Page 248 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | GUNDOGS

Vizsla

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN
21–25in 44–66lb 13–14 years
(53–64cm) (20–30kg)

This loyal and gentle dog makes an attractive family
companion, but its high energy levels need to be satisfied

Ancestors of the Vizsla, a typical In the hunting field the Vizsla has speed
European all-purpose hunting dog, and stamina and will work all day in
appear in written texts from the 14th any conditions, on land or in water.
century, and may have existed even It has been used to hunt a variety of game,
earlier. Stone carvings dating back 1,000 including duck, rabbit, wolf, and boar. The
years show Magyar hunters with falcons breed has an excellent nose for tracking and
and dogs that resembled the Vizsla. For a soft mouth for retrieving. It is intelligent
centuries the Vizsla was a favorite with and responds well to training.
the Hungarian aristocracy, who kept the Although a hunting dog, the Vizsla
bloodlines pure; it was known as the “Gift has always been a family companion as
of Kings,” presented only to royalty and the well; traditionally, it was said that the
most select of foreigners. The breed almost dog was as much a part of the family as
died out after World War II, but Hungarian the children. The breed is very loyal
emigrants brought the dogs to western and loving but needs plenty of vigorous
Europe and the US, where it is now exercise every day.
increasingly popular. There are two varieties: the
original short-haired type, also
known as the Hungarian Pointer, and
YOGI—SHOW CHAMPION the wire-haired variety, which was
developed in the 1930s and has a
In the show ring the most famous Vizsla is a
sturdier build.
male named Yogi (registered name Hungargunn
Bear It’n Mind). Born in 2002 in Australia, he
won his first “Best in Show” at the age of only
12 weeks. In 2005 Yogi was brought to the UK,
Slightly curved
where he has had a dazzling show career. By tail tapers to
2010 he had won 17 UK “Best in Show” titles, pointed tip
breaking a record that had stood
for more than 70 years. He went on to win
“Best in Show” at Crufts in 2010 (below, with
the trophy and his handler, John Thirwell)
before being retired to stud.

Tight, arched,
round, catlike feet

WIRE-HAIRED PUPPY

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