rec.pets.dogs: Vizslas Breed-FAQ
Lisa Clowdus
Archive-name: dogs-faq/breeds/vizslas
Posting-frequency: 30 days
URL: http://www.zmall.com/pet_talk/dog-faqs/breeds/vizslas.html
Last-modified: 04 Apr 1996
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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://users.aimnet.com/~imc/ 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