Hungarian Vizsla
Pet Road Tests > Dogs
Breed: Hungarian Vizsla
Temperament: excitable, active, dependent on human interaction
Cost: $600
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Maintenance: medium-high
Recommended for: very active families
Appearance
The Hungarian Vizsla is a slim, sleek, sophisticated-looking dog with a sensitive expression and thin, silky, drop ears. Although described in some dog texts as medium-sized, most pet owners would consider the Hungarian Vizsla tends towards the 'large' category, standing 54-64cm (21-25") and weighing 20-30kg (50-80lb). They are always gold, although it varies in shade.
Temperament
Owners say they are loving, active, sensitive, energetic and must have attention from their human family. US animal behaviourists rank them low on aggression, destructiveness and snappiness, and high on playfulness.
Training
Said to be highly trainable, the Vizsla does not respond well to harsh scolding or aggression and owners have found attention and reward-based system work best. Overseas, Vizslas are sometimes still worked as a gundog although Australia's dogs are companion animals.
Health
Some lines have a problem with epilepsy which, once diagnosed, can be controlled with a strict medication routine. Some dogs inherit heart defects so ensure your puppy is guaranteed against those in the first 12 months of life. Hip dysplasia, a degenerative disease of the hips, is also known in the breed so ensure the parents have been x-rayed and have good hips before buying their offspring.
Breeding
This is a dog shaped to give birth naturally with litters of around 7-8 pups.
Housepet potential
Vizslas love being indoors and, due to their thin coats, feel the cold in winter. Most quickly learn to be neat and quiet, although pups can be a danger to fragile ornaments!
Space and exercise
This dog needs LOTS of exercise, with some owners saying 5-10km every day is vital. This is not a breed for the infirm unless a regular dog walker is employed! With daily walks the yard size is less relevant. Most will enjoy a suburban backyard in which to snuffle around but it must be well-fenced.
Ideal owner
Hungarian Vizslas are best suited to very active, responsible people with a commitment to a long daily walk. They are probably too boisterous for toddlers and pre-schoolers, although families with school-age children should be fine. They are not a dog to be shut away in the backyard and must have a family willing to include their pet in their home life.
Grooming
Minimal grooming required as the short coat sheds water easily and very little hair. Check nails weekly and trim as required.
National contacts
To find up-to-date contacts for breeders, contact the following organisations.
The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC)
www.ankc.org.au
Dogs NSW
http://www.dogsnsw.org.au/breeders-directory
Email: info@dogsnsw.org.au
Phone: 1300 728 022 (NSW only) or (02) 9834 3022
Fax: (02) 9834 3872
Dogs Victoria
http://www.vca.org.au
Email: office@dogsvictoria.org.au
Phone: (03) 9788 2500
Fax: (03) 9788 2599
Dogs ACT
http://www.actca.asn.au
Email: info@dogsact.org.au
Dogs West
http://www.cawa.asn.au
Email: k9@dogswest.com
Phone: (08) 9455 1188
Fax: (08) 9455 1190
Dogs SA
http://dogssa.com.au
Phone: (08) 8349 4797
Canine Control Council of Queensland
http://www.cccq.org.au
Email: dogsqld@powerup.com.au
Phone: (07) 3252 2661
Fax: (07) 3252 3864
Tasmanian Canine Association
http://www.tasdogs.com
Email: tca@iprimus.com.au
Phone: (03) 6272 9443
Fax: (03) 6273 0844
Dogs NT
http://www.territorydogworld.com
Email: naca3@bigpond.com
Phone: (08) 8984 3570
Fax: (08) 8984 3409
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