Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Last Weekend: Hungarian Vizsla Wins Best in Show

A Smooth haired Vizsla wins best in show out of 8,000 other dogs at the Darlington Dog Show in North Yorkshire, UK. The award was won by Hungargunn Bear It'n Mind owned by N Cragg and K Armstrong. Read the full story here.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

A Vizsla day at the Beach

Hungarian Vizsla Social Network

Please feel free to join the Hungarian Vizsla social network on Ning.com. Interact with other Vizsla owners and lovers.

Join the network at:
hungarianvizslas.ning.com

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Wire-haired Vizsla Clubs and Registrations

The wire-haired Vizsla is not currently recognized by the AKC as an official breed. The breed is, however, recognized by the World Canine Federation, Continental Kennel Club, The Canadian Kennel Club, and The Kennel Club of the UK.

"The breed is recognized in the USA by the UKC (United Kennel Club), which allows it to be shown in conformation, field events, obedience, agility, dock diving etc. Any breed recognized by FCI (European organization) is also recognized by the UKC." - Carolyn DeFiore, Vidor Hungarian Wire Haired Vizslas of Michigan

Based in the UK, the Hungarian wire-haired Vizsla Association claims to be the only registered and official club for the breed.

In the United States, the United Hungarian Wire Haired Vizsla Association is one of the most popular. There is also the Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America.

Wire-haired Vizsla History

Photo: Quodijin's Arany (import) "Leah"
Owned by Carolyn DeFiore, Vidor Hungarian Wire Haired Vizslas of Michigan

The wired-haired Vizsla is considered to be a breed separate from the smooth-haired Vizsla. The wire-haired Vizsla was first introduced in the early 1930’s in Hungary by breeding the Vizsla with the German wire-haired pointer and Bloodhound. There are also traces of Irish Setter, Hertha Pointer, and Pudel Pointer. The wired-haired Vizsla was purposely bred for a thicker coat so that they could work in colder weather and rougher fields. Additionally, because of this interbreeding they tend to be slightly larger, stronger and more robust then the smooth-haired Vizslas.

It is estimated that there are currently only 2500 wire-haired Vizsla registered worldwide, 400 of which are living in the United States. In Hungary an average of 30 litters are registered each year which amounts to approximately 150 puppies.





The Hungarian Vizsla's Size and Build

The Hungarian Vizsla (pronounced VEEZH-la) is a medium-sized dog with a lean build.

Below are the average heights and weights of male and female Smooth-haired Vizslas:

Male
Weight: 45-60 pounds
Height: 22-24 inches

Female
Weight: 40-55 pounds
Height: 21-23 inches

Below are the average heights and weights of male and female Wire-haired Vizsla:

Male
Weight: 45-65
Height: 22-25

Female
Weight: 40-55
Height: 21-23

The height information posted here was taken from the Vizsla profile on AKC.org and the American Rare Breed Association. However, through additional research one may find that the actual heights and weights of Vizslas can range from 21-25 inches tall and 40-65 pounds. Typically, wire-haired Vizslas are slightly taller than smooth-haired Vizslas, which could explain the variation in numbers you will find.


Monday, September 17, 2007

Welcome and About

Welcome to (the soon to be) Hungarian Vizsla knowledge base. This site will contain information on everything Vizsla for both the Smooth-haired and Wire-haired breeds. It will include information on the breed's size, color, temperament, common illnesses, history, related events, clubs and more. This site and the related Vizsla social network have been created by Vizsla owners for other Vizsla owners and lovers. Thank you for reading. We welcome comments and any input you may have to improve the site!