Vizsla

The Vizsla, also known as the Hungarian Braco, is an elegant and athletic dog breed. It is known for its energy, versatility and loyalty.

General details

The Vizsla is a medium to large sized dog. Males usually weigh between 20 and 30 kilograms, while females weigh around 18 to 25 kilograms. In terms of height, males measure between 58 and 64 centimeters, and females measure between 54 and 60 centimeters at the withers. The average life expectancy of a Vizsla is approximately 12 to 14 years. According to the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), the Vizsla belongs to Group 7, which includes pointers and hunting dogs.

Breed history in brief

The Vizsla, also known as the Hungarian Braco, is a breed of pointing dog originating in Hungary. It is believed to be descended from ancient hunting dogs used by the Magyars, who brought them to the region during the 9th century. Throughout history, Vizslas have been prized for their ability to track and point prey, especially game birds. Over the centuries, Vizslas became popular among the nobility and aristocratic hunters in Hungary. During World War II, the breed was on the verge of extinction, but thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders, its recovery was achieved.

Breed characteristics

The head of the Vizsla is proportional to the body, with expressive hazel or brown eyes. The ears are hanging and of medium size, located at eye level. The tail is of medium length and, at rest, hangs down. However, when the dog is alert or on the move, the tail is raised and curves slightly upwards. The coat of the Vizsla is short, dense and soft to the touch. It protects the dog from adverse weather conditions. The color of the coat is a solid reddish-golden shade that is characteristic of the breed. Their keen sense of smell and excellent ability to find and retrieve prey made them highly valued hunting companions. In addition, their affectionate nature and adaptability make them excellent family and therapy companions. Their intelligence, energy and willingness to learn make them highly trainable dogs.

Common health problems

Some of the health conditions that have been observed to affect Vizslas most frequently include corneal dystrophy, entropion, hemophilia B, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and sebaceous adenitis.