The site was last updated on

24 Aug 2000

Name of breed: Hungarian Vizsla
Class:  Gundog
Recognized: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI, KC (GB), KUSA
Size: Height at withers: dogs 57-64cm (22.5-25in), bitches 53-60cm (21-23.5).
Weight: 20-30kg (48.5-66lb)
Coat: Short, dense and straight.  
Colors: Russet gold; small white marks on chest and feet acceptable. 

The Hungarian Vizsla or Magyar Vizsla is the national hunting dog of Hungary. This smooth hair setter was bred on the central Hungarian plain (puszta), the habitat of a wide variety of game. The Vizsla was developed as an extremely vesatile dog, able to hunt, track, point and retrieve hare, ducks, gees and other pray. It is likely that the German Weimaraner, to which it bears a strong resemblance, and Transyvanian pointing dogs played a part in its early development. However, Magyar noblemen took immense care not to introduce new blood that might prove in any way detrimental to the ability for this breed.
It was not until after the II World War, when many sportmen had to leave Hungary and took their dogs with them, that the

Character and care

The Vizsla is a versatile, easily trained Gundog which also makes first-class pet and is good with children. It needs plenty of exercise and its coat should be brushed regularly.