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"We want you to 
enjoy your Vizsla should 
you choose one." 
WhAT IS A VIZSLA? 
Genetically designed to be a "walking gentle-
man's shooting dog-, the Vizsla is the premier pointing 
dog of Hungary. Known originally as the "golden 
gun dog", he is one of the smallest of the pointing 
breeds. The males' average height is 24" at the shoulder, 
the female about 22". (The complete AKC standard 
and history of the breed is found in the pamphlet 
"Presenting the Vizsla-). 
One of the best ways to describe the Vizsla 
temperament is to dub him an "aristocratic clown-. 
He is an animal of very high energy and demands an 
unusual amount of attention from his owners. lie 
does, however, have a strong desire to please and is 
easy to train. The key to his training is to find the 
right balance for his innate sensitivity and occasional 
stubbornness. His people are very important to him 
and their company is one of his major priorities. 
Because he is so tuned into his owners, he is capable 
of becoming a master of control and deceit to get 
his way. 
He is unusually demonstrative and loving, traits 
which serve him well in getting what he wants. He 
can live successfully in a variety of situations but, 
unless you are willing and able to provide for his 
special needs, you both will be unhappy. 
Vizsla breeders and owners, like their dogs, are 
usually friendly. We want you to enjoy your Vizsla, 
should you choose one. We suggest that you visit a 
home where there are Vizslas before you decide. 
Whether your interest in Vizslas includes showing in 
conformation, field trials, or personal gun dog, 
obedience, hunt tests or having one as a family pet, we 
feel it is important that you understand what makes 
a Vizsla a Vizsla. Then, if you decide to own one, you 
will treasure him for what the breed is and help us to 
keep him that way. 
LIVINq WiTh A VIZSLA 
The Vizsla is no different from any other canine 
companion in that he is happiest when he knows the 
boundaries of his life. 
The dog is a den animal, and the boundaries 
of his own crate become a safe place for him. Every 
dog should have his own crate. A crate will provide 
him a place to sleep in and to spend time in when no 
one is home or a place to be safely out of the way. 
Boundaries also include where he is and is not 
permitted in the house. Although many Vizsla 
owners allow their dogs on the furniture and on their 
bed, a dog with dominant tendencies should never be 
on the bed, nor on an owner's chair. In his mind, he 
then becomes an equal with you. You should always 
remember that to him, he is the same as you and 
therefore, you must demonstrate that you are the 
alpha member of his pack. 
A puppy must also learn behavioral boundaries. It 
is easy for a puppy to learn what is unacceptable 
behavior. For example, when he puts his mouth or 
teeth on you, take your hand and squeeze his lips 
gently around his teeth and at the same time say, 
firmly, "no". By repeating this treatment, he will 
learn very quickly not to place his mouth on you. 
Most Vizslas instinctively love children. 
Children should learn, also, how to handle the puppy 
so he becomes a responsible family member. 
A HEAlrhy VizslA 
Vizslas do have some health problems. First and 
foremost, all breeding stock needs to have their hips 
x-rayed clear of hip dysplasia and certified by OFA 
(Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). This is 
usually done at the age of two years. Many Vizsla 
breeders also x-ray their dogs' elbows, have them 
tested for Von Willebrand's disease (an inherited 
bleeding disorder) and have their eyes tested and 
certified clear by CERF (Canine Eye Registration 
Foundation). In addition, it is recommended that 
breeding Vizslas be tested for thyroid disorders. 
It is suggested that a good quality dog food 
recommended by breeders or veterinarians be fed. A 
veterinarian will recommend a schedule of inoculations 
and heartworm preventative procedures. 
GROOMINq A VIZSLA 
Vizslas require minimal grooming. Keeping his 
ears clean, his nails trimmed and his coat brushed is 
all that is necessary. Contrary to popular beliefs, even 
though Vizslas have a short coat, they do shed. An 
occasional bath and regular brushing helps to reduce 
shedding and contributes to a healthy coat. 
HAVINq FUN WITH A VIZSLA 
Vizslas love to walk and jog with their family. 
A sensible and regular exercise program is recom-
mended. This will be quality time your dog looks 
forward to. 
There are many avenues of fun and competition 
that Vizslas and their owners can participate in. 
Some of them are: puppy socialization and obedience 
classes; AKC's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) tests; 
becoming a Therapy Dog, which includes 
visits to nursing homes, hospitals, children's groups; 
team flyball and agility competitions; dog shows; 
obedience computitiom hunt teas; field trials. The Vizsla 
Club of America can help people who are interested 
in becoming involved with any of these activities. 
It is also suggested that Vizsla owners join the 
Vizsla Club of America (VCA) which publishes a 
bi-monthly newsletter containing information of 
interest to Vizsla owners. Regional Vizsla clubs 
also offer friendship and activities for the Vizsla and 
his family. 
RECOMMENDED READING 
• "The Vizsla: by B. C. Boggs, Glenbrier Publishing, 
P. O. Box 1844, Chillicothe, OH 45601. 
(614) 772-2000. 
• "The Versatile Vizsla; by Marion Coffman. 
"Your Vizsla; by Strauz & Cunningham. Alpine 
Publishing, P O. Box 7027, Loveland, CO 80537 
(800) 777-7257. 
• "Vizslas; by E. Hart. T.F.H. Publications, 1 TFH 
Plaza, 3rd & Union, Neptune City, NJ 07753. 
• "The Complete Vizsla; by Gay Gottleib. 
MacMillan Publishing, 201 W. 103 St., 
Indianapolis, IN 46290. Attn: Howell Sales. 
• "The Vizsla; video available from the AKC. 
Available from the VCA 
• "Presenting the Vizsla; (flyer) 
• "Raising A Vizsla Puppy; (flyer) 
• " So You Want To Be a Vizsla Breeder? Or Does 
Your Stud Dog Have What It Takes?: (flyer) 
• "Breeders Directory; (booklet updated bi-annually.) 
• List of regional Vizsla clubs. 
For the entire package, contact the 
VCA Corresponding Secretary: 
Visit the VCA Home Page on the internee 
www.alcc.org/clubsivizsla/ 
The books listed arc only a small fraction of those available. 
Browse the bookstore, and read Dog World, DogFancy, and 
AKC. Gazette—magazines available on the instant]. 
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" You will MEASURE WM TOR 
WiiAl rllE bREEd is ANd hap 
us kap him rhAi wAy." 
The Vizsla Club of America has 
developed this brochure to help you 
decide if a Vizsla is really the dog for 
you. No dog is the perfect dog and 
all breeds have special characteristics 
and needs. We think the Vizsla is the 
best kind of canine companion and 
friend, but we know that Vizsla 
manners and Vizsla traits are not for 
everyone. Because of our concern for 
our golden rust friends, we believe it 
is important that you are well-
informed about the breed before 
choosing a Vizsla for yourself and 
your family. We hope this brochure is 
helpful to you. The Vizsla is a 
wonderful canine companion when he 
is right for your situation. Think 
carefully before making the very 
important decision to acquire a 
Vizsla. Should you choose a Vizsla, 
you can count on Vizsla owners and 
breeders helping you any way they 
can. The VCA believes in supporting 
Vizsla owners and is happy to provide 
information and advice. 
IS THE VIZSIA THE 
RighT BREEd 
[OR You? 
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