Hungarian Vizsla

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.

Further information

NSW Hungarian Vizsla Club of NSW
Secretary: Ros Leighton
Phone: (02) 4842 0282
email: wsargood@planet.net President: Cathy Macken
Phone: (02) 4576 3346

VIC Hungarian Vizsla Club of Vic
Jenni Staniforth
Email: northlea@ssc.net.au
Phone: (03) 5784 3773
Wendy Brown
Phone: (03) 9818 4984 (BH)

QLD The Canine Control Council (Qld)
Phone: (07) 3252 2661

WA The Canine Association of WA Inc
Phone: (08) 9455 1188

SA Hungarian Vizsla Club of SA
Jean Gibson
Phone: (08) 8270 3632

TAS Tasmanian Canine Association Inc
Phone: (03) 6272 9443

NT The North Australian Canine Association Inc
PH: (08) 8984 3570

ACT ACT Canine Association Inc
Phone: (02) 6241 4404

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