rec.pets.dogs: Vizslas Breed-FAQ
Lisa Clowdus
Archive-name: dogs-faq/breeds/vizslas
Posting-frequency: 30 days
URL: http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/vizslas.html
Last-modified: 10 Nov 1997
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Vizslas
Author
Lisa Clowdus [clo...@llnl.gov]
Copyright 1995 by Lisa Clowdus
Revision History:
* Nov 1995, Vizsla mailing list updated
_________________________________________________________________
Table of Contents
* History
* Description
* Characteristics and Temperament
* Health
* Frequently Asked Questions
* Resources
_________________________________________________________________
History
The Vizsla, or Hungarian Pointer, is thought to be one of the oldest
sporting breeds - a hunter and companion to the Magyar (Hungarian)
people. The Vizsla, whose name means alert and responsive, was prized
by the land-owning aristocracy for its hunting abilities, its regal
appearance, and its warm personality. The Vizsla's habitat was the
Hungarian plains - a warm and fertile region where partridge and other
game birds flourished. Between World War I and World War II, the
Vizsla nearly became extinct. Hungarians who fled the Russian
occupation in 1945 smuggled their beloved dogs out of the country. The
Vizsla first appeared in the United States in the early 1950s and was
admitted to AKC registry in 1960.
_________________________________________________________________
Description
The Standard is the physical "blueprint" of the breed. It describes
the physical appearance and other desired qualities of the breed
otherwise known as _type_. Some characteristics, such as size, coat
quality, and movement, are based on the original (or current) function
for the dog. Other characteristics are more cosmetic such as eye
color; but taken together they set this breed apart from all others.
The Standard describes an _ideal_ representive of the breed. No
individual dog is perfect, but the Standard provides an ideal for the
breeder to strive towards.
Because of copyright concerns over the collection of all the Standards
at any single site storing all the faqs, AKC Standards are not
typically included in the Breed faqs. The reader is referred to the
publications at the end of this document or to the National Breed Club
for a copy of the Standard.
_________________________________________________________________
Characteristics and Temperament
Vizslas are very friendly, affectionate, loyal dogs that make
wonderful family pets and hunting dogs. They need to be treated like a
member of the family, preferring to sleep inside and being close to
their people. Most Vizslas are lap dogs - with males weighing 55 to 65
pounds and females 45 to 55 pounds - be prepared! They do not make
good "kennel" dogs. They should be active, but not hyper. They require
daily exercise and will get into mischief if bored. Vizslas are very
easy to train, being both intelligent and eager to please. They are
sensitive and should not be severely disciplined, but are not "soft."
Vizslas love warmth and are frequently found basking in the sun.
Vizslas are outstanding hunters and will both point and retrieve. They
have very sensitive noses, good eyesight and a natural enthusiasm for
the hunt. It's fantastic to watch a Vizsla lock up on point - it's
hard to find words to express their grace, beauty and intensity. Field
trials are a large part of most Vizsla club's activity schedules.
Although Vizslas are primarily known for their skill in hunting upland
game birds such as pheasant, quail and grouse, they are also used for
hunting waterfowl and even small fur animals. Most Vizslas are strong
swimmers and should be introduced to water when they're young.
Vizslas have beautiful, soft, rust-colored coats that require very
little maintenance. They do shed a little, but their hair is almost
invisible. They're clean dogs and have very little odor. There is a
wirehaired Vizsla, but they are rare in the United States and are not
recognized by the AKC.
_________________________________________________________________
Health
In general, Vizslas are an extremely healthy breed and it is common
for them to have a life span of 14 to 17 years.
Vizslas are susceptible to hip dysplasia, although careful breeding
has kept this problem to a minimum in the breed. All Vizslas that are
going to be bred should be x-rayed and certified clear of hip
dysplasia by the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). X-rays must
be taken after the age of 24 months, when a definitive diagnosis can
be made. If you are purchasing a puppy, make sure that both parents
have been OFA certified.
Rare genetic diseases in Vizslas include hemophilia, von Willebrand's
Disease, tail defects, and epilepsy.
_________________________________________________________________
Frequently Asked Questions
_Are Vizslas hyper?_
As in any active sporting breed, Vizslas are energetic and
enthusiastic. However, the Vizsla should not be hyper. Good
breeders take care to breed for a good disposition, intelligence
and personality - as well as conformation and hunting skills.
Vizslas do require daily exercise and should have companionship and
toys so that they do not become bored.
_Can Vizslas jump fences?_
Vizslas are extremely agile and can easily clear fences up to five
feet (and some Vizslas may be even more "talented"). They do
require a securely fenced yard. Usually, a Vizsla will not jump
high fences to leave his yard unless he is bored or lonely.
_Can a Vizsla live in an apartment?_
Vizslas can live in any environment if they have enough exercise, a
warm, dry place to stay, and love and attention.
_Do Vizslas get along well with children, cats and other dogs?_
Like most dogs, Vizslas who are well socialized will get along very
well with children, cats, and other dogs. They love affection and
companionship. In general, the more people and animals that are
around them, the happier they are.
_Do Vizslas "mouth" a lot? Do they retrieve well?_
Many Vizslas are known for their "mouthing." They are very
soft-mouthed and like to gently hold a hand in their mouth. Many
like to carry articles of clothing and shoes around, like a
retriever. Most Vizslas love to retrieve.
_Are there Vizsla rescue agencies?_
Yes, almost every Vizsla club has a rescue committee. Please see
Breed Clubs under Resources below and contact a club nearest you.
_________________________________________________________________
Resources
Check out the website http://www.vizsladogs.com/home.htm for all kinds
of Vizsla information.
BOOKS
Coffman, Marion. _Versatile Vizsla_. Illustrated, 272 pages, 1992.
$34.95. ISBN 0-931866-54-5. Alpine Publications Inc.
Gottlieb, Gay. _The Complete Vizsla_. Illustrated, 160 pages, 1992.
$25.00. ISBN 0-87605-377-0. Howell Book House.
MAGAZINES
The Vizsla News, published bimonthly by the Vizsla Club of America.
Contact Florence Duggan, (908) 789-9774, for VCA membership and
subscription rate information.
EMAIL LIST
There is a very active Vizsla mailing list, which has a digest option
available if you choose to receive one consolidated e-mail message per
day. In order to subscribe, send a message in the following format:
To: auto...@edtech.com
Subject: SUB vizsla Your Name
The server gets your e-mail address from the system when it is sent.
BREED CLUBS
_Vizsla Club of America_
Patricia Carnes, Corresponding Secretary
P.O. Box 639
Stevensville, MO 21666
_Rio Salado Vizsla Club_
Marge Mehagian
7043 N. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85020
602-943-3205
_Central California Vizsla Club_
Linda K Durham
4552 West Ave L-13
Quartz City CA 93536
805-943-1151
_Lone Cypress Vizsla Club_
Arline Lovett
330 San Bernancio Rd.
Salinas, CA 93908
408-484-2777
_South Coast Vizsla Club_
Kathy K Spurny
28062 Turlock Ct
Laguna Niguel CA 92677
714-831-0407
_Vizsla Club of Northern California_
Marian Sears
7160 Orchard Station Rd
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-795-8433
_Vizsla Club of Southern California_
Darlene Anthony
13144 Bromont Avenue #6
Sylmar, CA 91342-7456
818-362-5026, FAX: 818-367-4884
_Connecticut Valley Vizsla Club_
Steve Teneborn
119 Warwick Rd
New Fairfield CT 06812
203-746-3466
_Tampa Bay Vizsla Club_
Stephanie Krabbe
5980 12th Ave SW
Naples FL 33999
813-455-3209
_Hawkeye Vizsla Club_
Kim Meyer
115 Terrance DR
Otley IA 50214
515-627-5522
_Vizsla Club of Eastern Iowa_
Steve Laughlin
110 Glen Dr
Iowa City IA 52240
_Vizsla Club of Illinois_
Gwen Tomlinson
513 Thomas
Bolingbrook IL 60439
708-739-6190
_Show-Me Vizsla Club of Kansas City_
Kimberly DeYoung
8700 Woodland Rd
Lenexa, KS 66220
913-782-0072
_Conestoga Vizsla Club_
Helen Seelye
406 Carrol Ave
Mt Airy MD 21771
301-831-5851
_Vizsla Club of Michigan_
Sue Jagoda
8441 Five Point Highway
Eaton Rapids MI 48843
517-663-4943
_Twin Cities Vizsla Club_
Beth Nash
11961 Noon Dr
Dayton, MN 55327
612-323-0204
_Gateway Vizsla Club_
Linda Collins
318 Oriole Dr
St Charles MO 63301
314-946-8383
_Nebraska Vizsla Club_
Leona Dieter
Rt 6
Lincon, NE 68502
402-474-4279
_Vizsla Club of Central New England_
Trudy Lanman
130 Winchester St
Newton Highlands MA 02161
617-969-7084
_Vizsla Club of North New Jersey_
Linda Promaulayko
660 S Branch River Rd
Somerville, NJ 08876
908-369-5630
_Vizsla Club of Greater New York_
Jean Rhodes
15 Ledgemore Lane
Westport, CT 06880
203-227-1315
_Miami Valley Vizsla Club_
Cliff Boggs
51 Cherry Drive
Springfield, OH 48506
513-325-2095
_Vizsla Club of Greater Cleveland_
Myra Chudakoff
18265 Rolling Brook
Dr Bainbridge OH 44022
_Texas Gulf Coast Vizsla Club_
7119 Drowst Pine
Houston, TX 77092
713-462-5970
_Trinity Valley Vizsla Club_
Linda Lantz
905 Mission Drive
Southlake TX 76092
817-481-8500
_Vizsla Club of Utah_
Verla Mortensen
11739 S Lampton View
South Jordan UT 84065
801-571-1220
_Old Dominion Vizsla Club_
Mary Durham
HCR 05 Box 398
Aroda, VA 22709
703-672-1290
_Central Wisconsin Vizsla Club_
Inge Siggelkow
3021 S Seminole Hwy
Madison, WI 53711
608-271-8448
_Puget Sound Viszla Club_
Jacqueline De Roo
1226 19th Ave SW
Puyallup, WA 98371
Please contact the Vizsla Club of America if you'd like to find a
contact in your area and don't see one listed, or refer to the website
under "Clubs" for national and international Vizsla clubs and
information, or subscribe to the Vizsla mailing list and ask - we'd be
happy to help!
_________________________________________________________________
Vizsla FAQ
Lisa Clowdus, clo...@llnl.gov