Vizslas can start their hunting career early and are capable of pointing and retrieving before they turn 1 year old. They can hunt on land or water and are known to stay close to the hunter. Their skilled nose proves very useful and they have an excellent memory. Their keen senses also make them good watchdogs, guide dogs, drug-detection dogs, therapy dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs.
Vizslas were used during World War I to deliver messages and came to the the United States in the 1950s after nearly going extinct after World War II, according to the VCA. At that time, the breed looked much different than today with a longer muzzle, bonier skull, and the appearance of a hound.
This breed is nicknamed the “versatile Vizsla” or the “Velcro Vizsla” for their tendency to follow their owner around the house demanding attention and adoration. Solo bathroom trips? Nope, sorry! Some owners might warn you that once you bring a Vizsla home, you might never get another private moment in your life. When at rest, they are likely to be leaning against you or lying on top of your feet.
Vizslas are people-oriented and would rather spend time with you in your home, as opposed to outside on their own. She does not have an undercoat, so she wont do well in cold temperatures—youll want to make sure shes wrapped up in a coat for winter walks or runs. Thanks to her short fur, a Vizsla can thrive in warmer climates. But no dog should be left outside for long on hot summer days, and you should always make sure she has access to shade, water, and AC. After all, dogs dont sweat like humans do, so you need to keep them cool.
“They are active and bred to hunt, making wonderful pets in the correct home,” says Sierra Combs, owner of Nosam Kennels in Greensburg, Ky., who has worked with the breed for the last seven years. “They are not a breed to buy if you are looking for a lazy dog.” They also do well on a farm or at a home with vast acreage—aka, lots of space for running. Vizslas can also do well with apartment living, despite misconceptions, as long as you spend lots of time outdoors. They are ideal companions for city dwellers who go on runs to explore the neighborhood.
Vizsla vs Old Time Farm Shepherd Size Comparison
| Size Which dog is bigger, Vizsla or Old Time Farm Shepherd? Is the Vizsla bigger than the Old Time Farm Shepherd breed? Is a Vizsla smaller than an Old Time Farm Shepherd? | Large | Large |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Which is heavier, Vizsla or Old Time Farm Shepherd? Vizsla vs Old Time Farm Shepherd weight comparison: | Male: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) | Male: 45–60 pounds (20–27 kg), Female: 35–50 pounds (16–23 kg) |
| Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight? | Male: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) | Male: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg), Female: 42.5 pounds (19.5 kg) |
| Height Which is taller, Vizsla or Old Time Farm Shepherd? Is a Vizsla taller than an Old Time Farm Shepherd? | Male: 22-26 inches (56-66 cm), Female: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm) | Male: 20-24 inches (51-60 cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) |
| Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height? | Male: 24 inches (61 cm), Female: 22 inches (56 cm) | Male: 22 inches (55.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) |
Vizsla vs Old Time Farm Shepherd Grooming, Hair and Care Comparison
| Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Vizsla or Old Time Farm Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly? | Vizsla dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Old Time Farm Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers | Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers | |
| Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets? | Vizsla dogs are generally with other pets. | Old Time Farm Shepherd dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. |
| Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Vizsla or Old Time Farm Shepherd? | Vizsla dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Old Time Farm Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. |
| Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds | ||
| Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Vizsla or Old Time Farm Shepherd? | Vizsla dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Old Time Farm Shepherd dogs are very cat-friendly dogs. |
| Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats | ||
| Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Vizsla or Old Time Farm Shepherd? Can a Vizsla and an Old Time Farm Shepherd be friends? Do Vizsla dogs get along with Old Time Farm Shepherd dogs? | Vizsla dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Old Time Farm Shepherd dogs are dog-friendly dogs. |
| Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: Vizsla vs Old Time Farm Shepherd? | Yes Vizsla dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. | Yes Old Time Farm Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
| Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office? | No Vizsla is not the best dog breed for office environment. | No Old Time Farm Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
| Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people? | Vizslas are usually recommended for elderly people. | Old Time Farm Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people. |
Before you buy a dog – HUNGARIAN VIZSLA – 7 facts to consider! DogCastTV
Around the world, there exists only a handful of dog breeds that can be consistently described as intelligent, playful, and praiseworthy. One of these dogs is the Vizsla.
Although originally bred in the Middle Ages for the purpose of pointing and retrieving small game, this breed is now favored for its companionship qualities and capacity for family life. This work examines the Vizsla and provides an in-depth analysis of the animal’s behavioral patterns, temperament, and general traits. This includes a general discussion of the Vizsla’s personality traits, health concerns, grooming and exercise needs, as well as feeding requirements.
It is the author’s hope that a better understanding (and appreciation) of this remarkable breed will accompany readers following their completion of this work.
Occasionally referred to as the Hungarian Pointer, the Vizsla is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages from Magyars in modern-day Hungary. Although little is known about their ancestors, it is currently believed that Vizslas descended from a variety of hunting breeds. Through selective breeding, breeders desired a dog that excelled at both pointing and retrieving. The end result was the Vizsla.
Much of the historical records pertaining to the Vizsla indicate that this breed was a favorite of nobles during the Middle Ages; accompanying both barons, warlords, and various members of the aristocracy on a variety of hunting excursions.
The breed survived well into the 20th Century, where it was almost pushed to extinction during the First and Second World Wars. Nevertheless, the Vizsla endured and was eventually brought to the United States during the waning years of WWII. From here, the breed was officially recognized by the AKC on 25 November 1960.
A favorite of early nobles and members of the Hungarian aristocracy, the Vizsla was primarily developed as a hunting breed that could both point and retrieve small game (such as squirrels, birds, and hares). Breeders also had water-retrieving in mind when developing the Vizsla, as the dog excels at swimming.
While still favored for its natural hunting and retrieving abilities in the modern age, the Vizsla’s role has shifted dramatically in the past few decades as its gentle nature and affectionate demeanor have now made it a favorite of families with children.
The Vizsla possesses a muscular body that is well-proportioned throughout. The overall length of the Vizsla is slightly longer than height, but still manages to give the breed a “square-like” appearance when viewed from the front (akc.org). Likewise, the backline is relatively firm, whereas the croup follows a slightly rounded appearance. Completing the body is a broad chest with well-sprung ribs.
The head of the Vizsla is generally described as lean, muscular, and wide. Overall muzzle length is typically equal to the skull’s measurements, and follows an upward slope from the nose to face.
Eyes are usually medium in size, and sit deep within the skull. Irises, in turn, follow the same coloration of the dog’s coat. Completing the skull is a pair of thin (silky) ears that are long and possess rounded ends. The Vizsla’s ears usually hang quite low, reaching close to the dog’s cheeks when standing still, and are renowned for their “leathery” feel.
The Vizsla possesses both wide and long sloping shoulder blades that are proportionate (in length) to the dog’s upper arms. Forelegs are generally straight and muscular in appearance, with elbows sitting relatively close to one another (when viewed from the front).
Completing the forequarters is a series of cat-like feet that are both round and compact, and which possess a series of thick pads to protect the Vizsla’s paws from rough terrain (akc.org). Nails are typically both short and brown in appearance.
Similar to the forequarters, the Vizsla’s hindquarters are well-developed and muscular in appearance. Thighs are well-angled, with hocks running parallel to one another. Rear feet are the same as the front, with a series of cat-like paws accentuated by thick padding and short brown nails.
Tails on the Vizsla are usually docked a third of its overall length, and sit just below the croup. Tails are also quite thick at the base, but become narrower down its length. The tail should also be carried horizontally and not vertically (i.e. not curled over the back or between the legs).
The Vizsla possesses a short, close-lying coat that is renowned for its density. Generally speaking, the Vizsla’s coat is described as a “golden rust” coloration, with lighter shades occurring along the neck and shoulders. Darker colorations are usually viewed as serious faults with this breed, although white marks on the forechest or toes are acceptable.
Aside from its companionship, the Vizsla makes for an excellent hunting dog with a specialization in pointing and retrieving.