exercised Vizsla is a happy and cuddly four-legged partner.
Appearance of the Magyar Vizslas
The Hungarian Pointing Dog is elegant, sporty, and has a harmonious physique. The back is straight and the proportions are balanced. The beagle’s straight nose is equipped with wide nostrils. These help him pick up the trail of prey more easily. The lively brown eyes are alert and the large V-shaped ears are set close to the head.
The wiry or short, smooth coat of the Magyar Vizsla comes in various shades of bread yellow. Individual animals have small white spots. The structure of the coat is dense and shiny in the short-haired variant. The wire-haired Drötszörü Vizsla, on the other hand, stands straight and is wiry.
Education of the Puppy
The training of the sensitive but self-confident Hungarian pointing dog requires sensitivity. Sensitive but consistent training of the Magyar Vizsla puppy is therefore important. Under no circumstances should you become aggressive or yell at the dog. He’s easily frightened and doesn’t forgive violence very easily.
Nevertheless, you should appear confident and serve the young dog as a strong leader. Good socialization from a young age is just as important. It is therefore best to visit a dog school where the puppy can make contact with other dogs and train its social behavior. This is how the affectionate hunting dog becomes a lovable and loyal family pet.
Activities with the Magyar Vizsla
The most important thing for the Vizsla is a meaningful and demanding occupation. When hunting, the dog is in its element and professionally helps its owner. The so-called “leading” is in his blood. When tracking down the game, it remains motionless, usually with its front leg raised. He points with his nose in the direction of the prey.
As a result, when he is not in the hands of a hunter, he needs a worthy alternative occupation. You can best utilize the demanding dog with dog sports such as tracking, agility, or mantrailing. Training to be a rescue dog would also be great. Since the dog breed has a strong affinity for water, you should go swimming more often, especially in summer.
Health and Care
The short-haired Magyar Vizsla has a low-maintenance coat that practically cleans itself. In other respects, too, dogs are among the robust breeds and do not require any special care. Nevertheless, you should check the condition of the dog daily and check it for bugs after walks. The diet of the dog breed is uncomplicated. Nevertheless, you should of course pay attention to healthy and balanced feeding. The so-called Vizsla myositis is known as a hereditary disease. The bite muscles are severely weakened here, so the affected dogs eventually have problems swallowing.
Is the Magyar Vizsla Right for Me?
If you are thinking about purchasing a Magyar Vizsla, there are a few things you should consider beforehand. With a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, you bond with your four-legged friend for a long time. The agile pointing dog is very demanding and needs a good physical and mental workload. So he is not a dog for a small city apartment but needs a lot of space to romp and play. A house with a secure garden where he can let off steam would be ideal.
Of course, you also have to take long walks with him every day. You should be just as sporty and adventurous as the dog. Hunting would be ideal, or alternatively plenty of time for sporting activities. The affectionate four-legged friend wants to be part of the family and is not a beginner’s dog.