The New It Dog: Vizslas

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The Vizsla breed dates back to the eighth (eighth!) century Hungary, where they hunted partridge and rabbits with the Magyar tribes.  (The word Vizsla means “alert and responsive”, making their breed a favorite among hunters.)

Fast forward to World War II, when the breed started arriving in the United States.  A steady, devoted following built, and in 1960 Vizslas were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.

• Both mother and father dogs should have been medically tested for genetic health problems relevant to Vizslas.
• Only dogs with excellent temperments should be bred together.
• Closely-related dogs should not be bred together.  (The breeder should have a good understanding of genetics.)
• A good breeder will never place a puppy in a pet shop or sell it in any place other than from their own home or place of business. 
• A breeder’s involvement in things other than breeding (like dog training, obedience, and dog clubs) shows a genuine dedication to dogs.

The good:

• Vizslas are an ideal sized dog for many people (not too big, nor too small) with a low-maintenance coat and a great athetic disposition.
• They’re usually bred by very responsible breeders.
• Viszlas are high-energy and love exercise and sport.
• They willingly respond to training and obedience teaching.
• They’re gentle, sensitive, and very loving.
• They’re demonstrative with affection and are even quite the lap dogs.
• Viszlas are happy and friendly towards other people and animals.

The bad:

• Vizslas have vigorous exercise, attention, and companionship requirements.  If they do not get enough attention and exercise can easily become destructive or hyperactive, and may even become depressed or engage in obsessive-compulsive behaviors such as persistent licking.  If you are away from home for hours at a time (i.e. if you work full-time), this is probably not the right breed for you. 
• Vizslas like to jump up on people (and things), a trait that is exacerbated if they don’t get enough exercise.
• Since Vizslas are naturally cautious, to prevent them from becoming overly shy or timid they need lots of socialization to people and to new sights and sounds.
• Vizslas can be stubborn and easily distracted by exciting sights, scents, and sounds.  Therefore, you must have great patience (and be very consistent) when training them to listen to you.
• Though their hair is short, they shed like crazy.
• As with most pointing breeds, housebreaking a Vizsla will be slower than with other dogs.
• Vizslas are prone to certain health problems, including seizures and epilepsy, along with hip and eye disorders, bleeding disorders, skin diseases, and cancer.

• First, look at the litter as a group.  If the majority of the pups aren’t immediately friendly or loving, don’t take any of them.
• Lack of socialization is namely the fault of the breeder, and isn’t a good sign about the trustworthiness of the breeder overall.  Walk away.
• Be wary of shy puppies — they usually grow up to become shy dogs, and shy dogs can be dangerously defensive.  Again, not a good choice.
• Normal puppies are friendly, curious, trusting.  They shouldn’t be afraid of you, and instead will interact with you in a playful and affectionate way.
• Puppies also love to play with one another.  Watch how they interact with their fellow siblings, and take note of the ones that are clearly the leaders and strong, bossy, and outgoing and which ones are quiet and gentle.  Ideally, the best choice will lie somewhere in the middle, with a pup that’s neither the boss of the litter nor the most docile.  You want a happy, even-keeled pup.
• Weed out the most skittish pups as well as the completely non-responsive pups by making noises like clapping your hands, jingling your keys, and lightly stomping your feet on the ground.  Note which puppies freak out, which ones don’t respond at all, and which ones have a more naturally curious reaction.  You want an alert and confident puppy, one who’s neither nervous nor completely oblivious. 
• You also should ask to see each puppy individually, without the presence of the rest of the litter.  You want a puppy who is comfortable with you and who listens to you.

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