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From: [email protected] (Lisa Clowdus)
Subject: rec.pets.dogs:  Vizslas  Breed-FAQ
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There are many FAQ's available for this group.  For a complete
listing of these, get the "Complete List of RPD FAQs".  This article
is posted bimonthly in rec.pets.dogs, and is available via anonymous ftp
to rtfm.mit.edu under pub/usenet/news.answers/dogs-faq/faq-list, via
the Web at http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/lists/faq-list.html, or=20
via email by sending your message to [email protected] with
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This article is Copyright 1997 by the Author(s) listed below.=20
It may be freely distributed on the Internet in its entirety without
alteration provided that this copyright notice is not removed. =20
It may NOT reside at another website (use links, please) other
than the URL listed above without the permission of the Author(s). =20
This article may not be sold for profit nor incorporated in other=20
documents without he Author(s)'s permission and is provided "as is"=20
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                                   Vizslas
                                     =20
Author

  Lisa Clowdus [[email protected]]
 =20
  Copyright =A9 1998 by Lisa Clowdus
 =20
  Revision History:
    * Nov 1995, Vizsla mailing list updated
    * Feb 1998, Rewritten
     =20
    _________________________________________________________________
                                    =20
Table of Contents

    * History
    * Description
    * Characteristics and Temperament
    * Health
    * Frequently Asked Questions
         + Are Vizslas hyper?
         + Can Vizslas jump fences?
         + Can a Vizsla live in an apartment?
         + Do Vizslas get along well with children, cats and other dogs?
         + Do Vizslas "mouth" a lot? Do they retrieve well?
         + Are there Vizsla rescue agencies?
    * Resources
         + On the Web
         + Books
         + Newsletters
         + Email List
         + Breed Clubs
         + Rescue
         + Other
     =20
    _________________________________________________________________
                                    =20
History

  The Vizsla, or Hungarian Pointer, is thought to be one of the oldest
  sporting breeds - a hunter and companion to the Magyar (Hungarian)
  people. The Vizsla, whose name means alert and responsive, was prized
  by the land-owning aristocracy for its hunting abilities, its regal
  appearance, and its warm personality. The Vizsla's habitat was the
  Hungarian plains - a warm and fertile region where partridge and other
  game birds flourished. Between World War I and World War II, the
  Vizsla nearly became extinct. Hungarians who fled the Russian
  occupation in 1945 smuggled their beloved dogs out of the country. The
  Vizsla first appeared in the United States in the early 1950s and was
  admitted to AKC registry in 1960.
    _________________________________________________________________
                                    =20
Description

  The Standard is the physical "blueprint" of the breed. It describes
  the physical appearance and other desired qualities of the breed
  otherwise known as type. Some characteristics, such as size, coat
  quality, and movement, are based on the original (or current) function
  for the dog. Other characteristics are more cosmetic such as eye
  color; but taken together they set this breed apart from all others.
  The Standard describes an ideal representative of the breed. No
  individual dog is perfect, but the Standard provides an ideal for the
  breeder to strive towards. Because of copyright concerns over the
  collection of all the Standards at any single site storing all the
  FAQs, AKC Standards are not typically included in the Breed FAQs. The
  reader is referred to the publications at the end of this document or
  to the National Breed Club or to the AKC for a copy of the Standard.
    _________________________________________________________________
                                    =20
Characteristics and Temperament

  Vizslas are very friendly, affectionate, loyal dogs that make
  wonderful family pets and hunting dogs. They need to be treated like a
  member of the family, preferring to sleep inside and being close to
  their people. Most Vizslas are lap dogs - with males weighing 55 to 65
  pounds and females 45 to 55 pounds - be prepared! They do not make
  good "kennel" dogs. They should be active, but not hyper. They require
  daily exercise and will get into mischief if bored. Vizslas are very
  easy to train, being both intelligent and eager to please. They are
  sensitive and should not be severely disciplined, but are not "soft."
  Vizslas love warmth and are frequently found basking in the sun.
 =20
  Vizslas are outstanding hunters and will both point and retrieve. They
  have very sensitive noses, good eyesight and a natural enthusiasm for
  the hunt. It's fantastic to watch a Vizsla lock up on point - it's
  hard to find words to express their grace, beauty and intensity. Field
  trials are a large part of most Vizsla club's activity schedules.
  Although Vizslas are primarily known for their skill in hunting upland
  game birds such as pheasant, quail and grouse, they are also used for
  hunting waterfowl and even small fur animals. Most Vizslas are strong
  swimmers and should be introduced to water when they're young.
 =20
  Vizslas have beautiful, soft, rust-colored coats that require very
  little maintenance. They do shed, which especially shows up against
  black clothes. They're clean dogs and have very little odor. There is
  a wirehaired Vizsla, more common in Europe, but rare in the United
  States and not recognized by the AKC.
 =20
  Vizslas are commonly known by their owners as "velcro-dogs". They are
  very touch-oriented and prefer to be in contact with their people at
  all times. They will accompany their people everywhere, including into
  the bathroom and shower. If you do not appreciate constant canine
  companionship, the Vizsla is not the dog for you.
    _________________________________________________________________
                                    =20
Health

  In general, Vizslas are an extremely healthy breed and it is common
  for them to have a life span of over 14 years.
 =20
  Some Vizslas are prone to skin and/or food allergies. They can be
  sensitive to anesthesia used during surgeries and it is recommended
  that owners consult their veterinarian regarding the use of a special
  anesthesia, such as isofluorine gas, during surgery. Vizslas may be
  sensitive to other drugs as well, consult your veterinarian for more
  information.
 =20
  Vizslas are susceptible to hip dysplasia, although careful breeding
  has kept this problem to a minimum in the breed. All Vizslas that are
  going to be bred should be x-rayed and certified clear of hip
  dysplasia by the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). X-rays must
  be taken after the age of 24 months, when a definitive diagnosis can
  be made. If you are purchasing a puppy, make sure that both parents
  have been OFA certified.
 =20
  Less common genetic diseases in Vizslas include hemophilia, von
  Willebrand's Disease, tail defects, and epilepsy.
    _________________________________________________________________
                                    =20
Frequently Asked Questions

 Are Vizslas hyper?
=20
  As in any active sporting breed, Vizslas are energetic and
  enthusiastic. However, the Vizsla should not be hyper. Good breeders
  take care to breed for a good disposition, intelligence and
  personality - as well as conformation and hunting skills. Vizslas do
  require daily exercise, which should include running, not just
  walking, and they should have companionship and toys so that they do
  not become bored. A bored Vizsla can become a destructive Vizsla.
 =20
 Can Vizslas jump fences?
=20
  Vizslas are extremely agile and can easily clear fences over six feet
  (and some Vizslas may be even more "talented"). They do require a
  securely fenced yard. Usually, a Vizsla will not jump high fences to
  leave his yard unless he is bored or lonely.
 =20
 Can a Vizsla live in an apartment?
=20
  Vizslas can live in any environment if they have enough exercise, a
  warm, dry place to stay, and love and attention.
 =20
 Do Vizslas get along well with children, cats and other dogs?
=20
  Like most dogs, Vizslas who are well socialized will get along very
  well with children, cats, and other dogs. They love affection and
  companionship. In general, the more people and animals that are around
  them, the happier they are.
 =20
 Do Vizslas "mouth" a lot? Do they retrieve well?
=20
  Many Vizslas are known for their "mouthing." They are very
  soft-mouthed and like to gently hold a hand in their mouth. Many like
  to carry articles of clothing and shoes around, like a retriever. Most
  Vizslas love to retrieve.
 =20
 Are there Vizsla rescue agencies?
=20
  Yes, almost every Vizsla Club has a rescue committee. Please check for
  Breed Clubs using the Resources below to contact a club nearest you.
    _________________________________________________________________
                                    =20
Resources

 On the Web
=20
  Check out the website http://www.vizsladogs.com/ for all types of
  Vizsla information, including Vizsla Club contacts world-wide,
  photographs, owner profiles, articles on health, humor and training,
  Vizslas of Merit (title-holders in hunting, conformation, obedience,
  agility, tracking, canine good citizen, etc.), discussion groups, the
  Vizsla Listserv, links to other Vizsla sites and much more. From the
  main page, select Vizsla Home Page for a detailed list of information.
 =20
 Books
=20
  Coffman, Marion. _Versatile Vizsla_. Illustrated, 272 pages, 1992.
  $34.95. ISBN 0-931866-54-5. Alpine Publications Inc.
 =20
  Gottlieb, Gay. _The Complete Vizsla_. Illustrated, 160 pages, 1992.
  $25.00. ISBN 0-87605-377-0. Howell Book House.
 =20
 Newsletters
=20
  The _Vizsla News_, published bimonthly by the Vizsla Club of America.
  Get information on membership and subscription rates via
  www.vizsladogs.com under Vizsla Home Page, select Clubs then Vizsla
  Club of America.
 =20
  Many local and regional Vizsla Clubs publish regular newsletters -
  contact clubs for information.
 =20
 Email List
=20
  There is a very active Vizsla Listserv, with over 500 members
  world-wide, including everyone from new owners to people interested in
  learning about the breed to people with decades of Vizsla experience.
  Subjects include Vizsla characteristics, behavior, health, training,
  hunting, showing, obedience, humor, rescue and more. Both serious and
  light-hearted discussion is encouraged. The list may have 50 or more
  messages daily and there is a digest option available if you choose to
  receive one consolidated e-mail message per day. In order to
  subscribe, send a message in the following format:
 =20
    To: [email protected]
    Subject:
   =20
  In the body of the message include:
 =20
    subscribe vizsla
   =20
  The server gets your e-mail address from the system when it is sent.
  You will receive a welcome message with information about the list,
  how to receive the digest version and send messages. You can also
  subscribe to the Vizsla Listserv online via www.vizsladogs.com by
  selecting Vizsla Listserv and following the instructions.
 =20
 Breed Clubs
=20
  Check out the website http://www.vizsladogs.com then go to the Vizsla
  Home Page and select Clubs to find an updated list of Vizsla Clubs
  world-wide. There are also links to clubs and organizations, such as
  the American Kennel Club, which list specific Vizsla standards for
  their country.
 =20
 Rescue
=20
  Check out the website http://www.vizsladogs.com then go to the Vizsla
  Home Page and select Clubs or select Rescue to get contact information
  on Vizslas needing rescue in your area. Also, the Vizsla Listserv is a
  wonderful resource to find Vizslas needing homes all over the world or
  to offer your services to assist in Vizsla rescue.
 =20
 Other
=20
  If you need more Vizsla information or do not have access to the
  world-wide web, feel free to contact me directly at
  [email protected].
    _________________________________________________________________
                                    =20
 =20
   Vizsla FAQ
   Lisa Clowdus, [email protected]