Hungarian shorthaired pointer

The Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer is an elegant hunting dog of noble appearance, with a short, red-gold coat. His rather light and slim physique embodies the harmony of beauty and strength.

Nature

The Hungarian Short-Haired Pointer is an active and energetic dog who loves long walks. Deprived of the opportunity to run and explore the area, he becomes sad and subdued. When he runs out, he is quiet and peaceful at home.

His attachment to the owner and the family shows a dog of this breed with faithful eyes and willingness to cuddle. He loves petting and sleeping in bed. Hungarian shorthaired pointer is usually friendly, although sometimes a bit shy towards other dogs and people.

Skills

The Hungarian Short-Haired Pointer is an excellent hunting dog – he passionately hunts, displays and retrieves animals. The breed was bred primarily for hunting in the open air – and to this day in this area the dog of this breed feels the best. Vizsla also eagerly retrieves from the water.

Training and education

The Hungarian pointer is gentle and willing to cooperate, which is why his upbringing usually does not cause problems. The condition is, however, providing him with the right amount of movement and directing his energy. Especially at a young age, this pointer should be able to go crazy, then relax at home and not cause trouble.

Vizsla is a sensitive dog, with a delicate psyche, badly tolerating harsh treatment. To achieve success in his upbringing, it is enough to be consistent and show him a lot of love. Hungarian pointer is intelligent and by nature are happy to follow instructions. They are very emotional, so it is easy to reward them, simply by showing satisfaction or joy in their behavior. The attention of a beloved guardian is a valuable reward for a pointer.

Who is this race for?

The Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer is above all an excellent hunter’s assistant – provided that he does not have a so-called a hard hand, because this dog requires a gentle approach. In addition, it is a great companion of active people who have time and willingness to regularly take the dog for long walks or trainings. Energy and willingness to run a Hungarian Pointer will encourage the whole family to leave the house and actively relax in the bosom of nature.

Advantages and disadvantages

Hungarian short-haired pointer – what is it like? Learn its pros and cons!

Disadvantages

• in his youth he is unruly
• badly tolerates loneliness
• has a strong hunting instinct

Advantages

• excellent hunter’s helper
• delectable family dog
• gentle to people and animals
• easy to care for
• healthy and resilient

Health

Hungarian Pointer is a dog who, thanks to an active lifestyle, remain in excellent condition for a long time. They rarely get sick, and if so, they are allergic skin problems, conjunctivitis, food allergies or activity-related injuries. Some dogs may be sensitive to anesthesia. In any case, the owner should warn the veterinarian about this before surgery.

Feeding

The amount of food must always be adapted to the dog’s lifestyle, especially since the Hungarian pointer enjoys a fairly good appetite. In the hunting season, the portions need to be increased, they should also contain more fat so that the dog can completely cover the increased energy demand.

Care

The Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer does not require complicated care. It is enough to brush it with a comb once in a while (more often during the molting period). Before the exhibition, you can wipe the coat with a chamois cloth to give it extra shine, although a well-fed vizsla glistens on its own. Your ears need to be checked regularly for infections.

History

Hungarian pointer is considered one of the oldest breeds, already known in the 10th century. Probably their ancestors were hunting dogs of various Asian tribes, which at the beginning of our era invaded Central Europe. The history of the breed is associated with the history of ancient Hungarians – Magyars, a hunting and shepherd people who lived over a thousand years ago. Rock engravings from this period show the Magyar hunters hunting with falcons and pointer. Later medieval manuscripts also speak of these dogs.

Vizsla has developed into a strong dog as we know it today, probably in the area of ​​animal-rich puszta (Hungarian steppe). The breed almost completely became extinct during the two world wars, but in the 1940s several specimens were sent to Austria, where breeding was carried out with great care. Today, vizsla is known and quite popular in various regions of the world, also in America.

Template

Hungarian Short-Haired Pointer – Group VII FCI, Section 1, Model No. 57

• Country of origin: Hungary
• Character: gentle, intelligent, full of passion for work, focused on cooperation with people, badly tolerates harsh treatment
• Size: dogs – 58-64 cm, bitches – 54-60 cm
• Weight: not specified in the standard, but usually around 25-30 kg
• Coat: short, dense and hard, without undercoat
• Color: rusty yellow or dark sand yellow; robe-colored nose
• Lifespan: 14-15 years
• Vulnerability to training: very high
• Activity: needs a lot of traffic
• Cost of living: PLN 100-150 per month
• Resistance / susceptibility to diseases: very resistant

Interesting facts

Pointers are called “pointing dogs” in English. Their task is to find (sniff out) and display (indicate) game to hunters.

The ability to die still when approaching and tracking a victim is a natural part of the hunting behavior of all dogs. However, most of them die only for a short time. In pointer, this feature was strengthened so that it became characteristic of them.

In the past, prey-indicating dogs would usually lie on the ground, hence the name “setter”. Later, standing up began to be preferred, i.e. a characteristic “stand-up” (with the nose pointing to the animal and usually the front paw raised).

The Hungarian word vizsla probably has Slavic etymology (cf. Polish “pointer”) – as indeed many words in this language borrowed from neighbors. But where does our “pointer” come from? It is supposed that from the word “high”, “above”, which would mean a dog sticking out in a stand-up collar, unlike a legger laying on the ground. Some also suggest an origin from “wiga”, which meant, among others an experienced dog.