BREED HISTORY

Unlike many other breeds, scars obtained through field work will not penalize a Vizsla at a dog show. Over 1000 years ago, these dogs traveled and hunted throughout Central Europe with their Magyar masters, and eventually settled in Hungary. Barons there preserved the purity of the breed for many years.

Nearly extinct after World War I, devoted owners preserved a few precious dogs, and then restored the breed. The Vizsla began an exodus across Europe and then to the United States after World War II. As hunters and workers, these speedy dogs maintain a keen sense of smell; as pets, they make loyal companions.

IDEAL BREED CHARACTERISTICS

Size: Males 22 to 24 inches, Females 21 to 23 inches (at the withers).

Appearance: Muscular, hearty body with graceful, smooth motion.

Coat and Color: Smooth, thick, short, flat coat. Solid, golden rust color with minimal white spots on the chest permitted; any black color forbidden.

Head: Wide skull with a long, square muzzle; deep-set, medium-sized eyes that blend with the coat color; thin, silky, long, low ears.

Tail: Tapered and docked (clipped) to 2/3 of the original length.