Hungarian Vizsla
Other names: Vizsla, Wirehaired Vizsla, Hungarian Pointer, Magyar Vizsla, Rövidszörü Magyar Vizsla, Drötzörü Magyar Vizsla

The Hungarian Pointer exists in two varieties: the short-coated and the wire-haired Vizsla. The two breeds are distinct but possess the same working skills. They are versatile hunting dogs, employed in plains, woods and water. The Vizsla, as it is more commonly known, has an incredible sense of smell, is a great retriever and has a fair amount of social competence. In this, he is a premium choice for an assistant to any hunter. He is also an excellent companion dog that brings joy to both small and big ones alike, and that can adapt to many different lifestyles.
Key facts about the Hungarian Vizsla
Origins and history
We know very little about his origins: he is perhaps the result of a cross between a Hungarian Hound (a short-legged Transylvanian or Pannonian Hound) and a ‘yellow’ hunting dog from Turkey. Recent studies have brought attention to the presence of Sloughi (Arabian Greyhound) blood in him too. The breed, more commonly called Vizsla, is believed to have been born in the 17th century, but has attained its current characteristics over the course of the 19th century, through cross-breeding with various foreign Pointer breeds.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
Section
Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs
Physical characteristics of the Hungarian Vizsla
Adult size
Female : Between 21 and 24 in
Male : Between 23 and 25 in
Weight
Female : Between 40 and 77 lb
Male : Between 44 and 60 lb
Coat colour
Generally fawn or sand-coloured, the coat can be any shade of russet gold.
Type of coat
The coat is short.
The short-haired variety has a close-lying coat, coarse and hard to the touch, and lacks an undercoat.
The wire-haired variety has a coat that is commonly described as ‘wiry’, spread flat, dense and matte, with an abundant and water-repellent undercoat.
Eye colour
The eyes usually match the coat but should be as dark as possible.
Description
The Hungarian Pointer is a very handsome, medium-sized dog, with a noble appearance and light bone structure, lean muscles and very resistant tendons. He has the physique of a genuine athlete, made to run. The head is narrow and the muzzle blunt, not pointy. The stop is moderate. The eyes are rather oval, and exude an intelligent expression. The ears are set slightly to the back and fold flat over the cheeks. The lips are thin and adherent. The limbs are straight and upright: the hind legs form quite an open angle. The tail is carried horizontally in short-haired varieties while it is carried quite low and curled over in the wire-haired variety. In addition to this, the wire-haired variety has a slightly more significant body mass.
Good to know
The wire-haired Vizsla is indeed a breed in its own right, created in 1930, but does nevertheless possess the same capacities and temperament as the short-haired Vizsla.