Vizsla 99

The “Velcro Vizsla” is a vibrant and loving family dog or hunting dog. Also known as the Hungarian Pointer, this dog breed has a long history dating back to 10th century Hungary. Their ancestors were nimble red dogs that ran alongside Magyar horseback riders as they rampaged across Western Europe before settling in the region that is now Hungary.

Hungarian warlords and nobles refined these dogs and developed what we now know as the Vizsla. The modern Vizsla was bred specifically for speed, stamina, and endurance in addition to their excellent scenting skills and versatility. They were built to be versatile, all-purpose hunting dogs that could traverse a variety of rugged terrain and spend long days in the field.

Although they are considered a Pointer type, they also excel at retrieval and are particularly well-suited for rabbits and upland game as well as retrieving waterfowl. The Vizsla was used in the development of other dog breeds, such as the Weimaraner and German Shorthaired Pointer.

Like many other breeds, the Vizsla was almost extinct after World War I. The first Vizsla to come to the United States arrived in 1950 after being smuggled out of Hungary by a U.S. State Department employee. The American Kennel Club recognized the Vizsla in 1960 as a member of the Sporting Group.