History of the Hungarian Pointer: the Magyar Vizsla

The Hungarian Vizsla is one of the World best hunting and companion dog. He is a medium sized pointer-retreiver, companion and family dog. The Vizsla is not a kennel or backyard dog. He is part of the family,The Hungarians had developed 4 breeds for 4 different task around the house. The Kuvasz, the largest of the Hungarian dog breeds is the ultimate guard around the house. King Matyas was trusting his Kuvaszes more than he trusted his loyal guards. The Komondor is the guard dog of the large flock, the Puli is for the small ones. The Vizsla is the hunting dog who is always at the side of his master.The Vizsla is mentioned very early times in the Hungarian history. Primitive stone etchings over a thousand years old show the Magyar hunter with his falcon and his Vizsla.Companion dogs of the early warlords and barons, Vizsla blood was preserved pure for centuries by the land owning aristocracy who guarded them jealously and continued to develop the the hunting ability of these "yellow-pointers" - the golden-rust coloration from tip to tail. Records of letters and writings show the high esteem in which the Vizsla has always been held through the centuries.The Vizsla survived the Turkish occupation(1526-1696), the Hungarian Civil War (1848-49), World War I, World War II and the Russian Occupation. However, the breed suffered a decline in the late 19th Century and the true Vizsla was close to being extinct. A careful search of Hungary and a poll of Hungarian sportsmen revealed only about a dozen Vizslas of the true type still alive in the country. From that minimum stock, the breed rose to prominence once again. The various "strains" of the Vizsla have become somewhat distinctive as individuals bred stock that suited their hunting style. The Austria-Hungary Empire extended its influence over a large area for many years, but with frequent border changes Hungary was reduced to a mere shadow of its former self. As a result, owners of Vizslas suddenly found themselves living in Czechoslovakia, Rumania, the former Yugoslavia, Italy, Germany, Poland or Russia.The Vizsla started arriving in the United States at the close of World War II. As interest in and devotion to the breed began to increase, owners formed the Vizsla Club of America in order to gain AKC recognition. As a result of registering foundation stock with the AKC, Vizsla owners were able to obtain official recognition in 1960 and the Vizsla became the 115th breed recognized by the American Kennel Club.