Sunday, July 19, 2009

Vizsla: The Historic Hungarian Pointer

By Tyler Elliot

The Vizsla is a breed of dog that originated from Hungary and is widely known today as an outstanding sporting dog and a reliable companion. Eighth century paintings of the Magyar tribe of Hungary suggest that the Vizsla has been around during these times serving as a companion dog to the tribe hunters. Centuries later, this dog is still being adored by legions of enthusiasts around the globe as an excellent hunting dog.

Known in the sporting field as a superb hunter, the Vizsla has been used by some of the world's famous people as a companion during hunting expeditions and small game hunting. People also discovered that not only does this dog has superb smelling qualities but excellent retrieving and pointing abilities as well. Because of this, together with the fact that he is the smallest of his kind, people dub him as the smallest all-round pointer retriever.

In terms of body build, the Vizsla is robust, light and lean with defined musculature; and stately in posture and bearing. However, this breed is often mistaken for a Weimaraner, Redbone Coonhound or Rhodesian Ridgeback since they all seem to share similar body build and coat colors. So in order to point out the real Vizsla, remember that it must possess a nose that is of reddish shade, which blends with the coat color.

Moreover, the nails and eyes of a real Vizsla should also blend with the coat color. The standard coat color for this breed is solid golden-rust but there are some litters that are born solid rust-colored. Copper or brown, gold and dark sandy gold are some shades that are acceptable for this breed.

As stated by the American Kennel Club, the Vizsla should have a coat that is "short, smooth, dense and close-lying, without woolly undercoat". The absence of an undercoat makes this dog susceptible to cold so it is recommended to never leave it alone outside for a very long time. However, this condition also suggests that he is more desirable to people who have allergic reactions to dog hair.

This dog also possesses a distinct smell that's easily recognized by humans and that it is a self-cleaning dog, therefore it should only be bathed every once in a while. Tail docking is also required for the breed as a form of safety. Without docking, the Vizsla's tail is prone to splitting and bleeding, which causes more pain and amputation in the end.

Aside from being a superb hunter, the Vizsla is also considered as a wonderful companion because it is energetic, gentle, loving and sensitive. It is a loyal dog to the master and tends to want constant attention and affection. It goes where the master goes and because of this, it is called the "Velcro dog".

Although sweet and gentle, it should not be provoked too because it has a tendency to fight back and be protective of the people it loves. This dog is highly intelligent and very easy to train but should not be corrected using hurtful words or forceful physical reinforcements as it is easily damaged emotionally. Moreover, it is also an avid swimmer and in fact would swim at a pool whenever it chances upon one; and because of this, it makes a superb retriever not only in land but also in water.

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