Monday, September 26, 2011

A Few Interesting Facts About Vizslas

By Luke Blaise


The United States first saw them in the 1950s, but Vizslas originated in Hungary. Bred to have a sharp sense of smell and to be highly motivated hunters, the dogs are retrievers as well as pointers. They were historically used for bird hunting in thickets and brush, but they have also been used to hunt waterfowl.

A recognizable feature of the Vizsla is its color. The standard for the breed is a uniform rusty brown. The eyes, nose, and nails should all blend into the cinnamon coat. They are strong dogs with a lean build, and they have cat-like paws with narrow pads. They average 45-65 pounds and stand about two feet tall.

Grooming these dogs is incredibly easy. They have no odor and tend to lick their short coats clean, also much like a cat. A good rub-down with a dry cloth every once in a while means that a full bath will only be necessary every few months.

Vizslas have a high exercise requirement. Two hours a day is recommended to keep the dog in good physical and mental condition. They need a lot of space to run but can adapt to different living environments, including apartments. Training is required to keep them out of trouble. Bored dogs can be destructive and escape yards with fences as high as six feet tall. Patience and a gentle technique are necessary when training these sensitive animals. This breed is intelligent, though, and responds well with a persistent handler.

This breed has few health problems in general, and likely none in the individual. Some issues that are possibilities with the Vizsla are hip dysplasia, skin or food allergies, and difficulty with general anesthesia.

Vizslas are touch-oriented animals that love to sit in the lap of their owner, despite their size. They are affectionate and make wonderful companions. They can be devoted family pets for households with very active lifestyles. However, their energetic nature means that they should be supervised around infants and small children.




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